Saski Baskonia secured a playoff quarterfinal win on February 21, beating Bilbao Basket 89‑100 and advancing to the next round. Veteran guard Ricky led the team with 22 points and 5 assists, while the taronja defense held opponents to 38% shooting.
What happened in the game?
The contest was decided in the final quarter, when Baskonia surged ahead with a 12‑2 run. Coach Paolo Galbiati's squad kept pressure in the paint, forcing 7 blocks and 4 steals. Ricky's court vision resulted in 15 key passes, creating shot opportunities for Forrest and Luwawu‑Cabarrot, who contributed 18 and 15 points respectively.
Why does this matter for Saski Baskonia?
The win ends a three‑game losing streak in Europe and returns the Vitoria club to the Copa del Rey elite. The Italian coach's high‑tempo, resilient approach showed in the rebound margin (45% vs. 38% for the opponent). Moreover, the triumph lifts fan morale after a period of secondary status.
What comes next?
Next up is a semifinal clash with Gran Canaria on February 28. Galbiati has emphasized that maintaining defensive intensity and exploiting fast breaks will be essential. If Baskonia keeps the same three‑point efficiency (30% in the last quarter), its chances of reaching the final rise significantly.
| Player | Points | Assists |
|---|---|---|
| Ricky | 22 | 5 |
| Forrest | 18 | 3 |
| Luwawu‑Cabarrot | 15 | 2 |
The taronja squad celebrated at Roig Arena with an ovation reminiscent of titles won 17 years ago, proving that a blend of experience and youthful energy can push Saski Baskonia back to the top of Spanish basketball.