Defeat in the final stretch

Bàsquet Girona loses the derby against Manresa after leading almost the entire match (74-79)

First Team | Wednesday, 13 May 2026

The match started with a declaration of intent from the home team, who displayed a stifling defensive aggression, forcing three rival fouls in less than two minutes. This intensity quickly translated into a 13-3 run that left Manresa untouched, initially surviving only thanks to the success from the 6.75 m line. With a maximum difference of +7 in the first quarter, Girona’s dominance was consolidated in the second period thanks to the stellar appearance of Otis, who with five consecutive points shot the advantage to 14 points (32-18). Despite an attempt by Manresa to react and a 0-6 run, Pepe’s aim, with two providential three-pointers, allowed them to stay on course before the break.

In the second half, the defenses prevailed in a slow-paced third quarter where Girona took five minutes to score. Despite the initial block, the locals managed to extend their lead to 10 points (47-37), but Manresa showed their toughness by closing the gap to close the period with a dangerous 55-48. The last quarter was a roller coaster: Otis struck first again with a three-pointer that seemed to decide the match, putting the score at +13 (64-51), but the visiting team staged a spectacular comeback. In a heart-stopping finale, Manresa overturned a 70-61 deficit to end up winning 74-79, punishing Girona who ran out of gas in the last minute and a half.