Baskonia convincingly defeated Tenerife with a score of 91-81 in their Copa del Rey match, showcasing their return to the tournament after a two-year absence. This win is significant for Baskonia, a historical team that has experienced frustration in recent years, as they managed to leverage the opportunity of facing a Tenerife squad missing their star player Marcelinho Huertas due to injury. Despite the defeat, Tenerife maintained a disciplined performance, aiming to challenge their opponents throughout the match.

The absence of Huertas was a critical blow for Tenerife, as he has been instrumental as both a fierce competitor and leader for the team. The emotional toll of playing without their icon was evident, especially against a re-energized Baskonia team led by coach Paolo Galbiati, who has been known for promoting high-tempo play. Tenerife’s struggle to maintain momentum without their pivotal player presented a clear advantage for Baskonia, who capitalized on the opportunity to assert their dominance and secure a place in the next round.

With this victory, Baskonia not only demonstrates their capability to adapt and recover from past disappointments but also re-establishes their presence in the Copa del Rey, an important tournament in Spanish basketball. This move could signal a resurgence for the team and builds momentum towards their future matches as they aim for greater success in the tournament and beyond.