Unicaja Málaga has booked its spot in the Copa del Rey final for the fifth time following their triumphant 90-83 victory over La Laguna Tenerife on Saturday. The match, held at the Gran Canaria Arena, showcased Unicaja's resilience and skill as they maneuvered through tough competition to secure their ticket to the final, where they will face the winner of the matchup between Real Madrid and Dreamland Gran Canaria.
The game was marked by significant contributions from key players, especially Yankuba Sima, who recorded 21 points and 8 rebounds, showcasing his dominance under the boards. Sima's performance was pivotal, especially during the third quarter, where Unicaja outscored Tenerife 34-21, effectively taking control of the match.
Unicaja started strong, establishing an initial lead fueled by their interior game, which allowed them to score 42 points in the paint throughout the contest. They took advantage of their height and speed, led by Sima and complemented by solid plays from other team members. He, along with Kameron Taylor, who added 12 points and provided key defensive plays, helped Unicaja solidify its position as the match progressed.
Despite trailing by 15 points at the start of the final quarter, Tenerife fought back fiercely, narrowing the gap to just four points within the final two minutes. Marcelinho Huertas, who scored 18 points for Tenerife, played a significant role as he orchestrated the offense and kept his teammates motivated. His efforts, combined with Fran Guerra's 16 points, demonstrated Tenerife's fighting spirit and ability to capitalize on Unicaja's occasional lapses.
The dynamics between the two teams were evident, with Unicaja leveraging their tactical prowess under coach Ibon Navarro. The team's game plan centered around utilizing their physicality and superior rebounding skills, which became more pronounced as the game progressed. After a back-and-forth first half, where Tenerife led 39-38 at halftime, Unicaja made the necessary adjustments, particularly defensively.
Alberto Díaz emerged as another standout performer, contributing 13 points, including several three-pointer shots during pivotal moments. He helped shift the momentum against Tenerife, particularly during the second half when Unicaja began to find their shooting rhythm from beyond the arc, tallying up to 10 made three-pointers compared to their earlier struggles.
Tenerife's strategy appeared to rely heavily on their ability to control the game pace through strong perimeter shooting and ball movement, but they struggled to counter Unicaja's defensive pressure as the match wore on. The combination of aggressive rebounding and effective ball distribution by Unicaja stifled their efforts, leading to multiple turnovers and missed shots from the aurinegro squad.
Head coach Txus Vidorreta of Tenerife expressed his disappointment post-match but credited his team's resilience throughout the game. 'We capitalized on our chances, but we couldn’t contain their bursts of scoring, particularly in the third quarter where they really turned it up,' he noted.
The final moments of the match saw both teams showing the pressure of high stakes, with Unicaja maintaining their composure under intense scrutiny from the Tenerife side. Despite the spirited attempt to rally back by Tenerife, including clutch shooting from players like Bruno Fitipaldo, the unyielding defense and strategic play by Unicaja kept them just out of reach of making the complete comeback.
With this victory, Unicaja aims for their third Copa del Rey title, last winning the championship two years prior. The team's strong showing and depth have fueled hopes among their faithful supporters who witnessed another exciting chapter of their storied legacy. Fans celebrated as chants of 'Málaga, Málaga' echoed throughout the arena, signaling their devotion and belief in the team's quest for glory.
They will now prepare for the final, set to take place at 20:00 (local time) on Sunday, facing either Gran Canaria or Real Madrid, both teams known for their competitive spirits. Whichever team emerges victorious against these formidable opponents, the stage is now set for what promises to be another thrilling display of Spanish basketball.
Unicaja's performance not only reflects their tactical evolution but highlights their ability to perform under pressure, making them formidable contenders as they pursue the Copa del Rey title once more.