Melilla Baloncesto cruised to a 100-78 home win over UPB Gandia in the Copa del Rey de Baloncesto on Thursday, using a dominant second quarter and a strong inside-out attack to take control of the tie.

Melilla reached the century mark with a balanced scoring effort and never allowed UPB Gandia to settle into a comfortable rhythm. The hosts led from the opening quarter, broke the game open before halftime and maintained a double-digit cushion throughout the second half.

Match overview

Melilla led 24-19 after the first quarter and then delivered the decisive blow in the second, outscoring Gandia 27-18 to take a 51-37 halftime lead. The hosts stretched the advantage to 76-57 by the end of the third quarter and closed out the game comfortably in the fourth. UPB Gandia had some positive spells on offense, but they could not match Melilla’s physicality or rebounding intensity.

• First quarter: Melilla 24-19 Gandia
• Second quarter: Melilla 27-18 Gandia
• Third quarter: Melilla 25-20 Gandia
• Fourth quarter: Melilla 24-21 Gandia
• Final score: Melilla 100-78 Gandia

Key moments

The game turned midway through the second quarter. Leading 34-28, Melilla went on a 17-4 run that pushed the advantage to 51-32. The burst was built on defensive stops, offensive rebounds and efficient inside scoring. UPB Gandia tried to respond with three-point shooting, but Melilla’s control of the glass and ability to score in the paint kept the visitors at arm’s length. A 10-2 run early in the third quarter effectively ended any hopes of a comeback.

Tactical story

Melilla’s game plan centered on attacking the paint and exploiting their size advantage. The hosts scored heavily around the rim, drew fouls and created open looks for their shooters when Gandia collapsed on the interior. On defense, Melilla limited second-chance points and forced Gandia into long, contested possessions. UPB Gandia moved the ball well at times and found success from beyond the arc, but they were outmatched in the rebounding battle and struggled to contain Melilla’s transition game.

Standout players

Melilla forward Hassan Diallo was a force with 21 points and 10 rebounds, dominating the interior and setting the tone on both ends. Guard Carlos Romero added 18 points and six assists, while reserve shooter Javier Molina contributed 14 points off the bench. UPB Gandia’s Pau Sanchis scored 19 points and hit several tough shots, but the visitors needed more balanced production to stay with Melilla over four quarters.

Season impact

The win moves Melilla Baloncesto into the next stage of the Copa del Rey de Baloncesto and highlights their potential as a physically imposing cup team. Their rebounding and inside scoring will be key assets in knockout basketball. UPB Gandia exit with a difficult result but can take encouragement from their spells of good offense. Melilla will now turn their attention to the next round with confidence building.