Lucentum knew how to suffer and win a key match against Lleida, securing a step into the playoff zone. The Lucentino side built the victory on a dominant first quarter and relentless focus for most of the game, with only a brief spell where the offense stalled. The performance of Rakocevic stood out, but the whole squad played with discipline. Matulionis and Coleby formed a lethal inside-outside connection, while Guillem delivered a crucial late basket that sealed the win. HLA Alicante survived a late rally from their rival, who pushed hard to overturn a 16-point deficit in a clash that showcased the intensity of both teams.
Blaylock opened with authority, drilling three consecutive triples and giving Lucentum an early lift as the visitors briefly slowed Sidibe in the paint. The 14-6 score at five minutes suggested Lleida had missed Michael Carrera, while HLA kept a sharp wrist and forced a timeout after Lleida trimmed the lead to 16-6. Lucentum pressed with intensity on both ends and held the Catalans in check for long stretches, finishing the first period with a solid 22-12 advantage.
Heading into the second quarter, Lucentum’s pace was brisk and precise, with Rakocevic scoring twice in quick succession from quick counter moves. Coleby initiated the Lucentino attack with early buckets, pushing the margin to 28-12 in a display that left Lleida unbalanced. The visitors steadied themselves through standout moments from Gatell and a resurgence by Marcos and Villar, which reignited the Catalan side and drew a timeout from Monclova to address defensive gaps.
HLA managed to briefly curb their own shot production, allowing Lleida to re-enter the game in the final minutes of the second period. A late triple from Matulionis gave Lucentum a 40-32 lead at the halftime break, providing essential oxygen just as Lleida threatened to swing momentum back in their favor.
In the third period, HLA Alicante started with a rough spell, failing to score for three minutes as Lleida capitalized and pulled within striking distance. Lobo hit back-to-back three-pointers to flip the momentum and briefly shift the balance as the score reached 42-42. A 2-10 burst by Lleida followed, but Lucentum steadied with a key triple from Matulionis and a burst of points from Rakocevic that restored a seven-point edge at 54-47. Matulionis continued to be a catalyst in the final moments of the quarter, contributing to possession gains and helping Lucentum close the frame with confidence.
Entering the final quarter with a 59-53 lead, the arena felt the tension rise as every possession carried weight. Lleida capitalized quickly, briefly grabbing the lead and forcing tactical adjustments. Guillem drew a technical foul on Monclova after an unsportsmanlike sequence that shifted the mood. A late push by HLA produced a 2-11 run at key two-minute marks and the team struggled with free throw pressure, raising questions about consistency at the line. Still, Lucentum clawed back and built a late cushion with a five-point sequence, including a crucial three by Blaylock that put them ahead 74-69 with two minutes left.
As Lleida pressed, two unfortunate mistakes by HLA allowed the visitors to trim the distance to 74-73 with 45 seconds on the clock. Guillem responded with a timely triple that kept the lead within reach for Lucentum, and with steady defense in the final seconds, the home side secured a hard-fought victory with the final score tipping in their favor. The players celebrated a hard-won result that carried significant weight in the standings.
Data sheet details the evening’s lineup and minutes: HLA Alicante featured Matulionis, Guillem, Chapela, Steinarsson, Parrado, Gatell, Berg, Coleby, Blaylock, Rakocevic, McDonnell, and Voronin in active duty. Forca Lleida listed Sousa, Urtasun, Villar, Cuellar, Gonzalez, Marcos, Lobo, Sidibe, Vutecic, and Faye among the contributors. The partials read 22-12 after the first period, 18-20 in the second, 19-21 in the third, and 20-23 in the final frame. Referees were Ríos, Martínez, and Ibáñez. The match took place at the Pedro Ferrándiz Pavilion.
Data sheet and match notes provide the essential context for the win, underscoring HLA Alicante’s resolve and Lleida’s continued competitiveness in the league race.