Surne Bilbao experienced its first significant setback at Miribilla yesterday, enduring its fourth defeat in the Liga Endesa and the first against a non-Euroleague team. Baxi Manresa is now the third opponent to win both games against the black-clad team, following Baskonia and Barça. This result slows down Jaume Ponsarnau's team's play-off ambitions. However, this outcome should not affect the European final starting on Wednesday, but it does serve as a warning about the level of toughness they will face against PAOK Salónica.

Several particular circumstances converged in this match. On one hand, the home team missed Darrun Hilliard, one of their key playmakers. On the other hand, Manresa welcomed back Dani Pérez and Olinde, allowing them to field a very solid and high-level twelve-player rotation. Thus, the Catalan team played the game that suited them, maximizing physical contact to keep the Wednesday clash in Surne Bilbao's mind.

As is often the case in Manresa's matches, everything was frantic and chaotic, including the officiating, which was completely overwhelmed by what was happening on the court. The game stretched to two and a quarter hours, with numerous interruptions and monitor reviews of obvious plays, further escalating tensions. This did not help Surne Bilbao's low shooting percentages, which ultimately penalized their attempts to gain any significant advantage. Only Frey and Petrasek managed to maintain consistency and accuracy.

Despite their fight and effort, Frey and Jaworski had opportunities for three-pointers in the final minute to put their team ahead, but they failed to convert. Although this defeat was tough, last year's experience, where the Biscayan team lost two games before and during the final but ultimately became champions, suggests that this result does not mean things won't change in the coming weeks.