Great team performance from Badalona, Girona beaten 95-84

ASISA Joventut closed out the Lliga Catalana with a solid 95-84 victory over FIATC Girona. The green-and-blacks put together an excellent performance to secure the win on the day of Eli John Ndiaye’s debut with the team.

ASISA Joventut struck first, moving the ball extremely well. Two three-pointers from Álex Reyes put the score at 10-5, prompting the first timeout of the game. McLung responded with two triples to make it 15-11, but Penya remained in front thanks to a strong stretch from Sulejmanovic, who helped make it 19-13. Five straight points from debutant Ndiaye and a basket from Hakanson extended the lead to 26-16. At the end of the first quarter, Joventut led 28-24.

Miret’s team significantly raised its defensive intensity in the opening minutes of the second quarter and gradually opened up a larger gap, moving ahead 37-25. Hakanson then extended the lead to its largest margin at 41-27, while ASISA Joventut went into halftime ahead 42-33.

Laprovittola started the second half in fine shooting form as Penya maintained control of the game at 49-40. Ricky then made his presence felt with a three-pointer, a steal and an assist for Cheatham’s triple, putting the green-and-blacks up 55-42. Miret’s team continued to run the floor, with Kraag finishing a fast break to make it 66-52. At the end of the third quarter, Joventut led 73-63 after a buzzer-beating basket from the Dutchman.

Ricky came out looking to make an impact, scoring four straight points to make it 77-63. Penya had complete control of the game and continued to extend its advantage as the minutes went by, reaching 83-67. Álex Reyes capped off his scoring display with 22 points on 6-of-9 shooting from three-point range, as ASISA Joventut went on to win 95-84.

ASISA Joventut has been eliminated in the group stage of the Lliga Catalana and will now turn its attention to the next major challenge: the ACB Supercopa, which will be held in Badalona next weekend. Miret’s team will face Kosner Baskonia in the first semifinal at 6:00 p.m. at the Olímpic.