In a thrilling turn of events, BAXI Manresa's hopes for Copa del Rey qualification were saved by Real Madrid's impressive performance against Baskonia. The Catalan team, having failed to secure direct qualification, relied on a Madrid victory by more than one point in order to secure their spot in the prestigious tournament. And that's exactly what happened in the final game of the first round.
Joining the ranks of Real Madrid, Unicaja, Barça, and Dreamland Gran Canaria (all four seeded teams), BAXI Manresa will be competing in the Copa del Rey at the José María Martín Carpena in Málaga, with Ibon Navarro's team looking to defend their championship title.
For BAXI Manresa, this opportunity to return to the Copa del Rey comes after a season of absence. The team led by Pedro Martínez last participated in the event 18 years ago, making this feat all the more significant for the club.
Unfortunately, their last-ditch efforts to secure victory against Surne Bilbao Basket fell short, leaving them in a precarious position. A strong start from the opponents, led by ex-Azulgrana Alex Renfroe, quickly dampened Manresa's hopes. Despite briefly narrowing the gap, a relentless offensive push from Bilbao, capped off by former Madrid player Pantzar, ended the game with a commanding 74-54 victory.
Now, BAXI Manresa's fate depended on Real Madrid's performance against Baskonia. And with less than 48 hours since their grueling Euroleague match, the question remained whether Madrid could maintain their form. Against all odds, the Super Cup champions emerged triumphant with an impressive 85-99 victory, led by a sensational Yabusele and the ever-impressive Campazzo.
This victory not only secured Real Madrid's place in the Copa del Rey but also brought joy to the BAXI Manresa camp, who can now look forward to an exciting weekend in Malaga alongside the top teams in Spanish basketball.
With the stage set for the Copa del Rey, basketball fans can anticipate a display of skill, competition, and passion as the best teams in the country gather for this highly anticipated event.