Defeat, a poor showing and troubling emotions marked an HLA rolled by Palencia, a squad far superior in this contest. It was Rafa Monclova’s team suffering a second defeat of the season in a game that Palencia dominated from tip-off. Four days earlier, Lucentum had looked exposed by a relentless Barcelona-style pressure, and the Alicante side again failed to put together a convincing performance. Against Palencia the shooting could not find its range, finishing with a low percentage from three and a lack of a clear perimeter scoring option as Matulionis and Borovnjak struggled to contribute. The schedule only gets tougher, with a trip to Burgos on the horizon next Saturday. A radical change in approach will be needed if the club hopes to compete with one of the leading favorites for promotion.
There was little resistance from Lucentines throughout the match, with the visitors lacking offensive threats or a clear sense of danger, save for the standout effort of Gatell. HLA opened with a disastrous spell, stampeding out to a 0-10 deficit in under two minutes, forcing Monclova to call a timeout as three consecutive Lucentino turnovers accompanied Palencia’s rapid starts. The game began with frantic energy and intensity in every phase. Lucentum found no path to the basket against Palencia’s aggressive defense, led by a former Lucentum player, Chumi Ortega.
The Alicante side showed signs of life in the game’s middle stages, aided by Rivero’s bold debut and some strong defensive work and second-chance opportunities from HLA. Gatell delivered a timely contribution, and Lucentum managed to stabilize the scoreline through a 16-8 run that closed the first period with a narrow 16-18 margin. Yet even after that growth, the team still looked unsettled and unsure of its next sequence. The worst had not yet passed, and trouble soon returned.
Second-quarter trouble arrived quickly as Lucentum’s pivot left the court, giving Palencia an immediate edge that widened the lead to 18-25 and then to 22-34 as the visitors asserted control. Lucentum showed some resilience on the boards but remained far too fragile on defense and ball security against a more polished opponent. A few unforced turnovers compounded the issues, and Palencia pressed the tempo. A fortunate twist just before the break allowed Lucentum to breathe. With Palencia’s wintering technique and a string of four straight free throws, the teams headed into halftime with Lucentum still within reach, down 28-36, a score that kept hopes alive albeit barely, as the game remained unsettled and uncertain.
Big day at HLA-Palencia, Ferrándiz
After the break, Palencia assumed the role of party host, capitalizing on Lucentum’s waning energy and the visitors’ lack of answers. The third period opened with Palencia pulling away to 6-13, creating a 34-49 gap by the fourth minute as Lucentum faltered. Gatell stood as the lone bright spot for the Catalan center, delivering the best performance on the court for HLA, yet his efforts could not withstand a sharper, more composed Palencia side that gradually increased its lead as minutes ticked away. Palencia did not seal the game, but Lucentum could not mount a meaningful comeback. The period ended with a harsh 45-60 scoreline and a troubling stat of 2-for-16 from beyond the arc, underscoring Lucentum’s shooting drought and inability to impose itself against a stronger opponent.
Monclova: “I want hungry players who know what they’re coming to Alicante for”
Lucentum entered the final quarter with renewed effort, fighting for every ball in a bid to summon a miracle. Palencia, however, remained in command, executing with greater composure and multi-faceted attacking options that left Lucentum chasing shadows. As the minutes bled away, the gap widened, and Lucentum’s resolve faded. The final tally read Palencia 68, HLA 48, a result that left Alicante with a stark, uneasy image and a sense of urgency about the next game. The visitors appeared sharper in nearly every facet, and Lucentum’s defense, rebounding, and ball protection were exposed repeatedly as the contest concluded with a clear message: the team has to raise its level if it hopes to challenge a top-tier side.
In the aftermath, questions remained about how to translate effort into results and how to spark a more consistent offensive identity. The game underscored the need for greater discipline, smarter shot selection, and a relentless focus on securing possessions. The team’s supporters left the arena recognizing that only a strong, cohesive response in the coming fixtures would change the mood and direction of the season. A tough defeat against a highly motivated Palencia left Lucentum with a clear call to action and a renewed sense that the road ahead demands resilience and rapid improvement.
Related posts:
Lucentum’s Turn: Valladolid Dominates From Start To Finish HLA Alicante vs Palencia: a hard-fought clash and late twists HLA Alicante Falls to Leyma Coruña After a Six-Minute Third Quarter Swing Palencia-HLA Alicante: a clean slate Lucentum’s Commanding Victory Over Almansa: A Spotlight on Form and Focus HL Alicante Faces Zunder Palencia in Crucial Promotion Playoffs Lucentum Alicante Foundation and HLA Group Renew Sponsorship for 2023-24 Lucentum’s tough night in Almansa showcases resilience and late drama Burgos Dominates in Alicante as Lucentum Fights Hard but Falls Short Highway to Hell: Lucentum Dominates Valladolid in a Sharp, Controlling Win Lucentum Seizes Momentum in Melilla, Sets Stage for Playoffs HLA Alicante faces must-win second game against Palencia