He Barça This Friday he completed the semifinals of the Copa del Rey basketball tournament and, after defeat UCAM Murcia by 91-85 in the last game of quarter finalswill be the rival of Kosner Baskoniawhich was imposed previously by 91-81 to La Laguna Tenerife in the second semifinal this Saturday.
The first semi-final of the tournament that takes place at the Roig Arena until Sunday will face the Real Madrid with Valencia Basket.
Barça and Punter react in time
Kevin Punter reappeared this Friday like a cyclone two weeks after suffering a muscle injury who threatened to keep him out for a month, to lead Barcelona to their semi-final and end the dream of a UCAM Murcia that dominated for many minutes their quarterfinal match.
Guided by some intense and bright Dylan Ennis and Devontae Cacok and with all his players very involved, the university team seemed to have the crash under control, with six points of income with eight minutes left. But then Punterwho had already neutralized a first Murcian attack, reappeared to complete his stellar performance: 20 points in 20 minutes. And the UCAM was left without a response.
It seemed that Barça was beginning to doubt, but at the worst moment, they adjusted their defense and Laprovittola found Willy Hernangómez and Parra to resist. A Punterwhich he went into a trance againno one needed to find him and Between the four of them they set up a partial of 17-5 that turned the game around and tested UCAM’s mettle.
Baskonia, to the semis after two years of absence
For its part, the Kosner Baskonia won 91-81 to La Laguna Tenerife in a match in which was always ahead, although they lost a 16-point lead against a Tenerife team that managed to tie but was not able to finish their comeback, with which the Basque team, in which Trent Forrest was their leading scorer With 21 points, he returns to the semifinals after two years of absence from the tournament.
With the tie completely open Already in its final stretch, the nerves appeared on the Roig Arena court and scoring points became a real challenge. Just 2-6 partial in 3 minutes, but in that context, Tenerife felt more comfortable and was able to tie the match (66-66, min.34).
In the last minutes, Baskonia’s physique ended up prevailing and second chances propelled him towards victory. Furthermore, the people of Vitoria had Kurucs inspiration from three-point range to give back a 9-point lead with just over three minutes left.
Tenerife still had time to give the last scare for Baskonia with a 5-point play with a triple from Thomas Scrubb and two free throws from Aaron Doornekamp, but It did not feature Howard’s appearance. The guard returned the 5 points with another triple and two other free throws to give final peace of mind to a Baskonia that sealed its victory with two consecutive 2+1 actions by Forrest.
The end was placid for Baskonia and could even scratch a few seconds more on the track Stefan Joksimovicwhich became the Youngest player to play in a Cup with Baskonia at 17 years and three months.
