An Intense Preseason Opener Under Lezkano

The fixture served as an initial competitive test for the Palencia roster under Lezkano’s tactical direction. Known as “los morados,” the team displayed notable offensive rhythm early on, trading baskets with a well-drilled Leyma Coruña side. Preseason fixtures traditionally prioritize conditioning, rotational experimentation, and tactical integration over immediate results, yet both benches pushed hard as the score remained tight down the stretch.

Defensive adjustments defined much of the second half as both coaching staffs tested different lineup combinations. While mistakes surfaced—typified by early-autumn exhibition matches across European basketball—the intensity inside the arena rarely dipped.

Overtime Drama Decides the Contest

Regulation play ended level, forcing a tense five-minute overtime period to separate the two sides. Leyma Coruña executed more efficiently in the dying moments of the extra frame, converting crucial possessions to edge out a 104-102 final scoreline. For Lezkano and his staff, the extra period provided invaluable game footage to dissect ahead of subsequent friendly fixtures and the formal league campaign.

Next Steps for Palencia Baloncesto

With the opening preseason test now in the books, Palencia Baloncesto will return to the training ground to refine its defensive rotations and offensive execution. The club’s management has scheduled further friendly encounters to build match fitness before the official competition gets underway.

What are your thoughts on Palencia’s opening performance under Lezkano? Drop a comment below and share how you think the squad is shaping up for the upcoming season.