Askatuak GBC secured a hard-fought 75-73 victory against Córdoba at the polideportivo Josean Gasca, overcoming early shooting struggles and an eight-point deficit in a tense finish, diariovasco.com reported. Point guard Asier Maiza drove left past his defender to score the game-winning basket with six seconds remaining, lifting the Guipuzcoan side to their second win of the season after entering the fixture mired in a poor run with only one previous victory from the opening matchday amidst tangible nervousness in the stands where the crowd responded well.
Early Struggles and Defensive Lapses
Head coach Sergio García deployed captain Kasper Sturup at the power forward position due to an injury to Domenech, relying on the captain to provide his usual energy and passion alongside Matt Van Komen fighting for the paint in the early minutes. The hosts struggled early with defensive rebounding, allowing Córdoba multiple second-chance opportunities and falling behind as the visitors built an advantage.
Offensive Fluency Before the Intermission
The second period brought better ball movement and improved offensive actions with better shooting situations. Guards Mateo Falcoz and Xabier Vázquez found their shooting rhythm from beyond the arc, gradually chipping away at the deficit from a 2-0 score. With two minutes remaining in the half, Askatuak claimed their first lead at 37-36.
Nugus Impact and the Visitor Surge
The passage through the locker rooms changed nothing as the match continued very tight with no team able to pull away, while Córdoba unleashed forward Nugu after lifting his first-half minute restrictions that had kept him on the bench for most of the first half. The Nigerian player, who averages 17 points per match, scored 13 points in just ten minutes, fueling a visiting surge that gave Córdoba its largest lead of the night at eight points. Despite the second-half doubts and momentum shift, Askatuak center Aleksa Kovačević (operating as Lo) provided high energy and aggressiveness attacking the rim to help unclog the offense, though the third quarter closed with Córdoba ahead 58-61.
A Frantic Final Minute
The fourth quarter featured relentless lead changes and heavy foul trouble as the hosts started well by stealing balls and forcing fouls to reach the bonus in three minutes of play, with local three-pointers from Falcoz and Vázquez staying in tune while both sides traded baskets. The final moments were quite bogged down with many fouls. Córdoba managed their subsequent possessions well and responded quickly, manufacturing an equalizing possession to tie the game at 73-69 with 14 seconds on the clock before Maiza broke the deadlock on the final set play.
Match Statistics and Refereeing Crew
The game was officiated by referees Zamora, Gomez, and García, during a match where Rosa from the visiting squad was ejected. Askatuak GBC recorded 18-for-27 on two-pointers, 8-for-34 on three-pointers, 15-for-18 on free throws, 28 rebounds, 14 assists, 19 personal fouls, and an index rating of 82, with individual contributions from Maiza (6), Aizpitarte (2), Hanzlik (10), Sturup (0), Van Komen (8), Falcoz (18), Vázquez (16), Lo (9), Capalbo (4), and Paukste (2) in the starting five and rotation. Córdoba finished with 18-for-44 on two-pointers, 7-for-25 on three-pointers, 16-for-21 on free throws, 32 rebounds, 9 assists, 24 personal fouls, and an index rating of 59, via Stephenson-Moore (15), Orozco (10), Treviño (2), Rodríguez (2), Armus (13), Nugu (13), Cone (9), Rosa (6), Nkereuwem (3), Bello (0), and Sagnia (0).
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