Lucentum entered the scene in Valladolid with a clear plan and a confident vibe, ready to push ahead in the season. The Alicante squad showed early intent, using quick ball movement and sharp shooting to keep their offensive rhythm intact. Gudmundsson stood out through a sequence of three straight threes that shifted momentum and showcased the team’s aggressive scoring approach. Lucentum carried its belief from the opening minutes, rebounding tenaciously and avoiding the kind of turnovers that often derail a fast start. The result was a testy, back-and-forth affair that left HLA with an uphill climb as Lucentum maintained the impetus and stayed ahead on the scoreboard, matching the visitors in wins and openings as the game progressed. The Valladolid lineup, meanwhile, faced a tall task as they tried to disrupt Lucentum’s focus and pace, and the early exchanges underscored a duel where the Alicante side appeared ready to dictate tempo from the outset.
HLA began the track-side confrontation in Valladolid with a determined push, leaning on Davison’s steady hand and Gatell’s reliable presence to anchor the team. The visitors from Alicante made it clear that outside shooting would be a cornerstone of their path to victory. N’Guessan posed the most immediate threat in the early minutes, racking up eight points in five minutes and forcing Lucentum to answer quickly. A Lucentum triple punctuated a tense opening sequence. The clash grew into a fierce contest where two teams traded blows, each showing strength that suggested a close, hard-fought night. The first quarter closed with Pérez Caínzos’ squad presenting a solid image, ending the period at 19-20. The following ten minutes were marked by rapid exchanges and brisk scoring, a sign that the Pisuerga court was delivering a gripping, optimistic display for fans watching a battle of rising teams.
Highway to Hell
Mar Galindo
The pace did not ease as the second quarter began. Kabasele returned to action with notable impact after a long absence, while Adrià Rodríguez demonstrated his level with sharp steals and efficient baskets. Balint answered with a timely three-pointer and Bercy contributed a crucial score, nudging the margin to 25-31 and signaling the toughest moment of the night for Valladolid, who needed a moment of relief. Adrià’s relentless work gave the match a distinctive edge, underscoring a relentless, enduring struggle between two teams determined to push every limit. Lucentum extended their defense with discipline, matching high-quality play from Valladolid and showing off their best combinations on both ends of the floor. Barro added another swing with a 29-36 advantage as Lucentum pressed, even as HLA kept the fire fervent and relentless on defense. A defensive stand by Lucentum, led by disciplined coverage and smart rotations, prevented a major surge from their opponents and kept the feeling of a controlled, strategic game. By halftime, Valladolid had closed the gap to 33-36, leaving the arena poised for a decisive third period.
Lucentum accelerated after the break with a decisive burst. Gudmundsson hit three consecutive three-pointers, pushing the lead to 42-54 and painting a picture of domination that Valladolid could not fully counter. HLA rose to the challenge with a remarkable show of resistance against a team on a mission, and the Alicante squad looked to be in command as rebound control, ball movement, and shooting efficiency combined to create a substantial cushion. The advantage swelled to 45-60, with Lucentum demonstrating outstanding rebounding prowess and a game plan that allowed them to control the pace and space of the court. The match evolved into a showcase moment, a display for the audience of what well-executed fundamentals can achieve. The defensive discipline underlined that this was more than a scoring contest; it was a testament to the intensity and precision both sides brought to the floor. The venue provided a stage where Lucentum could revel in the feel of a well-coordinated system and an overall feel of command.
Valladolid did not surrender, but Lucentum proved too strong. The Alicante side carried a comfortable lead into the final stretch, retaining a persistent 16-point margin as six minutes remained on the clock. Schmidt attempted late heroics for the home team, yet Lucentum held firm, demonstrating resilience and a steady, cohesive performance. The Alicante outfit finished with a look of solidity across the court, especially on defense, where they stifled some of Valladolid’s best efforts. The quality of HLA remained high, yet Lucentum’s execution and composure created a near-ideal performance for a team intent on making a strong statement as the season advances. The result reinforced a prevailing impression of Lucentum as a hard-edged, playoff-caliber squad, one that could bring strong performances on the road and make a serious push for post-season play. This game stood as a clear example of the early-season form that teams chase—precision, teamwork, and the capacity to convert opportunities into points, especially when facing a quality opponent. The night closed with Lucentum asserting their dominance and signaling their readiness for the challenges ahead, a performance that hints at a promising run as the season unfolds.