The chicharrero team defeated Gran Canaria and will compete in their first final for the fifth time in six years
After one of the most exciting opening days in Copa del Rey history, the Canary derby changed pace with a calm win for Tenerife. The chicharrero group showed that it currently reigns in the archipelago. It was much more than the classic Huertas-Shermadini pairing and gave no chance to surprise with a great version of Jaime Fernández.
The Canary derby started at a frantic pace. Festival of triples in the first game of the biggest island rivalry in the history of the Cup, which as the minutes went by led to a thrilling indoor duel between Khalifa Diop and Shermadini, two of the best centers in the ACB. The exchange of blows was spectacular for the viewer, with both teams scoring 100 points, although Tenerife led.
The second part already had a lot more chicharrero color. The incombustible Marcelinho Huertas took the lead and, together with sharpshooter Sasu Salin, took Tenerife’s lead to 15 points (41-26). From then on, Gran Canaria stopped the bleeding as best it could with the impressive appearance on the scene of Jaime Fernández.
Jaime Fernández (26), Fitipaldo (15), Cook (8), Doornekamp (2) and Shermadini (12) -starting five-, Huertas (9), Sergio Rodríguez (2), Salin (11), Abromaitis (2) , Diagne and Guerra (2).
Albicy (7), Benite (6), Brussino, Shurna (18) and Khalifa Diop (12) -starting five-, Bassas (8), AJ Slaughter (3), Kljajic, Salvó (8), López de la Torre ( 2), Inglis (2) and Balcerowski (7).
The Canarian team needed an urgent response after the break, but what was found as soon as they stepped on the floor was another arreón from Txus Vidorreta’s men. With 61-38 the situation was under control, without the team from Las Palmas having anything to do with it.
Only John Surna, at senior level, seemed to reveal himself against what appeared to be a short-lived return to the Gran Canaria Cup. Far from enough to turn the situation around given the small success in the shot among Jaka Lakovic’s troops. Tenerife reigned in the Canary Islands and already has five semi-finals in the last six years.
Source: La Verdad
I am Shawn Partain, a journalist and content creator working for the Today Times Live. I specialize in sports journalism, writing articles that cover major sporting events and news stories. With a passion for storytelling and an eye for detail, I strive to be accurate and insightful in my work.
