CAB Estepona misses out on direct promotion after losing to Leganés
The Costa del Sol team couldn't maintain their lead and fell 64-60 to Innova-TSN Leganés, who secured promotion to the top division
CAB Estepona Jardín de la Costa del Sol lost the chance to secure direct promotion to the Liga Femenina Endesa after falling 64-60 to Innova-TSN Leganés in a crucial match for their aspirations. Despite a strong start and key performances from players like Gea, Lawrence, and Sherrill, a damaging third quarter and foul troubles derailed their victory.
The Costa del Sol team came into this game with hopes of securing direct promotion to the highest level of women’s basketball. With a promising start, CAB Estepona dominated the first quarter thanks to standout performances from Leslie Vorpahl and Alyssa Lawrence, who took control of the offense along with Marina Gea. However, Leganés' relentless pressure soon began to take its toll, and the home team started closing the gap.
The first quarter ended with a slight advantage for the visitors (12-18), thanks to solid defense and key contributions from Ruth Sherrill and Sara Vujacic. Despite the lead, Francis Tomé's team knew the match would be a tough battle, especially with the objective of not letting the advantage stretch to double digits and turning the average around to ensure promotion.
In the second quarter, Innova-TSN Leganés responded quickly. Local players, led by Cristina Bermejo and María Barneda, tightened the score, and soon after, they took a lead that forced Estepona's coach to call a timeout with the scoreboard reading 23-20. However, the Costa del Sol team managed to regroup and went into halftime with a four-point advantage (34-38), though several key players were facing foul trouble, which suggested a tough second half.
The third quarter proved to be decisive. Although CAB Estepona tried to replicate their strong start and built a six-point lead (36-42), foul troubles for the visiting team made their defense increasingly difficult. A 6-0 run by Leganés tied the game again, and although Lawrence and Gea remained strong on offense, their shooting began to falter.
The home team capitalized on this dip and took the lead, closing the third quarter with a slight advantage of 48-46. The accumulation of fouls and greater defensive intensity by the home side gave them control in the final moments of the game.
In the final quarter, CAB Estepona fought to the end to try to make a comeback. A three-pointer by Sherrill tied the game at 53-53, but the Leganés players proved more effective in key moments. A couple of free throws and a basket from Barneda put the home team ahead in what seemed to be an insurmountable lead. Despite the efforts of Gea and Lawrence, time was against the visitors, and they ultimately lost their chance at direct promotion with the final score of 64-60.
With this defeat, CAB Estepona Jardín de la Costa del Sol must now wait for a second chance at promotion, while Innova-TSN Leganés celebrates their success and secures promotion to Liga Femenina Endesa. The Estepona team will now focus on upcoming matches and hold on to hope of reaching their goal through the playoffs.