Match 2: Independiente de Salta Women 72 – 48 Melilla La Salle Women | Spain LF Challenge Women

Date: 17 May 2026
Venue: Polideportivo Delmi, Salta (Note: neutral site as part of LF Challenge Women – all teams based in Spain; Independiente is a guest team)

Match Overview

Independiente de Salta Women delivered a commanding performance, crushing Melilla La Salle Women 72–48 in the Spain LF Challenge Women on Sunday. The Argentine-based side, playing as a guest team in the Spanish second division, dominated from start to finish, using relentless full-court pressure and clinical fast-break execution. The win keeps Independiente firmly in the title conversation, while Melilla La Salle slides further down the mid-table.

First Quarter: Salta Sets the Tone

Independiente opened the game with an 11–0 run, forcing Melilla into three turnovers in the first three minutes. Power forward Luciana García scored six quick points inside, and point guard Valentina Torres orchestrated the offense with precision. Melilla, a transfer-equipped team from Melilla, Spain, struggled to find any rhythm against the aggressive full-court press. At the end of the first quarter, Independiente led 24–10.

The second period saw more of the same. Melilla’s shooting guard Ana María Sánchez tried to spark a comeback with a pair of three-pointers, but Independiente answered each time. Center Camila Fernández dominated the boards, grabbing nine rebounds in the first half alone. By halftime, the score was 42–24.

Second Half: Independiente Cruises

Melilla La Salle came out of the locker room with more energy, cutting the deficit to 48–36 midway through the third quarter. However, Independiente called a timeout and responded with a 12–2 run, capped by a steal and layup from Valentina Torres. The lead ballooned to 60–38 heading into the fourth.

Independiente’s defense never relented, forcing 22 turnovers on the night. Melilla could not consistently penetrate the paint, settling for contested shots. The final quarter was a formality, with Independiente emptying their bench, yet still outscoring Melilla 12–10.

Key Performers

• Luciana García (Independiente): 18 points, 8 rebounds – overpowered Melilla in the paint.
• Valentina Torres (Independiente): 14 points, 7 assists, 4 steals – controlled the tempo.
• Camila Fernández (Independiente): 10 points, 14 rebounds – double-double anchor in the middle.
• Ana María Sánchez (Melilla): 15 points – lone bright spot for the visitors.

Tactical Story

Independiente’s full-court press was the story of the game. They trapped Melilla’s ball handlers as soon as they crossed half-court, leading to easy transition baskets. On offense, they moved the ball quickly, hitting 8-of-20 from three-point range (40%) while Melilla managed only 4-of-18 (22.2%). The rebounding margin was also lopsided: Independiente 45, Melilla 28.

Season & Table Impact

Independiente de Salta Women improved to 18–6, moving into second place in the LF Challenge Women standings, one game behind league leaders Barça CBS. Melilla La Salle fell to 11–13, now in eighth place, but still within reach of a playoff spot if they can string together wins. However, their inconsistent form – they have lost four of their last six – is a growing concern.

Looking Ahead

Independiente will face a tricky test next weekend against fourth-placed Reus Deportiu Women. Melilla La Salle, meanwhile, host lowly Tenerife Women, a game they must win to keep their postseason dreams alive. Head coach María López of Melilla said: “We were outplayed from the opening tip. Independiente’s pressure was too much for us, and we never adjusted. We have to learn from this quickly.”