Unicaja Defeats ALBA Berlin in Overtime to Reach Basketball Champions League Final Four (85-88)

BERLIN — Unicaja defeated ALBA Berlin 85-88 in overtime in the second game of the Basketball Champions League quarterfinals, securing their place in the BCL Final Four, which will be held in Badalona. The Málaga side resolved an extremely tight contest in extra time after a tense final stretch of regulation.

The matchup began with close competition between ALBA Berlin and Unicaja in this Basketball Champions League series. Both teams traded leads throughout much of the game, with the Málaga side finding crucial scoring from Nihad Djedovic, Emir Sulejmanovic, and Chris Duarte, while the Germans stayed competitive offensively thanks to Jack Kayil's production.

The final stretch of regulation was completely dramatic. With Unicaja ahead 72-74, Jack Kayil hit a three-pointer that brought ALBA Berlin within two points.

On the next possession, Kayil himself was fouled with 2.4 seconds on the clock. The young player missed the first free throw and intentionally missed the second to pursue an offensive rebound. He succeeded, was fouled again with 1.8 seconds remaining, and this time converted both free throws to tie the game.

After Tyler Kalinoski's miss at the buzzer, the game went to overtime.

In the extra period, Unicaja showed greater composure in crucial moments. The Spanish team controlled possessions better and capitalized on their free throw accuracy to open a small gap on the scoreboard, reaching 88-80.

ALBA Berlin added drama to the finish. O'Connell made two free throws and missed the third when the score read 85-88, attempting to create one final opportunity to force another overtime. However, the German team failed to get the final basket and Unicaja secured the victory.

Individually, Nihad Djedovic led Unicaja with 17 points, followed by Emir Sulejmanovic with 15, Chris Duarte with 13, and Kendrick Perry with 11.

For ALBA Berlin, Jack Kayil was the standout performer with 22 points and orchestrated the spectacular finish to regulation. J'Wan Roberts added 13 points and Norris Agbakoko contributed 10.

With this Basketball Champions League victory, Unicaja secures their ticket to the Badalona Final Four, where they will face the winner of the third game of the series between AEK and Joventut.