The team from Girona conceded the victory and also the particular average in the final second, due to a basket by Shepard, who was unstoppable with 31 points, capitalizing on the absence of Coulibaly. Despite the defeat, Uni keeps its options intact to make history and can qualify by defeating Carolo at Fontajau next Wednesday.
Roberto Íñiguez's team met the goal of competing, resisting well during the first half (45-40 at halftime) after a strong start (6-13) led by Guerrero. However, the clear difference in rebounding and Shepard's dominance in the paint were too many setbacks, especially without the center from Mali.
Uni remains second with seven wins, followed by Schio, Bourges, and Prague, which defeated Galatasaray, all with six wins.
The game definitively broke in the third quarter, when poor defensive balance and offensive errors penalized Spar Girona. Schio achieved a twelve-point margin (70-58) at the end of the third period. Uni fought until the end, but Carter's turnover three seconds from the buzzer allowed Shepard to score the basket that caused them to lose the average (85-74).
Now, the goal is to fill Fontajau next Wednesday against Carolo. A victory, now with Coulibaly reintegrated, may be enough to secure qualification for the Final Six, depending on the pending matchups between the pursuers (Prague-Schio and Bourges-Schio).
