The Baxi Manresa suffered a 75-91 defeat to Reyer Venezia in a EuroCup match that held no stakes for the Bages side, as they had already secured their spot in the round of 16. RJ Cole was the main tormentor for Manresa, scoring 25 points in a European duel that remained undecided until the final quarter, dominated by the Venezia guard.
The Catalan team started slightly better offensively, with Kao Akobundu making an impact in the paint (11-7, min. 4). However, Reyer Venezia quickly improved their shooting percentages thanks to Denzel Valentine, who proved a headache for the home defense and put his team ahead (17-19, min. 8). The closing stretch of the first quarter turned into a flurry of baskets, ending 24-24, a score that displeased both coaches due to the lackluster defenses on display.
The second period began similarly, with an inspired Valentine keeping the Italians ahead on the scoreboard at the Nou Congost (28-31, min. 14). A timeout by Diego Ocampo had an immediate effect on Baxi Manresa, who went on an 11-0 run led by Álex Reyes to open the first significant gap and prompt a stoppage from Neven Spahija (39-31, min. 16). As expected in a back-and-forth game, the visitors responded shortly after, leaving the score tied at 49-47 at halftime.
After the break, both teams continued to play well offensively, but Reyer Venezia regained the lead following a good action by Carl Wheatle (54-56, min. 23). Baxi Manresa then hit an offensive slump, and the Italians capitalized, with Kyle Wiltjer knocking down shots to extend their advantage (57-63, min. 27). Another Ocampo timeout sparked another Manresa reaction, tying the game at 66-66 on a three-pointer by Marcis Steinbergs just before the final ten minutes.
The last quarter remained tight at the Nou Congost until a triple from RJ Cole gave Reyer Venezia a four-point cushion (71-75, min. 35). Cole then took over, scoring four consecutive points to push his team further ahead and create a comfortable margin in Manresa (71-83, min. 38).
Liga Endesa | 18ª jornada
Perry se eleva en Manresa
EuroCup | 16ª jornada
El Manresa sella el billete
Ultimately, Reyer Venezia secured a 75-91 victory on the Baxi Manresa court in a match where the Catalans had nothing left to play for, as their EuroCup round-of-16 qualification was already assured.