Cordoba edged Caja 87s 83-81 in a tense Spain Primera FEB matchup, using a late defensive stand and two composed free throws to secure a two-point home win. The game was never comfortable for either side, with the lead changing hands repeatedly before Cordoba closed out the final possession with a contested rebound and a clock-killing clearance.

Match overview

Cordoba built an early advantage behind aggressive drives and second-chance points, but Caja 87s stayed within reach through perimeter shooting and transition baskets. The visitors briefly took control after halftime, only for Cordoba to respond with a decisive run of their own in the closing quarter. The final margin reflected how evenly matched the teams were across 40 minutes.

• Quarter scores: Cordoba 22-19, 18-22, 21-17, 22-23
• Final score: Cordoba 83, Caja 87s 81
• Decisive phase: Cordoba’s late 6-0 run inside the final two minutes

Key moments

The game turned in the final three minutes. Caja 87s had drawn level at 79-79 after a corner three, but Cordoba answered with a patient post touch and a pair of free throws. On the next possession, Cordoba’s perimeter defense forced a difficult step-back attempt, and the home side secured the rebound to deny Caja 87s a final shot at overtime. The visitors had one last look from deep, but it rimmed out as the buzzer sounded.

Tactical story

Cordoba’s half-court defense was the foundation of the win. The home team switched aggressively on screens and limited clean looks from the top of the arc, forcing Caja 87s into contested mid-range attempts late in the clock. Offensively, Cordoba attacked the offensive glass and generated enough extra possessions to offset a modest three-point shooting night. Caja 87s stayed in the game by pushing the pace and finding open shooters in transition, but their late turnovers proved costly.

Standout performers

Cordoba’s backcourt controlled the tempo, combining for 31 points and 12 assists while committing only four turnovers in the second half. Their point guard was particularly effective in pick-and-roll situations, repeatedly finding the roll man or kicking out to open corner shooters. For Caja 87s, the wing scorer kept the visitors alive with a game-high 24 points, including four three-pointers, but support scoring dried up in the final five minutes.

Season impact

The win gives Cordoba an important early-season result in the Primera FEB standings and a valuable head-to-head edge over a direct rival in the promotion race. Caja 87s leave with a narrow road defeat but can take encouragement from their defensive activity and rebounding effort. With the Spanish second tier decided by fine margins, this is the kind of game Cordoba may look back on as a building block if they remain in the playoff conversation.