Unicaja Extends its Run, Gaining Ground in the Endesa League Playoffs
As the season stretched further, Unicaja announced its return to the sport’s premier stage. In the Endesa League quarterfinals, they overwhelmed Lenovo Tenerife with authority in the second game of the series, reclaiming a moment last achieved six years ago when they reached the semi finals. The win sets up a clash with either Barcelona or Valencia Basket for a spot in the final.
For the crowded Martin Carpena arena, the victory reinforced Unicaja’s return to the top four of the ACB for the first time since 2017, a breakthrough achieved the same year they eliminated Tenerife in a dramatic 2-1 series. The home team celebrated with energy as fans roared, recognizing a milestone that has long eluded them in recent seasons.
Tenerife, opening with a burst of three-pointers, showed the warning signs of a difficult night for Unicaja. Coach Txus Vidorreta’s group needed a win to force a decisive third game, and their early success hinted at a challenging evening for the home side. Yet the game quickly tilted, as Unicaja’s defense began to stifle the visitors and the atmosphere inside the arena intensified.
From rebounding battles to a hard fought perimeter duel, Malaga’s side fought close to the rim. It was clear that the teams were more than their shooters; they were powered by effort, consistency, and the willingness to grind for every point in the lane.
In the first stretch Tenerife managed to grab early momentum, forcing Ibon Navarro to call a timeout as the score stood 13-22. The opening period remained tight into the second frame, with Unicaja struggling to find rhythm on many of their attempts, largely due to Tenerife’s disciplined defense.
Early in the second period Unicaja found a spark, scoring five straight points through Tyler Kalinoski and Dylan Osetkowski to pull within a single possession, 21-22, and swing the Carpena crowd into a frenzy. The home team’s renewed intensity paid off, and the momentum swung decisively in favor of Unicaja as the second quarter progressed.
Proceeding through the second quarter, Unicaja translated that energy into a strong offensive burst. The team’s efficiency surged, and by halftime they led comfortably, 50-36, after a stretch that highlighted their better shooting and sharper ball movement. The bench provided valuable support, and the club’s collective effort began to wear down Tenerife as the game moved into the second half.
The break did little to slow Unicaja, who emerged with renewed purpose after the intermission. Kendrick Perry played a pivotal role, while Kalinoski continued to contribute in clutch moments. Tenerife, meanwhile, faced a mounting challenge as their attempts to close the gap were repeatedly thwarted by Unicaja’s cohesive defense and timely scoring.
Moments from the third quarter illustrated the home side’s control, with Perry and Kalinoski delivering key baskets that kept Tenerife at arm’s length. The crowd remained vocal, feeding the team’s confidence as Unicaja stretched the advantage and began to dictate the tempo on both ends of the floor.
Several highlight plays punctuated the night, including a sequence that showcased Kalinoski’s all-around impact and Perry’s leadership. Tenerife fought to stay within striking distance, yet Unicaja’s defense and efficient offense proved too much to overcome as the game moved toward its final stretches.
The final period unfolded with Unicaja maintaining command, sealing an emphatic win. Tenerife’s scoring attempts found fewer clean looks, while Unicaja extended their run and ensured a clear victory margin, signaling a strong position heading into the semi finals. The win marked a pivotal moment in the season for Unicaja, signaling a serious push toward the league final.
During the post-game atmosphere, the two teams and their fans recognized the significance of the moment. The crowd roused in appreciation for the sustained effort and the spectacle of playoff basketball, while players from both sides reflected on a demanding series that tested resilience and teamwork. The semifinal matchup would see Unicaja face the winner of the Barça versus Valencia Basket tie, a contest that will determine who advances in the championship pursuit.
Data sheet:
97- Unicaja (13+37+26+21): Perry (16), Kalinoski (21), Djedovic (9), Osetkowski (10), Kravish (6) -top five- Sima (0), Ejim (12), Carter (5), Thomas (2), Brizuela (13).
74- Lenovo Tenerife (22+14+21+17): Huertas (12), Bolmaro (11), Salin (13), Sastre (0), Guerra (6) -top five- Jaime Fernandez (0), Fitipaldo (0), Doornekamp (13), Cook (3), Shermadini (3), Diagnosis (6).
Referees: Emilio Pérez Pizarro, Luis Miguel Castillo and Cristóbal Sánchez. Kendrick Perry was fouled out after accumulating too many personal fouls.
Events: The second match of the Endesa League quarter-final drew a crowd of 10,600 at the José María Martín Carpena Pavilion. Before the match, the Málaga Costa del Sol women’s handball team was honored after clinching their league title the day prior. The atmosphere reflected a climate of growth and competitive energy surrounding Spanish basketball.