UCAM Murcia CB left the Endesa Super Cup scene with their final ticket in hand after a heart-stopping duel with Unicaja Malaga, a game that ended 74-79. Despite fielding eight new faces compared to last season, the home side demonstrated resilience in the closing moments, nearly turning a ten-point deficit into overtime at the Palacio de los Deportes. The bout kept a flicker of drama for forty minutes as Murcia fought to keep their dream alive.
Relating to
- Real Madrid defeated Barça to reach the Super Cup final, 80-90.
A dream ambiance surrounded the Murcian fans as Unicaja kept their discipline and pace, despite a dip in domestic results. They preserved most of the core that helped them win the Copa del Rey last season, delivering a compact team effort that relied on ball sharing and external shooting. Sito Alonso eventually entrusted Sant-Roos with leadership at the start of the game, a move that signaled a willingness to adapt and push a roster built around unselfish play and collaborative defense.
The Madrid football connection brought options to shift roles within the squad and pressure opposing defenses. Still, players like Diagné, Birgander, and Radovic remained pivotal, staying close in a sign of on-court harmony through every phase. Spark moments appeared in the open court thanks to Dylan Ennis and Lude Hakanson, who added texture to Murcia’s offensive rhythm.
Unicaja emerged as the second finalist in the Supercopa Endesa after a tense victory over UCAM Murcia. The momentum swing was palpable as the clock ran down, and the final scoreline reflected a hard-fought battle that tested both teams’ mettle. The exchanges, captured on social media, reflected the high intensity of the clash and the crowd’s energy.
During the opening stretch, UCAM Murcia looked eager and spirited. Diagné attacked the paint while Sant-Roos and the Murcian squad controlled the tempo, prioritizing ball movement to exploit their width on the perimeter. Ennis asserted himself early, signaling a plan to stretch play with quick transitions, while the defense fought to keep the score tight. A late first-quarter triple by Sant-Roos balanced the frame as Kalinoski answered with a similar three, leaving the scoreboard tied after ten minutes (20-20).
Early in the second quarter, Murcia chased momentum with a three from McFadden and a decisive play by Hakanson. Birgander and Radovic anchored the paint against Unicaja, whose fatigue showed as theSpanish side tried to sustain a mini-run. A 0-5 burst from Ibon Navarro’s men flipped the tone briefly, as Ejim and Djedovic sparked a response from Murcia. Diagné and Ennis were kept in reserve for stretches, leaving Sito Alonso’s team to press from the arc as the halftime whistle approached with a slim deficit (37-41).
A closely watched exchange continued into the third period. Sant-Roos and Radovic helped UCAM re-enter the fray after the break, and Murcia aimed to establish its rhythm. But mistakes began to nibble away at their chances, and a late third-quarter push from Unicaja, via Will Thomas and Carter, widened the gap again. Murcia’s defense tightened at times, yet the visitors managed to maintain a lead as the frame closed (56-60).
The fourth quarter demanded mental grit from UCAM. Unicaja opened a 58-67 gap, then drove the distance to 62-74, testing Murcia’s nerve. Kurucs, challenged by recent World Cup form, faced trouble on the ball, while Djedovic and Carter punished loose possessions. Yet the Murcians pushed back with renewed resolve: a 6-0 run, a defensive stand, and a late surge that kept dreams alive as the crowd roared. Despite the eight new faces, UCAM’s core character shone through in those critical moments, refusing to concede without a fight.
With one minute remaining, questions about how to crown a dramatic finish loomed. A three-pointer by Sleva could have tipped the balance, but the attempt missed, leaving Unicaja ahead and Murcians staring at the final moments. A key free by Ennis narrowed the gap to 74-77, and Sleva again looked for the crucial strike, only to see Alberto Díaz answer with a late score that sealed the result at 74-79. The final horn confirmed Unicaja’s triumph and UCAM Murcia’s valiant, unforgettable effort.
The night closed with the crowd’s roar echoing through the arena, a reminder of the passion that defines this trophy and the relentless spirit of the teams that battle for it. The commentary and reactions from fans and media alike praised the intensity and heart shown by UCAM Murcia, even in defeat, as they leave a lasting imprint on this season’s opening scene. (Source: Liga Endesa)
One step forward in defense
Radovic helped stem the slide as Birgander used his height to provide air and balance for Murcia. Encouraged by the home support, the Murcians pushed forward, seeking to disrupt Unicaja’s rhythm on both ends. A 6-0 run tied the contest and breathed new life into the home team, prompting a timeout from the opposing coach. Murcia continued to attack, finding a new level of intensity in defense and transition, even as Birgander picked up his fourth foul, threatening to limit him on the floor. The crowd’s tempo rose even higher as the period wore on, and the arena’s atmosphere became electric as the teams traded baskets and stops. The frame finished with a narrow gap, signaling a late run could decide the outcome.
In the final stretch, Unicaja applied pressure with Diop, Alberto Díaz, and Cartaer carving into the Murcian defense at the start of the last period. The Andalusians opened a 10-point lead, forcing UCAM to gamble with riskier plays. Errant passes and contested attempts amplified the tension, yet Murcian persistence kept the door open. Djedovic and Carter closed down opportunities on multiple possessions, quieting the crowd momentarily, but Murcia refused to surrender. Even with a late surge from UCAM, the scoreboard kept slipping away, leaving them with a 12-point margin near the finish. Still, the fight persisted, a testament to the team’s character and the supporters’ unwavering faith.
How do you score a goal with one minute left in the game? Of course, you find a way in the film room and then execute on court, as the moment deserved a dramatic finish. A last possession attempt by Sleva from the corner produced a hopeful arc, but the effort fell short, and Unicaja held on for the win, 74-79. The night belonged to the visitors, but UCAM Murcia proved they belong among the title contenders, with energy, courage, and a belief that sharpened their approach as they moved forward in the competition.
An ending where the effort was clear to see. As the minutes wore on, Murcia’s belief grew stronger, aided by Ennis’ basket and Hakanson’s crucial save. A timeout from Navarro came at 70-77, signaling that every possession mattered. Sito Alonso’s squad had two chances to tighten the score in the closing minutes, and Sleva’s long-range attempt would have changed the course, but the ball didn’t cooperate this time. Ennis nailed a late free throw to inch Murcia closer, and though Sleva connected again from deep, Alberto Díaz’s late buffer left the final tally at 74-79. Unicaja’s advantage proved insurmountable, sealing the outcome and the path to the final.