Lucentum has been sharpening its playoff rhythm after a commanding victory in Melilla, a match that carried significant weight for the Alicante squad. The evening showcased Guillem Belts earning attention for his prolific scoring, while Rakocevic and Mcdonnell played decisive roles in defeating a tough opponent whose progression swung from tentative to dangerous as the game wore on. It was the seventeenth win of the season for HLA, arriving on the eve of a crucial home test against Valladolid, a matchup that could define their late-season form.
Lucentum endured a rocky start, with Rafael Monclova calling a timeout just two minutes in as the scoreboard flashed a 5-0 lead for Melilla and a growing sense of unease for the Alicante side. Minutes passed without a clear scoring sequence for HLA, as Melilla pushed the pace to 8-0 within the next few minutes. The visitors struggled to find their offense. Matulionis then sparked a turnaround with back-to-back triples, injecting energy into Lucentum and beginning a gradual comeback. The first quarter concluded with Melilla clinging to an 18-14 edge, a bitter taste for a team seeking stability on the court.
Defense sharpened in the second period, and Lucentum shifted the game’s momentum with a more aggressive stance. A 2-11 surge, part of a 20-25 scoreline in favor of the hosts at one point, prompted a timeout from the Melilla bench. Rakocevic and Guillem carried the offense during a masterful quarter that turned the mood: Lucentum surged forward, while Melilla’s challenge remained persistent and capable of counterpunches. The half closed with a brisk, competitive tempo as Lucentum found rhythm thanks to the contributions of Karadağlı and Guillem, pulling the score to 39-48 at the break.
Monclova’s team talk helped set the tone for the second half as HLA came out stronger in the third quarter. Guillem’s speed and decisive plays kept Melilla from mounting a reply, and Lucentum took control of the floor with relentless defense. The late third-quarter moment saw a three-pointer from Chapela just before the buzzer, widening the advantage and giving Monclova a comfortable cushion at 54-65. The intensity continued into the final period, with Lucentum maintaining pressure and not allowing Melilla to inch back into the fray.
Melilla did re-enter the contest in the middle stages, exploiting any lapse in focus from a fatigued defense and trimming the deficit to 62-68. The pace remained frantic with both teams trading blows, but Guillem again shifted the balance, orchestrating a late surge that rekindled Lucentum’s momentum. The defense tightened, maintaining a careful ten-point lead as Melilla pressed to the end. Lucentum’s advantage never evaporated, and the clock eventually favored the visitors as the final minutes arrived. The victory signaled a strong step toward the playoffs for Monclova’s squad, who extended their momentum heading into upcoming clashes.
Source: club report. The game highlighted a balanced scoring effort and a cohesive defensive plan that allowed Lucentum to flip a tense start into a confident finish. The performance underlined the team’s readiness for the remaining schedule and reinforced the growing impression that HLA Alicante can compete with the league’s stronger franchises as the season advances.