When the score reaches 25 on the lowest track, two outcomes can unfold: a hurried pace or a moment of relief. HLA Alicante finished its visit to Rioverde Clavijo with a strong burst of early intensity, then steadied as the game unfolded and the opposition gathered momentum, only to be met with the right response at pivotal moments when the scoreboard could have tilted in favor of the locals.
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The match kept a competitive edge as Clavijo racked up several errors, including triple faults and penalties sparked by disputes with the referees. The tension between Barro and Nicolau drew attention in the opening minutes; Riojan counter-attacks were stifled after the second foul.
Barro found space from a free throw, and Lucien’s team moved the scoreboard forward. The early numbers showed Alicante struggling to connect from distance, yet their defense kept the gap manageable as the first quarter progressed.
HLA Alicante opened a rhythm that briefly stretched the margin. The first quarter ended with the score tipping in favor of Alicante, though the game remained tight as both teams fought to control the pace and avoid rushing shots.
25-point Advantage
The question became whether Alicante would loosen its grip or if a local surge would respond. The visitors did not shoot recklessly from long range; instead, they built the lead through disciplined offense and strong interior play, guided by Adrià Rodríguez. Teammates Bercy, Balint, and Kostadinov helped Lucien stretch the advantage as Davison watched from the line without needing to contribute a big scoring burst.
With a growing margin, the team stayed focused on maintaining pressure and building the win through persistent effort rather than resting on the result. The players adhered to a clear game plan that emphasized rebounding, ball movement, and smart finishes at the rim.
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The team pushed past the 25-point mark and Diaz signaled for a timeout to reaffirm pride and unity. The Riojans responded by narrowing the gap briefly before Alicante steadied and pushed the lead back to a comfortable distance. The mathematics of the game suggested that a late surge would require a higher success rate from beyond the arc, which was not available on this night.
Alicante’s objective remained clear: uphold inner strength, dominate the boards, and avoid letting the locals sense a possible turnaround. The dream of a comeback required consistent excellence from the outset.
Clavijo Reaches Nine
In a stretch of play where both sides found chances, Harris ensured the advantage did not shrink too quickly, hitting a timely triple at the horn and delivering a late basket after a steal. The action featured memorable moments, such as Barro’s ambitious counter play and Kostadinov’s dunk that skimmed the rim. On the other side, Kolo produced 20 points and eight rebounds, establishing a formidable presence for the home team.
Clavijo moved ahead by nine points early in the final period, thanks to Kostadinov’s scoring and a decisive three at the end of the shot clock. The tension eased as Serrano responded, and Davison emerged as the top scorer with 15 points. The Lucien rotation returned to action, contributing to a fourth consecutive win for the squad and solid performances from Barro, Kostadinov, and Harris.
Match details: Rioverde Clavijo finished with Moreno, De Pablo, Knudsen, Treviño, Nicolau, Urtasun, Coffi, Arbosa, Kolo, Norris, Torres, and Tamba contributing. Alicante fielded Rodríguez, Gudmundsson, Davison, Kostadinov, Barro, Harris, Serrano, Bercy, Balint, and Hook. Scoring by period: 11-24, 16-22, 24-21, 18-19. Referees held the game with personnel fouls leading to ejections for Nicolau, Urtasun, Bercy, and Kostadinov. The match took place at the La Rioja Sports Palace. (Source: match report)