Legia Warsaw achieved their first win of the Orlen Basket League season with an 89-78 victory over Start Lublin. The game carried an extra layer of intrigue as Start’s head coach, Wojciech Kamiński, faced his former team. Despite a strong start from the Lublin side, Legia took control in the second half, securing an important victory on the road.
Competitive First Half
The opening quarter saw Start Lublin take an early lead, capitalizing on Legia’s inconsistent defense. Ousmane Drame was a key figure for the home side, pushing them to a 24-15 lead by the end of the first quarter. However, Legia fought back in the second, with strong performances from Raymond Cowels and Mikołaj Kolenda, narrowing the deficit and entering halftime with a slim 44-43 lead.
Legia Takes Control in the Third Quarter
In the third quarter, Legia surged ahead, extending their lead to 59-49. Start Lublin struggled to find their rhythm, and despite a late push from their key players like Benjamin Lecomte and Tyran De Lattibeaudiere, Legia maintained their momentum. Entering the final quarter, Legia led 68-67 after a closely fought period.
Legia Holds Off Late Start Rally
The fourth quarter was tightly contested, but Legia’s superior rebounding and key three-pointers, especially from Mikołaj Kolenda and Travis McGusty, allowed them to build a decisive lead. As the clock wound down, Legia extended their advantage, sealing the 89-78 victory. Legia’s coach, Ivica Skelin, praised his team for staying composed under pressure and closing out the game strongly.
Next Challenge for Legia
With their first win secured, Legia will look to carry this momentum into their next match as they continue to climb the league standings. Start Lublin, despite a solid effort, will regroup and aim to bounce back in their upcoming fixtures.
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