An ACB pre-season matchup between Obradoiro and Joventut at the Palacio de los Deportes de Gijón drew an attendance of approximately 2.500 spectators, turning an exhibition into a celebration of Asturian basketball highlighted by the presence of Ricky Rubio, according to regional reporting.
Obradoiro secured a 96-77 victory over Joventut, driven by an inside physical advantage and outside shooting. While the result favored the Galician squad, the primary draw for the Gijón arena was Joventut’s Ricky Rubio, a native of El Masnou who commanded sustained attention from local fans throughout the evening.
Inside the Matchup and Decisive Runs
Both teams entered the pre-season fixture missing personnel and lacking overall tactical rhythm. Obradoiro integrated newcomer Brandon Childress alongside Alex Barcello, who shouldered the scoring load with a high volume of three-point baskets. However, the game turned decisively in the paint during the third quarter. After the period opened with a tight 43-40 scoreline, former Alimerka Oviedo players Felipe dos Anjos and Alonso Faure capitalized on a depleted Joventut frontcourt. Their rebounding and interior scoring created a physical mismatch that Joventut could not overcome, pulling the Galician side clear for a 96-77 win.
Joventut leaned on its backcourt to stay competitive during the first half, during which Ricky Rubio finished with 11 points and orchestrated the offense with signature passing. Debutant Álex Reyes also contributed valuable perimeter shooting for the Catalan club, establishing an early-season partnership with Rubio on the wing that regional outlets noted as a promising tactical foundation for the upcoming ACB campaign.
Asturian Fan Turnout and Community Impact
The fixture served as a showcase for fans in Asturias. Green jerseys of Joventut’s supporters filled the stands of the Palacio de los Deportes. Among the traveling and local contingents, families such as Jesús Beltrán, Rocío Díaz, and Martín Beltrán traveled from Posada de Llanera specifically to watch Rubio direct the offense on the floor. Beyond the action on the court, pre-match ceremonies honored local basketball ties. Alberto Cuervo, president of the Asturian Federation, presented a commemorative gift to Obradoiro sporting director Héctor Galán—an Avilés native—acknowledging his past promotion success with the Galician club.
Following the final buzzer, Rubio remained on the court to sign autographs and pose for photographs with young supporters who had chanted his name.
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