In a hard-fought Friday night matchup in the ORLEN Basket Liga, Górnik Zamek Książ Wałbrzych narrowly defeated Zastal Zielona Góra with a final score of 62-56. Both teams struggled offensively, keeping the game close and leaving little room for error. Defensive prowess from both sides marked the game, as Górnik ultimately managed to edge ahead in the closing moments.
Slow Start, Close First Half
The game began with both teams playing cautiously, grappling with nervous energy and missed opportunities. Zastal started slightly stronger, taking an early lead at 7-2, thanks to Kamari Murphy’s drive. Górnik, however, leveled the score with a clutch shot from Kacper Marchewka, and a late surge from Ike Smith secured Górnik a slim 14-13 lead by the end of the first quarter. The second quarter followed a similar pattern, with tight defense from both teams and a small edge for Górnik, led by Alterique Gilbert and Aleksander Wiśniewski, stretching their lead to six points after a three-pointer from Maciej Bojanowski. By halftime, the score sat at 28-25 in Górnik’s favor.
Górnik Builds Control in the Third
The second half maintained the gritty tone, as neither side could find consistent scoring opportunities. Górnik managed to inch ahead in the third quarter, pulling out to an eight-point lead with key free throws by Alterique Gilbert and Grzegorz Kulka. Zastal’s Murphy and Wesley Harris kept chipping away at the deficit, but Górnik’s Dariusz Wyka came through with an impressive sequence of plays, putting the hosts up 48-42 heading into the final quarter.
Wałbrzych Closes Out with Tenacious Defense
In the fourth quarter, Górnik extended their lead to double digits with strong plays from Toddrick Gotcher and Joshua Patton. Though Sindarius Thornwell attempted to rally Zastal with a few late buckets, Górnik’s defense held firm, sealing a 62-56 victory. Dariusz Wyka’s standout performance, featuring 10 points and 13 rebounds, was instrumental for Górnik, while Thornwell led Zastal with 12 points and 5 assists.
The win marks an important step for Górnik Zamek Książ Wałbrzych in this season’s league campaign, showcasing their defensive resolve and tactical patience.
