Unicaja Stops UCAM Murcia in Jaén, Wins First Alfonso Sánchez Trophy (74-69)

UCAM Murcia arrived in Jaén with three victories in three games, all by more than twenty points. They left with their first summer defeat and the feeling of having been close until the final second. Unicaja claimed the first Alfonso Sánchez Trophy 74-69 at Olivo Arena, in front of around 2,000 fans.

A game of runs

The first half belonged to Murcia for a good stretch. Three-pointers from Nakic and Souley Boum gave control to Sito Alonso's team, who led by as much as six (29-35).

The Málaga response came just before halftime and was emphatic: a 13-0 run driven by six consecutive points from Cameron Hunt and three-pointers from Amine Noua, who finished with three in the game. The teams went into halftime at 42-35.

After the break, another turnaround. Three consecutive three-pointers from Boum and a free throw gave UCAM the lead back (47-48), although Unicaja reasserted itself in the final stretch of the third quarter (59-54).

The finish that almost got away

The fourth quarter started with another Málaga run to an eleven-point lead (65-54), but UCAM refused to quit. Cate led the comeback attempt and kept the game uncertain until the final seconds.

There, Unicaja kept its composure and secured the victory from the free throw line, with David Kravish converting the decisive plays for the 74-69 final.

Amine Noua was Málaga's leading scorer with 15 points and one of the most decisive players in the game.

What it means for each team

For Unicaja, this is a victory that comes at a good time. Txus Vidorreta's team had just suffered a heavy 74-113 loss to Real Madrid at the Carpena, a game that exposed their lack of an intimidating big man, and here they competed and won against a team on a roll.

For UCAM, the first defeat after beating Albacete, Boca Juniors, and MoraBanc Andorra. Nothing to worry about in September, and especially not against a rival of this caliber.

Both teams' schedules now point toward the start of the league season. Unicaja will play one final warm-up game at Monbus Obradoiro before making their Liga Endesa debut on September 27 against Real Madrid at Movistar Arena.