Comprehensive Home Victory Extends Cluj's Winning Ways
U-BT Cluj-Napoca delivered an emphatic performance at home, crushing BAXI Manresa 110-86 in Round 7 of EuroCup action. The Romanian side controlled proceedings from start to finish in front of 2,973 fans, building a commanding 24-point victory that showcased their offensive firepower and defensive intensity. The win marks a crucial bounce-back performance for Cluj after their recent home loss to Union Olimpija Ljubljana.
The hosts established their dominance early, racing to a 30-24 first-quarter lead that set the tone for the entire contest. Cluj's offensive rhythm was evident from the opening tip, with multiple players contributing to a balanced attack that would eventually see six players reach double figures. The second quarter proved decisive, as Cluj outscored Manresa 27-17 to take a 57-41 halftime advantage that effectively put the game beyond reach.
Woodbury Leads Bench Brigade in Stellar Performance
Coming off the bench, Trey Woodbury delivered a masterclass performance, leading all scorers with 26 points on exceptional 9-of-14 shooting from the field. The American guard was virtually unstoppable, knocking down 4-of-8 from three-point range while adding four assists and two steals. His plus-27 rating was the highest on either team, underlining his impact on both ends of the floor. Woodbury's ability to create his own shot and facilitate for others proved invaluable in maintaining Cluj's momentum throughout the game.
Daron Russell orchestrated the offense brilliantly from the starting point guard position, finishing with 23 points and eight assists in an efficiency rating of 23. Russell's court vision and decision-making were exemplary, as he distributed the ball effectively while maintaining his own scoring threat. His 5-of-9 shooting from beyond the arc stretched Manresa's defense and created driving lanes for his teammates. The American guard's ability to balance scoring and playmaking was crucial in Cluj's offensive execution.
Balanced Scoring Attack Overwhelms Spanish Visitors
Mitchell Creek provided efficient scoring with 14 points on an impressive 6-of-8 shooting, showcasing his versatility as a wing scorer. The Australian forward's plus-24 rating reflected his impact on winning basketball, contributing two assists and two steals while committing just two turnovers. Creek's ability to finish around the basket and knock down the occasional three-pointer gave Cluj multiple offensive dimensions that Manresa struggled to contain.
Dusan Miletic dominated the paint with a perfect 5-of-5 shooting performance, finishing with 10 points and a game-high 12 rebounds. The Serbian big man's efficiency rating of 26 was second-best on the team, reflecting his dominance on the glass with eight defensive and four offensive boards. Miletic's rim protection, evidenced by his block and steal, made him a defensive anchor while his sure hands around the basket provided easy scoring opportunities.
Karel Guzman contributed nine points and four rebounds in nearly 23 minutes of action, while Nathan Mensah provided a spark off the bench with nine points on perfect 3-of-3 shooting, adding eight rebounds and two blocks. The Ghanaian center's efficiency rating of 19 highlighted his impact in limited minutes, providing rim protection and finishing opportunities that kept Manresa's defense honest.
Manresa's Offensive Struggles Continue
For the visiting BAXI Manresa, the loss extends a troubling stretch that has seen them drop three of their last four games. Alfonso Plummer led the Spanish side with 17 points, connecting on 5-of-8 from three-point range in a performance that kept Manresa within striking distance during certain stretches. The American sharpshooter's efficiency rating of 23 was the highest among Manresa players, but his efforts weren't enough to overcome Cluj's balanced attack.
Grant Golden battled inside for 16 points and six rebounds on 7-of-12 shooting, showing his ability to score in the paint against Cluj's interior defense. Louis Olinde added 13 points with a balanced 2-of-6 from two-point range and 3-of-5 from beyond the arc, providing some offensive variety for the visitors. However, Manresa's starting backcourt of Hugo Benitez and Retin Obasohan combined for just 16 points on 6-of-18 shooting, failing to provide the perimeter punch necessary to challenge Cluj's defense.
Agustin Ubal came off the bench to score 12 points on perfect 5-of-5 shooting from two-point range, showing efficiency in his limited opportunities. Despite his scoring punch, Manresa's bench was outscored significantly, with Cluj's reserves contributing 42 points compared to Manresa's 36. The depth advantage proved crucial as Cluj maintained their intensity throughout all four quarters.
Defensive Intensity Sets the Tone
Cluj's defensive performance was equally impressive, forcing 15 turnovers while committing just 15 themselves. The hosts' ability to convert defensive stops into transition opportunities was evident, as they consistently pushed the pace and caught Manresa in vulnerable defensive positions. The home team's 110 points represented their highest scoring output in recent games, demonstrating both offensive execution and the advantage gained through defensive pressure.
The second quarter proved particularly devastating for Manresa, as they managed just 17 points while Cluj poured in 27. This 10-point swing in a single period essentially decided the contest, as Cluj's defensive adjustments limited Manresa's ball movement and forced difficult contested shots. The Spanish side's minus-14 plus-minus rating reflected their inability to match Cluj's intensity and execution on either end of the floor.
Cluj's rebounding advantage also played a significant role, with the hosts controlling the glass and limiting Manresa's second-chance opportunities. The combination of defensive rebounds and quick outlet passes fueled Cluj's transition game, creating easy scoring chances before Manresa could establish their halfcourt defense. This uptempo style suited Cluj perfectly and left Manresa chasing the game throughout.
Fourth Quarter Seals Comprehensive Victory
Any hopes of a Manresa comeback were extinguished in the fourth quarter, as Cluj maintained their composure and execution to close out the game with a 28-19 final period. The hosts' ability to maintain a 20-plus point lead throughout much of the second half demonstrated their maturity and focus, never allowing Manresa to build any momentum or confidence.
Jeffery Taylor and Patrick Richard provided veteran leadership off the bench, combining for 11 points and eight assists while bringing defensive intensity that complemented the starters' efforts. Richard's six assists in just over 17 minutes showcased his ability to facilitate offense and keep teammates involved, while Taylor's plus-17 rating reflected his winning impact despite modest counting stats.
The victory improves Cluj's position in the EuroCup standings and demonstrates their capability to bounce back from adversity. After dropping home games to Union Olimpija Ljubljana and Bahcesehir College Istanbul earlier in the campaign, this dominant performance shows Cluj's potential when firing on all cylinders. Their balanced scoring attack and defensive intensity will make them a dangerous opponent for any team in the competition.
Looking Ahead for Both Squads
For Cluj, this performance represents the standard they'll seek to maintain moving forward. The combination of Woodbury's scoring punch off the bench, Russell's playmaking, and Miletic's interior presence provides a solid foundation for success. Their ability to shoot efficiently from three-point range, evidenced by their 14-of-34 performance from beyond the arc, stretches defenses and creates opportunities inside.
Manresa, meanwhile, must address their recent slide and find consistency on both ends of the floor. Their minus-24 defeat represents their worst performance of the current stretch, and the team's inability to match Cluj's physicality and intensity proved costly. With talented players like Plummer and Golden capable of carrying the offensive load, Manresa needs improved perimeter defense and better ball movement to turn their season around and compete with the EuroCup's elite teams.
