BAXI Manresa Delivers Dominant Fourth Quarter Performance
BAXI Manresa secured an impressive 96-90 road victory over Idea Slask in Round 11 of the EuroCup, with a commanding fourth quarter display turning the tide in front of 1,934 spectators in Wroclaw. The Spanish side's 32-point final period proved decisive after Idea Slask had appeared in control through much of the contest.
The Polish hosts started brightly but couldn't maintain their momentum against a determined Manresa squad that found another gear when it mattered most. After holding a narrow four-point advantage at halftime (54-43), Idea Slask saw their lead evaporate in spectacular fashion as the visitors unleashed a devastating offensive barrage in the final ten minutes.
Ubal Stars Off the Bench with Perfect Shooting Performance
Agustin Ubal emerged as the game's standout performer, delivering a sensational display from the bench that propelled BAXI Manresa to victory. The Italian guard was virtually flawless, shooting 7-of-8 from the field including a perfect 3-of-3 from beyond the arc and 4-of-4 from the free-throw line to finish with 21 points and an efficiency rating of 31.
What made Ubal's performance even more remarkable was his all-around contribution. He added five rebounds, four assists, and crucially committed zero turnovers in over 25 minutes of action. His plus-minus of +13 reflected his impact on the game, providing the spark Manresa needed when the contest hung in the balance.
Starting guard Eli Brooks also delivered an efficient 19-point performance on 6-of-13 shooting, distributing six assists while committing no turnovers. His steady hand helped guide Manresa through crucial stretches, particularly when Idea Slask threatened to pull away. Brooks was also effective at drawing fouls, converting all six of his free-throw attempts.
Oriola Provides Veteran Leadership and Inside Presence
Pierre Oriola showcased his experience with a comprehensive performance that went far beyond his 14-point scoring contribution. The Spanish big man controlled the paint with eight rebounds, four of which came on the offensive glass, giving Manresa crucial second-chance opportunities. His four assists demonstrated excellent court vision for a player of his size, and his efficiency rating of 19 reflected his overall impact.
Perhaps most telling was Oriola's plus-minus of +21, the highest of any player on either team. His presence on the floor clearly coincided with Manresa's most effective stretches, and his ability to make smart decisions while committing just three turnovers despite heavy usage proved vital. The veteran's 5-of-8 shooting, including 1-of-2 from three-point range, showed his versatility on offense.
Marcis Steinbergs also made his presence felt off the bench with nine points on efficient 3-of-5 shooting. The Latvian forward's plus-minus of +14 in 25 minutes underscored how effectively he filled his role, while Retin Obasohan chipped in 12 points on 4-of-11 shooting to provide additional scoring punch from the second unit.
Kirkwood and Gray Lead Idea Slask Effort
Noah Kirkwood was the leading scorer for Idea Slask with 19 points, though he needed 11 field goal attempts to get there. The Canadian forward was perfect from the charity stripe, converting all nine of his free-throw attempts, but struggled with ball security, committing four turnovers. His aggressive approach drew seven fouls, showing his ability to attack the basket, but the overall efficiency wasn't enough to overcome Manresa's fourth-quarter surge.
Kadre Gray matched Kirkwood's 19-point output but was even less efficient from the field, converting just 3-of-8 attempts. However, the Canadian guard excelled at the free-throw line, going 10-for-10 while also distributing seven assists to lead the playmaking duties for the home side. His efficiency rating of 19 reflected a solid all-around performance, though it came in a losing effort.
Jakub Urbaniak provided strong interior play for Idea Slask, finishing with 16 points on an efficient 5-of-8 shooting performance. The Polish big man controlled the boards with seven rebounds and added two blocks on the defensive end. His presence in the paint was felt throughout, as he drew five fouls while committing five himself in an intense physical battle.
Dordevic Dominates the Glass Despite Defeat
Stefan Dordevic turned in an impressive double-double performance with 12 points and 12 rebounds for Idea Slask. The Serbian center was dominant on the boards, hauling in eight defensive rebounds and four on the offensive glass to give his team multiple second-chance opportunities. His 6-of-12 shooting from two-point range showed his efficiency around the basket, and his two blocks added to his defensive impact.
Despite Dordevic's efforts, Idea Slask couldn't sustain their early momentum. The home side actually led after three quarters but were completely overwhelmed in the final period, being outscored 32-26 as their defense collapsed under Manresa's relentless pressure.
Third Quarter Collapse Proves Costly
The turning point in this contest came during a disastrous third quarter for Idea Slask. After building a promising halftime lead, the Polish side managed just 10 points in the third period while allowing 21 to their opponents. This 11-point swing completely changed the complexion of the game and set up Manresa's decisive fourth-quarter push.
BAXI Manresa showed remarkable resilience and composure during this crucial stretch. Their ability to tighten up defensively while maintaining offensive efficiency demonstrated the quality that has defined their campaign. The Spanish side's balanced attack, with multiple players contributing in double figures, proved too much for the home team to handle.
Bench Production Makes the Difference
The disparity in bench production ultimately decided this contest. Manresa's reserves combined for substantial contributions, with Ubal's outstanding performance leading the way. In contrast, Idea Slask's bench struggled to make a comparable impact, with several players failing to find their rhythm offensively.
Angel Nunez endured a particularly difficult outing for the home side, going scoreless on 0-of-4 shooting in over 22 minutes of action. His plus-minus of -9 reflected struggles that extended beyond just scoring, as Idea Slask consistently lost ground when he was on the floor.
The victory improves BAXI Manresa's momentum after recent wins over Union Olimpija Ljubljana and Veolia Towers Hamburg. For Idea Slask, the defeat continues a challenging stretch that has seen them struggle for consistency throughout the competition. The Polish side will need to address their third-quarter performance and find ways to maintain intensity for the full 40 minutes if they hope to turn their season around.
As the EuroCup campaign progresses, Manresa's ability to win on the road while overcoming deficits will serve them well. Their depth and versatility, exemplified by Ubal's game-changing performance, mark them as a dangerous opponent for any team in the competition.
