Balkan Botevgrad 36-39 La Bruixa d'Or Manresa — La Bruixa d'Or Manresa won a defensive struggle 39-36 at Balkan Botevgrad in EuroCup Basketball on 28 October 2026, edging a game in which every possession felt magnified.

Manresa edge Balkan in low-scoring classic

La Bruixa d'Or Manresa held its nerve in the final minute to secure a 39-36 road win over Balkan Botevgrad. In a game defined by missed shots, strong help defense and relentless rebounding, Manresa’s late execution proved just enough to separate the teams.

The result gives Manresa a hard-fought victory in the EuroCup Basketball group standings, while Balkan Botevgrad is left to rue a handful of empty possessions in the closing stages.

Match overview and quarter scores

Neither team found offensive rhythm early. Manresa led 10-9 after the first quarter and 19-17 at halftime, with both defenses dominating the paint and contesting every perimeter look. The third quarter followed the same pattern, but Manresa’s ability to convert a few extra half-court possessions gave it a 30-27 lead entering the final period.

The fourth quarter was a tense, mistake-filled battle. Balkan tied the game at 34-34, but Manresa responded with a crucial basket and a defensive stop. The hosts had a final chance to tie or take the lead, but a contested three-pointer rimmed out and Manresa secured the rebound.

Key moments

The decisive moment came with under a minute remaining. Manresa worked the clock, forced a switch and scored on a drive to the basket. Balkan’s response ended with a missed jumper, and Manresa’s free throw on the next possession made it a three-point game. Balkan’s last-second attempt from beyond the arc did not fall.

Earlier, Manresa’s third-quarter defense had been crucial. The visitors forced several turnovers and turned them into just enough points to build a small cushion, which proved vital in such a low-scoring contest.

Tactical story

Both teams prioritized protecting the paint. Manresa used a compact zone at times, daring Balkan to shoot from the perimeter, while Balkan responded with aggressive help defense and double-teams on the block. The result was a game with very few clean looks and a heavy emphasis on offensive rebounding.

Manresa’s patience in the half-court offense made the difference. The visitors were willing to play deep into the shot clock and trust their defense to keep the game close. Balkan’s offense was more hurried in the final quarter, and that urgency led to a few costly turnovers.

Standout performers

• Manresa’s lead guard: scored the key late basket and controlled the tempo in the final minute.
• Manresa’s interior defense: contested shots at the rim and limited Balkan’s second-chance points.
• Balkan’s forward: battled on the glass and kept the hosts within reach until the final possession.

EuroCup Basketball table and season impact

The win is a valuable road result for Manresa in the EuroCup Basketball standings. In a group where margins are likely to be tight, winning a game in the 30s could prove just as important as a high-scoring blowout. For Balkan Botevgrad, the defeat is a narrow one, but the missed opportunities in the final two minutes will be difficult to ignore.

Manresa’s defense has now given it a platform to compete in low-possession games, while Balkan will focus on shot selection and late-game execution ahead of its next group fixture.