La Bruixa d'Or Manresa made a powerful statement in front of their home crowd on August 30, 2026, as they powered past Cheshire Phoenix with a commanding 113-91 victory in a Club Friendship basketball showcase. The exhibition contest gave both teams valuable preseason minutes, but it was the Spanish side that controlled the tempo from start to finish, blending relentless transition offense with timely perimeter shooting.

Match Overview: Manresa's Offensive Flow Proves Too Much

The game, played at Manresa's familiar home floor, began with a sharp exchange of baskets, as Cheshire Phoenix showed early energy and matched the hosts for much of the opening period. However, as the contest wore on, the physical and technical intensity of the Liga ACB side began to tell. Manresa tightened their defensive rotations, pushed the pace after missed shots, and found consistent production from multiple lineup combinations.

By halftime, the home team had established a working margin, and the margin continued to grow in the second half. Cheshire fought to stay within striking distance, but Manresa answered every run with timely three-pointers and easy scores in transition. The final score, 113-91, reflected a comfortable yet competitive friendly that offered clear takeaways for both coaching staffs.

Key Moments That Decided the Game

• Early second-quarter surge: After a tight opening frame, Manresa used a 12-2 burst early in the second quarter to create the first double-digit lead.
• Third-quarter response: Cheshire Phoenix reduced the deficit to eight points midway through the third, but Manresa responded with three consecutive triples to rebuild momentum.
• Bench production: Manresa's deep rotation outscored the Phoenix bench significantly in the second half, a clear edge in a fixture designed to test squad depth.

Standout Themes in the Club Friendship Contest

For Manresa, the fixture was an opportunity to sharpen their offensive identity ahead of the demanding season. Ball movement was crisp, and the team consistently found open looks from beyond the arc. The home side also showed excellent transition defense, limiting Cheshire's fast-break opportunities and forcing the Phoenix into contested half-court sets.

Cheshire Phoenix, meanwhile, will take positives from their competitiveness in stretches. The British Basketball League side demonstrated quick perimeter ball movement and the ability to create shots off the dribble, though they were ultimately outmatched by Manresa's size and physicality on the glass. The offensive rebounding battle leaned heavily in favor of the Spanish side, giving them extra possessions that proved decisive.

Why This Friendly Matters

Club Friendship is designed to give teams from different leagues a meaningful test against unfamiliar styles, and this encounter delivered exactly that. For La Bruixa d'Or Manresa, the fixture offered a chance to integrate new signings into the rotation and build chemistry in a live-game environment. For Cheshire Phoenix, it served as a demanding road test against a high-level European opponent, providing invaluable experience ahead of their own season.

The final result, 113-91, keeps Manresa in strong form as they continue their preseason preparations. Cheshire Phoenix will look to adjust defensively and carry the lessons from this matchup into their next friendly fixtures.