Class Bàsquet Sant Antoni begins to rotate the course this Saturday. Portmany’s team beat Maderas Sorli Benicarlo (92-86) in a painful match at Sa Pedrera Pavilion. After a five-game losing streak, Ibiza’s ship turned upside down and had to make a tough sailing trip to defeat the rival led by the great Libroia (25 points and 5 assists). However, in another tight finish, this time the win stayed at home and St. Anthony’s victory song, Sweet Caroline, was played again.
The Balearic Islands conceded too many penalties, were not overly strong in defense and struggled on the counter but never gave up. Backed by a fan who gave their all, always believing in their abilities, they finished with a smile and added their fourth win of the course. We must recognize that this is the important turning point.
The islanders are well into the game. They soon found themselves ahead on the scoreboard and triples from Greg Gantt and Javi Rodriguez (very good this Saturday) took the locals up 14-8. Although Benicarlo responded with 0-4 to leave things at 14-12. In the final quarter, the best Perris appeared to have the team behind him. Valencia, hurt after a foul on Liria on Wednesday, scored four points (a free throw and then a buzzer-beating triple) to close out the first game 25-14. It was the beginning of a great show in Paris.
In the second act, Benicarlo came out strong. A triple by Lafuinete and two baskets by Beltran made it 27-21. San Antonio block coach David Barrio called a timeout. The break was good for the Pitusos to clarify their thoughts. A triple from Dela Rua and two points from Arcus led to a 32-21 win. Another basket from Azuceka de Henares’ point guard and a free throw from Gant put the division into orbit (35-21). Again it was the best of times for St. Anthony with Bird. The visitors used it to approach dangerously (39-33). Barrio put the game away again, keeping it tied until halftime (45-42).
Benicarlo had it in the third quarter, biding his time. The Levantines finished with a lead against Libroia (47-48) by a basket. Santiago Cerdan’s side looked fresh in the shootout. Five points in a row from Suarez came in five (52-57); But Sant’Antoni responded with a thrilling buzzer beater (65-64) to keep the pulse and close out the period ahead.
Ten heart-stopping minutes left. And so it was. Equality was the tone. And again Buzan would light the fuse. The locals tied the game (72-72) with a triple from Galician. Then a basket by Zydek and Dela Rua made it 76-72. Sardan asked for a break to stop the opponent and revive the team. Lafuente’s triple made it 76-75. Equality was maintained until the end, but Sant Antoni knew how to play their cards (with several techniques against the opponent) to win (92-86). It was already time. Aiming to continue recovering lost ground, next Wednesday’s episode sees Ibersol visit Tarragona.
Technical sheet
Sant Anthony Basketball Class (25+20+20+27): G. Gantt (8), J.S. Taiwo (8), J. Peris (16), a. Buzan (12), J. Zydek (8) and J. Llamas (7).
Maderas Sorli Benicarlo (14+28+22+22): J. Lafuente (8), A. Palazuelos (16), A. Libroia (25), F. Ruesga (16) and K. Gomes (4) – starting quintet. L. Beltran (4), X. Lopez (3), A. Haro (7) and P. Suarez (3).
Judges: Alejandro Garcia Aranzana and Maria Munoz Herrera. They sent off home player Jaime Lamas and guest Alex Haro for five personal fouls. Also to Santiago Cerdan, coach of Benicarlo, after receiving two techniques.
Events: The match, corresponding to the ninth day of the second FEB East group, was played at the Sa Pedrera Pavilion. Before the match, tributes were paid to former CB Sant Antoni player Alex Haro.