Asisa Joventut Suffers Crushing Defeat to UCAM Murcia (67-89)

This week has been a nightmare for Joventut. Key injuries are affecting the team's performance, and following their loss in Athens against AEK in continental competition, they failed to compete today against UCAM, a direct rival in the ACB playoff race. While not diminishing the solid performance by Alonso's squad, the Catalans played an unworthy game. Although the visitors' work was collective, Radebaugh emerged as the most valuable player.

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An exchange of blows in the opening minutes at the Olímpic de Badalona, where Hanga stood out with a strong performance. However, the green-and-blacks were committing numerous offensive turnovers which, combined with back-to-back three-pointers from Radebaugh, allowed UCAM to take a momentary lead on the scoreboard (8-10 min, 5). Once again, Radebaugh and also Forrest connected from beyond the arc to keep their team ahead. For their part, Asisa Joventut's first successful three-pointer came with just under two minutes left in the first quarter, courtesy of Ruzic.

Although points came slowly in the opening stretches of the second half, the sense was that Sito Alonso's team was more engaged in the game; good work now from Cata. Miret didn't hesitate to call a timeout, seeing his players not reacting and finding difficulties on both offense and defense. The extremely low three-point percentage from the Catalans is taking its toll and could be a burden if the game continues with this dynamic (21-27, min. 15). Once again, two three-pointers, this time from Nakic, put UCAM up 12; DeJulius is also standing out for Murcia. The performance from Badalona's team is uncharacteristic of the season they've been having, beyond the key injuries. The minutes pass and the dynamic remains with Asisa in disarray and out of the game.

After the break, Murcia continues to extend its lead and, in fact, a three-pointer from Martin puts them up 22; a difference that, before the game started, could have seemed unrealistic between two rivals of similar level. Radebaugh continues to add to his personal scoring total with another three-pointer; UCAM keeps fighting despite the clear superiority on the scoreboard (34-57, min. 25). For the home team, only Kraag is putting up any kind of fight in these minutes. Forrest connects from three to go over 20 ahead again.

Given the game's dynamic that broke down many minutes ago, this final quarter will only weigh on the green-and-blacks who haven't competed beyond the opening moments and, possibly, have their minds on next Tuesday's matchup. However, the attitude and lack of ability shown today could hurt them heading into that game and the rest of the season (55-78, min. 36). It's worth noting the merit of the Murcia players who continue to fight on the court despite the overwhelming away victory; in the final two minutes they have time to add two more three-pointers, from Falk and, once again, Radebaugh. Kraag and Hakanson answer back.

BOX SCORE

Asisa Joventut 67: Hakanson (9), Hanga (8), Drell (7), Kraag (10), Ruzic (12)- starting five- Rubio (7), Parker (8), Allen (6), Ruiz (-), and Niebla (-).

UCAM Murcia 89: DeJulius (11), Radebaugh (17), Falk (9), Martin (7), Cacok (8)- starting five- Forrest (13), Sant-Roos (8), Cate (-), López de la Torre (-), Diagne (2), Ennis (4) and Nakic (10).

Quarters: 15-18, 15-27, 19-23, 18-21.

Referees: Serrano, Torres, Fernández Carretero

Notes: Game corresponding to matchday 25 of the Endesa regular season played at the Olímpic de Badalona before 4,709 spectators. Cacok ejected for personal fouls.