Four matches will close the opening round, with three of them played at the Technician Center. HLA Alicante began preparations yesterday for the first of two home games it will host, followed by an away schedule that features Ourense Y Andorra on days 14 and 15 respectively. Lucentinos will transport the Galician squad from the Principality block at 20:45 tomorrow, and on Saturday, January 7, after the Three Kings Day celebrations, the team will take the floor at 19:00.
The final commitment before the start of the second phase of the regular season will again be staged at the Pedro Ferrándiz Pavilion. The clash slated for January 20 at 9:00 pm will see a tough challenge from Tau Castellón, as confirmed by LEB Oro for that date and time.
Three games in a row without leaving home are on the slate, a stretch designed to solidify the team’s position. Rafael Monclova’s squad currently sits atop the standings after two consecutive wins in the preceding rounds, including a dominant 101-55 victory over Almansa. In Oviedo, a late horn solo from Sean McDonnell sealed a dramatic 68-69 result, a moment highlighted by fans and commentators alike.
That latest win marked the eighth of thirteen first-round fixtures, allowing Lucentinos to climb to sixth place with a pair of victories against rivals aiming to reach the playoff zone. This is the minimum objective the club leadership has set for the season, underscoring the belief that steady progress and strong performances can translate into a legitimate postseason push.
The upcoming duel against the entire Principality is scheduled for Saturday, January 7, at 19:00, again at the Pedro Ferrándiz Pavilion. If Monclova’s men can secure the remaining three shares in the first round, they would avoid a late stumble on the second-to-last day, Sunday, January 15, in San Sebastián.
In the meantime, the squad enjoyed a brief holiday break to celebrate Christmas and year-end festivities. Training resumed yesterday morning, with the team focusing on recovery and tactical refinement ahead of the next clash against Ourense, a team that had not yet begun its campaign. The objective remains clear: build momentum early and avoid dropping into the relegation playoff zone. The coaching staff wants the team to start strong and stay consistent, turning potential volatility into steady growth.
Rafael Monclova has access to the full roster as the squad approaches a crucial stretch. Any minor discomfort among players is being monitored, but no major issues are reported. If all goes to plan, the personnel will be available for selection and ready to push toward a successful close to the calendar year. The organization continues to aim high, seeking to position its basketball program among the most competitive teams in the national league landscape.
The recent coaching change at the HLA bench appears to have boosted on-court performance and tactical cohesion. While the team participated in the same competition last season, the new leadership is working toward a more solid, organized game plan that minimizes volatility and aligns environmental play with the team’s strategic poles. The focus is on consistent execution, disciplined defense, and efficient offense to build a more resilient unit.