Manresa Weathers Fourth-Quarter Storm to Claim Victory
BAXI Manresa secured a hard-fought 101-94 victory over Hapoel Jerusalem in Round 3 of EuroCup action, bouncing back from their previous loss to Union Olimpija Ljubljana. The Spanish side demonstrated resilience and depth, particularly in a dominant fourth quarter that ultimately decided the contest at their home venue.
The game began with Jerusalem showing their intent, taking an early 24-20 lead after the first quarter. The visitors looked sharp offensively, exploiting transition opportunities and finding good looks in the half-court. However, Manresa's response in the second quarter set the tone for what would become a back-and-forth battle, as both teams posted identical 28-point frames to head into halftime with Jerusalem maintaining a narrow 52-48 advantage.
Manresa's Third-Quarter Surge
The critical turning point arrived in the third quarter when Manresa's defensive intensity reached new heights. The home side held Jerusalem to just 19 points while scoring 21 themselves, flipping the script and taking a 69-71 lead heading into the final period. This defensive performance proved crucial, as Manresa forced turnovers and contested shots effectively, disrupting Jerusalem's offensive rhythm that had been flowing in the first half.
Alfonso Plummer emerged as one of Manresa's most impactful performers, delivering an outstanding efficiency rating of 23. The American guard scored 23 points on an impressive 5-of-8 shooting from the field, including 4-of-6 from beyond the arc. His ability to knock down crucial free throws, converting 9 of 11 attempts, kept Jerusalem at bay during critical stretches. Plummer's offensive versatility and shot-making ability provided Manresa with the scoring punch they needed when the game hung in the balance.
Supporting Cast Steps Up
Alex Reyes proved to be another vital contributor for the victors, posting 16 points with remarkable efficiency. The Spanish forward connected on 4 of 7 three-point attempts, spreading the floor and forcing Jerusalem's defense to honor the perimeter threat. His efficiency rating of 21 reflected his all-around contribution, which included four defensive rebounds, an assist, a steal, and a block. Reyes' perfect 2-for-2 performance from the free-throw line demonstrated his composure under pressure.
Hugo Benitez orchestrated Manresa's offense with precision, recording an efficiency rating of 20. The French guard contributed 15 points and five assists while shooting an efficient 6-of-10 from the field. His ability to penetrate the defense and convert close-range opportunities, going 6-for-9 on two-point attempts, kept Jerusalem's defense honest and opened up opportunities for his teammates. Benitez also added two steals and a block, showcasing his defensive engagement throughout the contest.
Jerusalem's Offensive Trio Fights Back
Despite the defeat, Jerusalem received outstanding performances from their backcourt and wing positions. Khadeen Carrington was exceptional, leading all Jerusalem scorers with 21 points on a highly efficient 8-of-10 shooting performance. His efficiency rating of 27 was the game's highest, as he added four assists and two steals while committing zero turnovers. Carrington's perfect 2-for-2 performance from three-point range demonstrated his shooting versatility, and his ability to draw fouls (five fouls received) put additional pressure on Manresa's defense.
Jared Harper matched Carrington's 21-point output while adding five assists to his stat line. The diminutive guard attacked the basket fearlessly, earning six trips to the free-throw line and converting all five free-throw attempts. Harper's efficiency rating of 19 reflected his offensive aggressiveness, though his 7-of-16 shooting from the field suggested he had to work hard for his opportunities against Manresa's defense. His leadership and playmaking were essential in keeping Jerusalem competitive throughout the game.
Justin Smith provided Jerusalem with a dominant interior presence, scoring a team-high 23 points on an outstanding 11-of-16 shooting performance from two-point range. Smith's physical style of play was evident as he grabbed four offensive rebounds among his five total boards, creating second-chance opportunities for his team. His efficiency rating of 18 underscored his impact, though four turnovers indicated the pressure Manresa's defense applied in the paint.
Bench Contributions Make the Difference
Manresa's bench production proved decisive in securing the victory. Louis Olinde provided quality minutes with 14 points on 4-of-6 shooting, including 2-of-3 from three-point range. The German forward's efficiency rating of 15 reflected his smart shot selection and ability to convert when opportunities arose. His perfect 4-for-4 performance from the free-throw line in crucial moments helped Manresa maintain their advantage.
Agustin Ubal came off the bench to contribute 10 points and four rebounds in just over 14 minutes of action. The Italian forward's plus-12 rating was among the game's highest, indicating his positive impact during his time on the court. His 6-of-7 free-throw shooting and efficient 2-of-4 field goal percentage demonstrated his ability to produce when called upon.
Kaodirichi Akobundu-Ehiogu provided an energy boost with six points on perfect 2-of-2 shooting from the field and the free-throw line. His plus-13 rating in just over 16 minutes showcased his defensive intensity and ability to impact winning basketball without requiring heavy usage offensively.
Jerusalem's Bench Struggles
While Jerusalem's starters performed admirably, their bench production couldn't match Manresa's second unit. Cassius Winston provided a spark with 11 points on efficient 5-of-8 shooting, but his minus-5 rating indicated that Jerusalem struggled defensively during his minutes. Austin Wiley contributed six points and three rebounds but finished with a concerning minus-12 rating, suggesting Manresa exploited matchups when he was on the floor.
Yovel Zoosman endured a difficult offensive night for Jerusalem, failing to score despite playing over 30 minutes. The Israeli wing's 0-for-7 shooting performance, including 0-for-5 from three-point range, exemplified one of the key differences in the game. When role players struggle to contribute offensively, it places additional pressure on the team's primary scorers, and Jerusalem couldn't overcome this deficiency despite strong performances from their top three offensive threats.
Fourth-Quarter Dominance Seals Victory
Manresa's 32-23 fourth-quarter advantage ultimately determined the outcome. The home side's ability to execute in crunch time, combined with their superior free-throw shooting throughout the game, proved insurmountable for Jerusalem. Manresa converted their free throws at critical junctures, preventing Jerusalem from completing a comeback despite the visitors' valiant efforts.
The rebounding battle was relatively even, but Manresa's ability to limit Jerusalem's offensive rebounds to just eight while collecting nine themselves provided fewer second-chance opportunities for the visitors. This defensive discipline on the glass, combined with forcing turnovers at opportune moments, allowed Manresa to control possessions and dictate tempo during crucial stretches.
Looking Forward
This victory improves Manresa's standing in the EuroCup as they continue building momentum following their earlier win against Idea Slask. The team's depth and balanced scoring attack suggest they have the pieces necessary to compete consistently throughout the campaign. The ability to win despite not shooting exceptionally well from the field demonstrates their mental toughness and clutch execution.
For Jerusalem, this loss compounds their earlier defeat to Union Olimpija Ljubljana at home. While their offensive firepower from Carrington, Harper, and Smith remains evident, the team must find more consistent contributions from their supporting cast and bench players. The defensive lapses in the third and fourth quarters proved costly, and addressing these issues will be essential for future success.
Both teams demonstrated quality basketball and competitive spirit throughout this entertaining contest, but Manresa's home-court advantage, combined with timely shot-making and superior depth, ultimately proved to be the difference in securing their 101-94 victory.
