Marcelinho Huertas' masterclass sends Tenerife to BCL final / News - Basketnews.com

Credit: FIBA Credit FIBA

Lenovo Tenerife kicked off the Basketball Champions League Final Four in Bilbao on a high note, prevailing over Hapoel Holon, 78-71 (20-13, 22-20, 17-18, 19-20). The Spaniards advanced to the competition final, which is scheduled for Sunday, May 8, at 20:00 CET.

Player of the Game EFF 22 Marcelinho Huertas Points 17 Accuracy 8-14 Rebounds 4 Assists 9

It will be the third BCL final for Tenerife, the most by any team in the tournament's history.

Their upcoming rivals will be the winner another Spanish club BAXI Manresa, which overcame Ludwigsburg.

Even though Hapoel came within 2 points (57-59) at the start of the fourth quarter, Marcelinho Huertas and Giorgi Shermadini started delivering Pick-and-Roll chemistry, which extended Tenerife's lead to 9 points (68-59).

However, the roller-coaster ride continued as Joe Ragland, Guy Pnini, and Rafael Menco organized a 10-0 run to put Hapoel in front (69-68) for the first time in the match. 3:45 was left on the clock.

Huertas and Shermadini resumed their offensive clinic (72-69). Adam Smith and Huertas exchanged with efficient attacks (74-71), while Kyle Wiltjer extended the Spaniards' advantage to 5 points (76-71) with one minute to go. Tenerife got a crucial stop and Bruno Fitipaldo fortified the W on the other end (78-71).

Huertas was terrific for the winners, posting an all-around performance with 17 points (8/14 2PT, 1/2 FT), 4 rebounds, 9 assists, 1 turnover, 1 steal, and 23 PIR.

Joe Ragland accumulated 22 points (7/9 2PT, 2/3 3PT, 2/2 FT), 3 rebounds, 5 assists, 5 turnovers, 3 steals, and 25 PIR.

It was a very tough match start for Hapoel. One of their cornerstones, Chris Johnson, bumped into Giorgi Shermadini and got injured after 42 seconds.

For their part, Huertas and Shermadini-led Tenerife spurted 11-2 and controlled the game from the first seconds.

Credit FIBA

With 5 minutes passed in the first period, Chris Johnson returned on the floor after a collision.

Though, his team was down by double digits (8-20) eventually. Joe Ragland and Rafael Menco managed to keep Hapoel within the fighting distance (13-20) at the end of Q1.

Powered by Marcelinho Huertas, Tenerife maintained its tangible advantage through the second and third quarters (59-51), which went neck-on-neck.

Joe Ragland shone on the other side. The 32-year-old combo guard had 15 points before the last tally.

Tenerife: Marcelinho Huertas 17 (4 REB, 9 AST), Giorgi Shermadini 14 (7 REB), Fran Guerra 9 (9 REB).

Hapoel: Joe Ragland 22 (5 AST, 5 TO), Rafael Menco 15 (6 REB), Chris Johnson 13.

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