The visiting Spanish squad gave up a 17-point lead, but managed to hold on late
Manresa survives after blowing big lead at Bahcesehir, learns major lesson
Game Report
3 Mins read
Regular Season
Round 14 of 18
Regular Season
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Bahcesehir College IstanbulBKS
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BAXI ManresaMAN
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BAXI Manresa wasted a 17-point lead in the fourth quarter but still managed to pull out a major road victory over Bahcesehir College Istanbul to improve its chances in the fight for the playoffs.
Manresa saw its massive advantage disappear as the hosts hit a barrage of three-pointers to take the lead in the final minute, but Retin Obasohan’s three-pointer ended up securing a 92-96 win.
“It was a hard-fought battle. I want to give Bahcesehir a tremendous amount of credit because they competed and made it tough on us. But at the same time, I am proud of our guys. I am proud of the way we played for 40 minutes. We were able to make plays down the stretch,” said Obasohan, who led the way with 20 points.
“The win is very important, but more important is how we played. We played amazing the whole game. Even when Bahcesehir reacted and scored 5 three-pointers in the last 5 minutes, which was a great reaction. That is what we expected,” Manresa head coach Diego Ocampo said.
“I am proud of how we finished the game. Not only about the game. We were solid and kept calm and we knew how to close the game.”
Manresa improved to 8-6 in Group A, including five wins in the last six games, and the Spanish side has scored at least 93 points in six of its last seven games.
Besides Obasohan’s output, Ferran Bassas had 19 points, Alex Reyes scored 15 points and Agustin Ubal collected 14 points, 5 rebounds and 4 assists in the win.
Obasohan said he was concerned about the team once again letting opposing teams back into the game.
“This is something that has been happening too much. That is something we need to improve and get better at. I am glad to get the win. It’s always nice to learn lessons when you get the win. But at the same time, we gotta keep improving,” he said.
After nine lead changes and six ties in the first quarter, Manresa buried 3 three-pointers in a 2-13 run to take a 32-43 lead. The cushion grew to 15 and the visitors were up 39-52 at the break.
Bahcesehir scored the first 4 points of the second half to bring the deficit to single figures, but Manresa kept playing its game. Ocampo’s team even extended the advantage to 17 points and led 55-72 after 30 minutes.
The hosts’ offense finally picked up in the final frame and Malachi Flynn buried 4 triples - including a four-point play - to put Bahcesehir up 92-90 with 49 seconds to go. Obasohan answered with a three-pointer at the other end and Manresa did not allow any other score to grab the win.
Bahcesehir dropped to 9-5 after having won three of the last four games. Flynn paced the hosts with 21 points, Trevion Williams had 20 points and 9 rebounds and Tyler Cavanaugh contributed 15 points and 7 rebounds.
Bahcesehir head coach Marko Barac was most worried about his team’s poor first half.
“We found a way to show some fight in the last quarter after some terrible energy in the first half. After some signs of willingness in the third quarter, we finally found our game in the fourth,” said the coach.
Barac also called into question his team’s character, especially as the Turkish side dreams of winning the EuroCup and reaching the EuroLeague.
“We want to get to the EuroLeague, but when we have the opportunity to play in that rhythm, we show that we are not there yet in terms of character. This is what makes me sad,” he said. “In the second half, I wanted to find five guys who can show their character and play defense and fight for this club. This is everything I need. We need to bounce back after this. We are still high enough in the standings to achieve our goals. And I’m 100 percent sure we will do it.”
