Undefeated Canarias Tops League U Group A After 81-78 Win at Joventut

Fundación CB Canarias secured a tough away win, beating Joventut 78-81 at the Olímpic de Badalona. This victory keeps them undefeated (4-0) and puts them alone at the top of Group A in League U. Ronald Cómez's team played exceptionally well together, overcoming a talented opponent who fought hard until the very end. Four players from the Tenerife team achieved double-digit efficiency ratings in a game where they were almost always in the lead.

Key players stepped up when it mattered most. Rafa Rodríguez, Mohamed Sangaré, Dylan Bordón (16 points, 7 assists), and Xabi López (14 points, 13 rebounds, 17 efficiency rating) were crucial. David Moliné also stood out with excellent work under the basket (9 points, 11 rebounds). The team's strong defense and the less measurable contributions from players like Diego Fernández and David Delgado also played a big part in the win.

Taking control of the scoreboard was tough, partly because Joventut (also known as Penya), coached by Trifón Poch, used their home advantage well. Dylan Bordón scored seven points in a row, including a '3+1' play (a three-pointer plus a free throw after being fouled), and Moliné made several strong plays near the basket. These efforts threatened to give Canarias their first big leads (14-21, 16-23). However, the game stayed close. Canarias tried multiple times to pull away and build a bigger lead. This happened again early in the third quarter when Xavi López scored two good baskets, making it 41-47. But Joventut always fought back, tying the game at 49-49, 59-61, and 68-68.

In the final quarter, Canarias finally pulled ahead for good. López's skill led to a 68-71 score, Sangaré followed up with a crucial basket for 71-75, and Rafa Rodríguez scored a great basket before sinking a huge three-pointer, making it 74-81. Joventut, known as the 'green-and-black' team, kept fighting until the very end. Del Castillo even had a chance to force overtime with a buzzer-beating three-pointer, but his shot missed. This allowed Canarias, the 'gold-and-black' team, to secure a hard-fought victory.