In a thrilling game at the Martín Carpena, Real Madrid edged out Unicaja Málaga with a score of 105-107, confirming their position at the top of the Liga ACB. The match highlighted not only the brilliance of the Madrid team but also the resilience of Unicaja, who led for most of the game.
The match began with both teams showing their strengths. After a tight first quarter where Madrid held a slight lead at 25-21, Unicaja picked up momentum in the second quarter, led by stellar three-point shooting, closing out the half with a narrow 48-46 lead. Forward Dylan Osetkowski was particularly effective, scoring three-pointers with smooth precision.
Unicaja's dominance peaked in the third quarter, extending their lead to 12 points at 78-66 with standout performances from Tyson Carter and Osetkowski, who scored 24 and 22 points, respectively. Carter's strong performance in the second half was a critical part of Unicaja's strategy, as he made 4 out of 7 three-point attempts. However, despite their lead, the home team failed to secure the win.
As the fourth quarter began, Real Madrid found themselves trailing by ten points. In a dramatic turn of events, Coach Chus Mateo made tactical adjustments, deploying a smaller lineup that proved pivotal. Usman Garuba, who scored 18 points and snagged 8 rebounds, helped initiate a comeback. The Madrid squad launched an impressive rally outscoring Unicaja 39-27 in the final quarter. In a crucial moment, Dzanan Musa set the tone by scoring consistently, adding to his tally of 24 points, 4 rebounds, and 6 assists.
The game reached its climax in the dying seconds when Carter had a chance to win it for Unicaja. After a missed free throw from Real Madrid's Sergio Llull, Carter took a long-range three-pointer that hit the rim multiple times before bouncing out, sealing the hard-fought victory for Madrid. His effort showcased the nail-biting tension that defined this matchup.
Real Madrid's victory marked their twelfth consecutive win in Liga Endesa, reinforcing their lead in the standings. Notably, they will face Olimpia Milan in the Euroleague on Tuesday, March 25 at 20:45, followed by a game against Estrella Roja on Friday, March 28 at 20:30, making this triumph even more significant as they gear up for intense competition ahead.
Chus Mateo acknowledged the challenge of facing such a competitive team: “We had to dig deep to win this one. Unicaja played very well, and we had to adjust our game significantly in the second half to secure the victory,” concluded Mateo after the match.
Despite the loss, Unicaja's coach, Ibon Navarro, expressed pride in his team's performance, noting they had pushed Real Madrid to the edge, a testament to their growth throughout the season. “We made a lot of progress in this game, even in defeat,” remarked Navarro.
In terms of individual performances, Walter Tavares also made a significant contribution for Madrid with 14 points and 10 rebounds. His presence in the paint was felt by the Unicaja players, who often found it challenging to score inside against his height and skill.
Moreover, Unicaja made history by breaking the Liga Endesa record for three-pointers made in a game, sinking 23 of their 43 attempts. This remarkable feat reflects their strategic emphasis on perimeter shooting in today's game, showcasing their ability to adapt and thrive in high-pressure conditions.
As fans left the Martín Carpena, the mix of disappointment and pride was palpable. Unicaja had fought valiantly but came up just short. On the other hand, Real Madrid is building momentum as they prepare for crucial matches in both the domestic league and European competitions.
This match will be remembered as not just another game, but as a pivotal moment that illustrates the grit and determination from both teams. It sets the stage for an exciting remainder of the Liga Endesa season and highlights the unpredictable nature of basketball.
