HLA Alicante capped an impressive preseason with a commanding victory over one of the tournament favorites, Movistar Estudiantes, in a match that showcased their early-season chemistry and tactical clarity. Antonio Pérez Caínzos led the charge, guiding his team to a decisive 79-63 win that reflected a complete team performance from start to finish. The win left little doubt about the squad’s readiness as they prepared for the upcoming league slate, sending a strong message to rivals about their pace, defense, and resolve.
From the opening tip, Alicante set the tone with an explosive start. They raced out to a 13-0 run that stunned the Movistar Estudiantes lineup and energized the home crowd. The Lucentinos capitalized on the momentum, moving the ball crisply, executing on the fast break, and tightening the defensive screws to limit their opponents’ scoring opportunities. By the end of the first period, the hosts carried a substantial advantage, a 25-9 tally that underscored their dominance and had fans buzzing with anticipation for what could be a memorable season ahead.
The second period extended the home team’s control. Alicante maintained relentless offensive energy while keeping Estudiantes off the board for extended stretches. A 6-0 burst early in the frame widened the gap, pushing the halftime score to 41-23 and reinforcing the perception that the game was trending decisively in favor of the home side. The visitors found it difficult to initiate their offenses as the ball moved quickly in transition, and the Alicante defense created steady pressure. The moments when Estudiantes finally found baskets came late in the quarter, marking just their first successful field goal at the 14th minute of the matchup as the crowd could sense the uphill battle facing their opponents. The contrast between the two teams in that stretch was stark, with the home team showing a blend of purpose and urgency that kept the scoreboard in their favor.
After halftime, the tempo did not ease. Alicante remained aggressive and purposeful, maintaining the edge it had established before the break. The pace of play, combined with disciplined defense, continued to frustrate the Estudiantes attack. Key contributors, including Richard Bálint and Mus Barro, produced notable performances, combining scoring punch with defensive intensity. The duo’s leadership helped illustrate the hallmarks of the season: relentless pace, consistent defensive effort, and a clear hunger for improvement. The match illustrated how a cohesive unit can translate practice into performance, creating a blueprint that coaches embody in their systems and players execute on the court.
Antonio Pérez Caínzos shaped the flow of the game with smart substitutions and timely strategic decisions, producing a script that highlighted Alicante’s strengths in the opening staging of the season. The visitors never found their rhythm as the Lucentinos controlled the action with a blend of inside scoring, outside shooting, and smart ball movement. By the final whistle, the score line reflected a comfortable victory for the home team, who demonstrated a level of confidence and cohesion that promises an exciting campaign ahead in the league.
Fans left the stands energized, speaking about the performances of Barro and Harris as standout moments of the night. Their displays underscored the team’s potential and the depth of talent available to the coaching staff. The atmosphere in Ferrándiz was electric, a testament to the excitement surrounding a squad that appears well prepared and tightly organized as they transition from preseason to the regular season.
With a successful first showing behind them, HLA Alicante looks forward to stepping into official competition. The team’s early success in preseason serves as a springboard for confidence and establishes a strong foundation for the challenges ahead in LEB Gold. The next test is scheduled for Friday, October 6, at 20:45, when Alicante will face River Verde Clavijo. The battery of energy and intent evident in this preseason performance hints at continued momentum as the team refines its combinations and builds on the strong start already achieved.