Unicaja Málaga showcased its strength and depth with a commanding 85-71 victory over Casademont Zaragoza on January 4, 2025, at the Martín Carpena Arena. The match, which saw nearly 10,000 fans attend, highlighted Unicaja's determination to solidify its lead as it heads toward the Copa del Rey. The team, led by coach Ibon Navarro, came out strong, particularly during the final quarter, where they turned up the pressure with an explosive 11-0 run.
The encounter opened with both teams displaying competitive spirits. Inicially, Casademont Zaragoza looked poised under the guidance of coach Porfirio Fisac, with notable performances from Trae Bell-Haynes, who led his team’s scoring effort. Early momentum swung to Unicaja, thanks to Dylan Osetkowski, who electrified the crowd by scoring ten points in just over six minutes, setting the stage for what was to come.
From the outset, the pace was frenetic, with both teams exchanging baskets. At the end of the first quarter, the score stood at 19-15. Unicaja managed to maintain its composure and gradually widen the lead, which increased to 39-27 by halftime. Meanwhile, Zaragoza remained a formidable foe, reducing the deficit to just six points by the break.
"A drop of water, that's how it seemed Unicaja eroded the resistance of Casademont Zaragoza," remarked Diario AS, illustrating the slow but steady pressure Unicaja placed on their rivals. The momentum shift marked by aggressive defensive strategies began to show as Unicaja continued to impose its style of play.
The third quarter saw exchanges with six-point leads fluctuated between the two teams. Unicaja found moments to breathe through strong rebounding and quick transitions, yet Casademont refused to fold. Though they fell back to trail by 12 points at times, Zaragoza clawed back, giving spectators hope and excitement.
Heading to the final stretch, the emotional push of the game shifted drastically. "With more heart than legs, Casademont resisted until the last quarter," noted El Mundo Deportivo, emphasizing the toll the fast-paced game was taking on the Zaragoza players, who had recently played another match just 48 hours prior.
Unicaja, on the other hand, found strength through its depth. Tyson Pérez emerged as one of the night's stars, finishing with 11 points and 10 rebounds, demonstrating pivotal two-way play. A monumental effort from Alberto Díaz on defense compounded the difficulties for Zaragoza, limiting their scoring options and forcing turnovers.
Unicaja surged with passion, resulting not just from individual plays, but as part of coordinated team efforts. The final quarter erupted with intensity after Unicaja scored first with five points, extending their lead and establishing dominance. Within moments, the game turned decisively as they pulled away, leveraging speed and defense.
The crowd roared as Unicaja mounted their victory, reaching the match's peak with a 20-point lead, showcasing what they can achieve when all pieces are clicking. "Unicaja continues to navigate at cruising speed," Marca reported, recognizing the team's ambition and cohesive game plan.
Even as Zaragoza made late attempts with back-to-back three-pointers from players like AJ Slaughter and Miguel González, their efforts were insufficient to match Unicaja’s prowess. The score barely reflected the hard-fought battle, with the home team unwavering, sealing their twelfth victory of the season. Goals for both teams drift onwards, yet for Unicaja, they look poised to ascertain their position significantly as they prepare for their next fixture against Valencia.
With such performances, it’s evident why Unicaja stands as one of the top teams this season, cultivating hopes for future success as they embrace the challenges lying ahead. Their rhythm was hard to track, and the fans rejoiced, leaving the arena with anticipation for what’s next.