IDK Gipuzkoa W edged out Lacturale Araski Women 68-64 in a tightly contested Basque derby at the Club Friendship event, claiming a four-point win that was in doubt until the final minute. The result adds another chapter to one of the most familiar rivalries in Spanish women's basketball, with the visitors finding the decisive plays on both ends down the stretch.

Match Overview

As expected in a meeting between two sides that know each other so well, the game was physical, low on easy baskets and decided by execution rather than pace. Araski started brightly in front of their supporters, taking an 18-16 lead after the opening period thanks to patient half-court offense and some timely offensive rebounding.

Gipuzkoa responded in the second quarter, tightening their defensive rotations and holding the hosts to just 14 points while scoring 20 of their own. That six-point swing gave the visitors a narrow halftime advantage, and from that point on the game became a possession-by-possession battle.

Key Moments

• Second-quarter run: Gipuzkoa's 20-14 period flipped the game and gave them a lead they would not surrender.
• Third-quarter trading: Araski won the quarter 16-15 but could not cut the deficit significantly.
• Late-game execution: With the margin at two points inside the final minute, Gipuzkoa converted a tough contested jumper and then made key free throws.
• Final defensive stand: Araski's last meaningful possession ended with a forced, off-balance shot as the shot clock expired.

Quarter-by-Quarter

• Q1: Lacturale Araski Women 18 – 16 IDK Gipuzkoa W
• Q2: Araski 14 – 20 Gipuzkoa
• Q3: Araski 16 – 15 Gipuzkoa
• Q4: Araski 16 – 17 Gipuzkoa
• Final: Lacturale Araski Women 64 – 68 IDK Gipuzkoa W

Tactical Story

Both teams came in with a clear identity. Araski preferred to work the ball inside and use their size on the offensive glass, generating second-chance points and drawing fouls. Gipuzkoa, meanwhile, relied on movement, dribble penetration and kick-out shooting, trying to stretch the Araski defense and open driving lanes.

The difference was defensive discipline. Gipuzkoa's help rotations were sharper in the second half, forcing Araski into mid-range jumpers rather than layups. On the other end, the visitors were more willing to attack the rim late in the shot clock, and that aggression earned them trips to the free-throw line at the most valuable moment of the game.

Standout Performances

Gipuzkoa's perimeter players carried much of the scoring load, combining patient shot selection with quick decisions in transition. Their interior defenders also deserve credit for contesting shots without fouling in the fourth quarter, an area where Araski struggled at times. For the hosts, the frontcourt battled hard on the boards all evening and kept the team in touch, while the backcourt showed composure in breaking pressure and organising the offense.

What It Means

This fixture continues the long-running rivalry between two Basque clubs with deep roots in the Spanish women's game. Results like this one matter beyond the scoreboard: they build confidence, shape rotations, and give coaches a clearer picture of which lineups perform best under pressure.

For IDK Gipuzkoa W, the win is a useful marker of their late-game composure. For Lacturale Araski Women, the four-point defeat will sting, but the performance showed plenty of positives — particularly the rebounding effort and the team's ability to stay within striking distance against a familiar opponent.

Quick Facts

• Event: Club Friendship
• Result: Lacturale Araski Women 64 – 68 IDK Gipuzkoa W
• Margin: 4 points
• Decisive quarter: Q2 (Gipuzkoa outscored Araski 20-14)