MÁLAGA. Unicaja defeated Hiopos Lleida 91-72 in Liga Endesa action, a crucial victory to halt a five-game losing streak in the ACB and reinforce their playoff position. The major positive for the Málaga side was also the return of David Kravish, back on the court after six months sidelined with injury.
Unicaja needed an immediate response after their recent setbacks and found it in front of their home crowd at Martín Carpena. Coach Ibon Navarro's team grew stronger as the minutes passed, breaking open the game after halftime with a solid second half to secure a victory that restores confidence to the group in this decisive stretch of Liga Endesa.
The opening of the game was marked by parity. Unicaja wanted to impose pace from the opening tip, but Hiopos Lleida responded with character and found points through Melvin Ejim, highly motivated in his return to Málaga. The visiting team even took the lead (12-17), though the home rotation quickly balanced the contest and the first quarter ended tied at 19.
In the second quarter there was also no clear dominant team. Unicaja managed small scoring advantages thanks to better offensive flow, though Hiopos Lleida resisted each scoring run. The Málaga side went into halftime ahead, but with a narrow margin: 37-34.
Everything changed after the break. Unicaja raised several levels on defense, controlled the glass and accelerated the game's pace. Jonathan Barreiro was decisive in off-ball work, multiplying his efforts on defense and generating second chances. On offense, Webb III's accuracy appeared, allowing the home side to open a lead that became increasingly concerning for Hiopos Lleida.
With the game already tilted, only Oriol Paulí kept the Catalan squad afloat for several minutes. However, Unicaja's push was too relentless. The margin continued to grow until closing the third quarter with a commanding 69-48, practically decisive.
In the final period there was no room for a visiting comeback. Coach Ibon Navarro's team managed their lead, distributed minutes and maintained control until sealing the final 91-72. David Kravish's return added a particularly positive note for a Unicaja that recovers an important piece heading into the season's stretch run.
With this victory, Unicaja opens distance over the ninth-place team and keeps alive the fight to improve positions in the upper playoff zone of Liga Endesa, with the sixth spot still within reach.
The Málaga team ends their poor run just before a demanding schedule, while Hiopos Lleida continues searching to secure their place in a highly competitive season.