In the seventh round of LEB Oro, HLA Alicante is scheduled to host Guuk Gipuzkoa Basket at Pedro Ferrándiz, this Friday evening at 20:45. The contest pits two teams with different recent forms against each other, as Alicante looks to consolidate momentum while Gipuzkoa aims to extend its strong run near the top of the standings.
Alicante arrives after a small surge that has steadied their campaign. They sit in the middle of the table, riding a pair of consecutive victories that have steadied the ship and helped restore confidence. Antonio Pérez’s squad has shown a solid balance this season, splitting results evenly with three wins and three losses. The interweek respite gave the coach a chance to regroup, with the Ferrándiz arena serving as a familiar fortress as they prepare to defend home court against a challenging opponent.
Gipuzkoa Basket, on the other hand, travel to Alicante as one of the league’s most in-form teams. Under the guidance of Mikel Odriozola, the Basque side has rattled off five straight wins, a run that has placed them at the front of the pack alongside other league stalwarts. Their only blemish so far this campaign came at the start, but since then they have found a rhythm that has carried them through tough matchups and demanding schedules.
Alex Barcello stands out as the focal point for Gipuzkoa. The American guard delivered a standout performance in the most recent victory over Hestia Menorca, putting up 36 points and earning a 50 PIR, a combination that highlighted his pivotal role in this team’s success. Barcello averages around 20.2 points per game, adds roughly 4.3 rebounds and 4 assists, and posts a season efficiency rating near 24. This set of numbers places him atop the league in scoring and solidly in the MVP conversation for the tournament season, making him a constant threat for Alicante’s defense to address on a weekly basis. His ability to stretch the floor and create plays has been a catalyst for Gipuzkoa’s versatility on offense, stretching opponents and opening gaps for teammates to exploit.
Beyond Barcello, Gipuzkoa benefits from a cadre of players who carry substantial league experience. Iva Aurrecoechea has emerged as a recognized contributor, ranking high in the statistical boards with a rating around 17.8. His steady scoring and efficient decisions add balance to Gipuzkoa’s attack, giving Odriozola multiple options in late-game situations or during pivotal stretches when the game’s momentum swings. Other veterans such as Mike Carlson, Xabi Oroz, Mikel Motos, Manex Ansorregui, and Ander Martínez bring a mix of leadership, playmaking, and defensive savvy. This blend has helped Gipuzkoa maintain consistency and remain competitive against tougher opponents in the league’s upper tiers.
HLA Alicante’s path to victory may hinge on maintaining defensive discipline and translating offensive chances into reliable points during the key minutes of the game. The home crowd at Pedro Ferrándiz could provide a noticeable lift, especially if the team leverages its familiarity with the venue and executes shared game plans with crisp ball movement and strong rebounding. The upcoming clash promises a tactical battle between two well-rounded rosters, with Gipuzkoa’s depth and Barcello’s scoring prowess challenging Alicante to match intensity at both ends of the floor. Analysts note that the outcome could influence the trajectory of both teams as the season progresses, with a win potentially signaling a meaningful statement in the standings for Alicante and a continued ascent for Gipuzkoa toward the league’s early elite. For fans and followers, the matchup offers a revealing portrait of current form, player impact, and strategic approach at this stage of the campaign.