The path to the semifinals will be decided in Murcia. UCAM delivered a composed performance at the Palau, defeating Barcelona 87-90 and earning the right to play the decisive third game at home. Led by the duo of David DeJulius (22 points) and Kelan Martin (18 points), Sito Alonso's team controlled large stretches of the game. Barcelona showed character in the final minutes, but failed to replicate the quality displayed on Tuesday in Murcia and it wasn't enough.
UCAM Murcia's start to the game was noteworthy. Sito Alonso's team, sharp from beyond the arc, took early leads (3-8 at the 2-minute mark). Jonah Radebaugh's opening three-pointer had given confidence to the Murcia squad.
The Murcia team's game plan was clear. Attack Barcelona's defense from three-point range and apply suffocating defense, preventing Barcelona from getting into rhythm. The Barcelona offense was clearly stalled (5-11 at the 5-minute mark). David DeJulius (5 points) was the best player on the court.
The entry of Joel Parra (4 points) provided a breath of fresh air for Barcelona, who, play by play, began to find their rhythm. A classic basket by Jan Vesely closed out the first quarter, bringing the blaugranas closer. However, the scoring advantage remained with the visiting team (18-22 at the 10-minute mark).
The start of the second quarter turned into a long exchange of baskets. UCAM Murcia's three-pointers were no longer falling as easily, and precisely with a three-pointer by Joel Parra (9 points), the blaugranas tied the game (29-29 at the 14-minute mark).
Sito Alonso called a timeout and got his team in order. The stoppage worked wonders for UCAM. David DeJulius (15 points) took the team on his shoulders and, with five consecutive points, the Murcia team regained the lead (32-39 at the 17-minute mark).
https://youtu.be/sRd_Yx3dW0Y?si=dWc4pdGdkBiRvTfM
The game was being played exactly how UCAM Murcia wanted it, with an uncomfortable Barcelona on the court, but looking at the scoreboard, it felt like the Murcia team had wasted a great opportunity to build a bigger lead. At halftime, a three-point advantage for the visitors (40-43 at the 20-minute mark).
After the break, Barcelona came out with more intensity. After a basket by Toko Shengelia, the blaugranas took the lead for the first time in the entire game (44-43 at the 21-minute mark). UCAM Murcia hadn't entered with the necessary intensity and Barcelona took advantage of that. With a 11-3 run, the blaugranas wanted to build distance (51-46 at the 24-minute mark).
But UCAM Murcia wasn't ready to go on vacation just yet. DeJulius continued to put on a masterclass (22 points and 5 assists), making Barcelona's defense suffer. After a three-pointer by Sander Raieste, Sito Alonso's team regained the lead (57-59 at the 27-minute mark).
The final stretch of the third quarter was not for the faint of heart. A three-pointer by Kevin Punter with five seconds remaining was answered by another from nearly half-court by Jonah Radebaugh, leaving the Murcia team up by one (66-67 at the 30-minute mark). The excitement was palpable.
Davontae Cacok and Kelan Martin took the baton from DeJulius and made their presence felt. UCAM Murcia arrived at the final minutes very focused (73-78 at the 32-minute mark). Xavi Pascual was making moves from the bench, trying to reverse the situation. Either Barcelona reacted now or the game would slip away from them.
Toko Shengelia (16 points) provided the boost Barcelona needed. The Georgian believed in the comeback and guided his teammates. A dunk by Vesely and a mid-range shot by Kevin Punter managed to turn the scoreboard around (85-84 at the 38-minute mark). The Palau went wild.
We reached the final minute tied at 87. In a strange finish, with some controversial officiating decisions, free throw accuracy could decide the outcome. Kelan Martin made both of his free throws with 13 seconds remaining, and UCAM Murcia took the game 87-90, tying the series at one. Everything will be decided in the third and final game to be played in Murcia.