Gran Canaria defeated Fuenlabrada 80-87 at the Fernando Martín pavilion on Wednesday 9 September to win the Torneo de Fiestas in the second preseason friendly for both teams.
The hard-fought victory came after a back-and-forth contest that was decided in the final quarter, an outcome published by SPORT — Baloncesto and Piratas del Basket after more than thirty minutes of balance on the scoreboard.
Balanced contest until the final stretch
Both sides arrived in full preseason preparation for the Liga Endesa and produced an even first half, with multiple lead changes and scores of 19-20 at the end of the first quarter and 46-42 at halftime for the hosts. Outside shooting and paint work kept the game tied at the Fernando Martín.
The third quarter followed the same pattern, with short leads and immediate answers. Gran Canaria moved ahead late in the period, but Fuenlabrada regained the edge before the final quarter (65-63), setting up a decisive ten minutes.
Decisive final quarter
In the closing stretch, the team coached by Bruno Savignani raised its defensive intensity and found offensive continuity to break the game open. A sustained run pushed the lead to eight points with a minute and a half remaining and the islanders managed the advantage to the final 80-87.
With the result, Gran Canaria earn their first preseason victory and head into the rest of their preparation with positive momentum, while Fuenlabrada close their home double-header with a 1-1 record before their next tournament.