Unicaja lifts its first FIBA ​​Champions League at the expense of Lenovo Tenerife

UCAM Murcia, third, secured the Spanish podium in Belgrade

MADRID, 28 Abr. (EUROPA PRESS) -

Unicaja was proclaimed champion of the FIBA ​​Champions this Sunday by beating Lenovo Tenerife (75-80) in the final at the Beogradska Arena in Belgrade, while third place went to UCAM Murcia, which beat (84-87) the Greek Peristeri.

The eighth edition of the tournament once again had a Spanish color. Unicaja achieved its first victory, to recover the honeys of European success since they won the Eurocup in 2017, also champions of the FIBA ​​Korac Cup in 2001. Ibon Navarro's team had more resources and more defense in a new chapter of the great modern rivalry between both teams.

Those from Malaga, who beat the Canaries last year in the Copa del Rey final and in the League quarter-final playoffs, took little time to take the reins and started the second half with a 27-41 lead. Those from Txus Vidorreta rowed until the end, but failed in search of their third Champions League (2017, 2022).

The Canaries were condemned by losses in the first half, up to 14, although with a medium success on both teams, the score remained even. Unicaja moved better in attack and punished those recoveries to end the first half with a good advantage (27-38). Three triples by Nihad Dedovic after the restart extended Navarro's lead to 15 points.

Again, as in the semifinals, the black and gold team relied on Kyle Guy, Marcelinho Huertas and Giorgi Shermadini, but the exchange of blows was of no use. Vidorreta's team tightened their defense and tightened the score (50-54), but the extra wear and tear of trailing was noticeable. In addition, Unicaja found shooters like Kendrick Perry and Tyson Carter to maintain the lead.

Those from La Laguna endured their effort and faith in the game, but Unicaja, which commands the Endesa League in a high-class season, did not hesitate to tie its European throne. After the Copa del Rey last year, Ibon Navarro's team continues to be a winning team, warning for the league playoffs.

In the consolation final, UCAM Murcia, who had lost to the Malaga team in the semifinal on Thursday, equaled the third place they achieved in 2018. Sito Alonso's men entered the game that no one wants to play with more energy, with 27 points in the first quarter, and they clearly maintained the lead until the third quarter.

The reaction of Vasileios Spanoulis's Peristeri pushed the game to a heart-stopping outcome, but Ludvig Hakanson, 22 points, came forward from the triple to ensure the victory of UCAM and the Spanish podium in this Champions League in Belgrade.