Unicaja forces the fifth match against UCAM
Ibon Navarro’s men once again prevent Murcia from reaching the final to return the playoff to Carpena
MADRID, 3 Jun. (EUROPA PRESS) –
Unicaja beat UCAM Murcia (79-88) to equalize (2-2) the Endesa League semi-final playoff, a new Malaga victory at the Murcia Palace to return the series to Martín Carpena, where the ticket will be decided to the final on Wednesday.
Ibon Navarro’s team shined in the first half and, in the second, they withstood the local reaction, in a similar scenario to that of two days ago. Thus, Unicaja, champion in 2006, extended the tie in search of its fourth final, where Real Madrid awaits, and prevented UCAM from celebrating in front of its audience a historic first presence in the fight for the title.
Never in a semi-final has a 0-2 been overturned and Unicaja managed to respond to the two victories that the Murcian team gave them in the first two games. In this fourth episode, the staging, with an 18-31 in the first quarter thanks to 12 points from Kameron Taylor, gave the visitors control and the confidence to finish the job.
Dylan Osetkowski (22 points), Kendrick Perry (13 points and 7 assists) and Tyson Carter (17) were responsible for forcing the fifth game. Osetkowski, with 12 points in the second quarter, frustrated the initial comeback attempt by Sito Alonso’s team, with Rodions Kurucs ending up being the best (26 points).
All in all, with 43-55 at halftime, the game still had a lot of work ahead of it and UCAM Murcia brought out its playbook, with great zone defense and a strong fight on the rebound. Yannis Morin and Dustin Sleva appeared for the locals and Carter ended up being decisive for the visitors, although the pressure was noticeable on both teams, missing many shots.
The opportunity presented itself to UCAM Murcia in the last quarter, but neither Troy Caupain nor Dylan Ennis were right to confirm the comeback of Alonso’s team when they were within reach at 77-81. Carter and Osetkowski ruled for a Unicaja that, after being champion of the regular phase, left a pending score with its fans and will be able to settle it at Carpena, if UCAM does not rebel again.
DATASHEET.
–RESULT: UCAM MURCIA, 79 – UNICAJA, 88. (43-55, at half-time).
–EQUIPMENT.
UCAM MURCIA: Ennis (5), Sant-Ross (12), Radebaugh (2), Sleva (14) and Morin (10) –starting quintet–; Diagné (-), Caupain (8), R.Kurucs (26), Hakanson (2).
UNICAJA: Taylor (14), Perry (13), Kalinoski (7), Osetkowski (22) and Kravish (2) –starting quintet–; Thomas (-), Barreiro (-), Ejim (4), Díaz (-), Carter (17), Djedovic (5), Sima (4).
–PARTIALS: 18-31, 25-24, 20-17, 16-16.
–REFEREES: Pérez Pérez, Caballero and Padrós. Radebaugh eliminated due to fouls.
–PAVILLION: Murcia Sports Palace.