In a thrilling encounter on April 6, 2025, Unicaja de Málaga edged out Leyma Coruña with a score of 114-105, marking a significant victory in the Liga Endesa. The match was not just a battle for points but a showcase of individual brilliance, particularly from Unicaja's captain, Alberto Díaz, who delivered a record-breaking performance.
From the tip-off at the José María Martín Carpena pavilion, it was clear that both teams were in for a high-scoring affair. Leyma Coruña, struggling at the bottom of the standings with only five wins this season, began the game with a triple from Brandon Taylor, quickly putting Unicaja on alert. However, the home team responded with an impressive 8-0 run, featuring two triples from Dylan Osetkowski and Tyler Kalinoski, to take an early lead at 16-7.
As the first quarter progressed, Unicaja maintained their momentum, pushing their advantage to double digits at 23-12, thanks to contributions from Yankuba Sima and Kendrick Perry. But Leyma Coruña, determined to fight back, closed the gap to 27-22 by the end of the first quarter, with key plays from players like Silins and Thompkins.
The second quarter saw Leyma Coruña capitalize on a 0-11 run, briefly taking the lead at 27-29. Unicaja, however, regained control with a timely triple from Kalinoski, marking Alberto Díaz's 1000th assist in Liga Endesa, and finished the half with a narrow lead of 51-49.
After halftime, Leyma Coruña's Thompkins took charge, helping his team to a 53-59 lead early in the third quarter. Despite the pressure, Unicaja responded with a surge, with Díaz orchestrating the offense and contributing significantly to the scoreline. By the end of the third quarter, Unicaja had reclaimed the lead at 81-77.
The final quarter was a nail-biter, with both teams trading baskets. Unicaja managed to stretch their lead to 87-79, but Leyma Coruña kept the pressure on, reducing the deficit to just two points at 93-91. In a crucial moment, Djedovic hit a three-pointer to extend Unicaja's lead to 98-93, followed by Perry's impressive 2+1 play, which made it 104-98.
With just 25 seconds remaining, Kam Taylor sealed the victory for Unicaja with a clutch three-pointer, bringing the score to 111-105. Ultimately, the game ended with a final score of 114-105, allowing Unicaja to celebrate a much-needed victory.
Alberto Díaz's performance was nothing short of spectacular. He recorded 13 assists, setting a new personal best and breaking the club's all-time assist record with 1,412 assists, surpassing the legendary Berni Rodríguez. His contributions were pivotal, earning him the MVP title for the game with a valuation of 25, alongside 9 points and 5 rebounds.
Other notable performances for Unicaja included Kendrick Perry, who led the scoring with 14 points, and Melvin Ejim, contributing 13 points. Osetkowski, Kalinoski, and Sima each added 12 points, showcasing a well-rounded offensive effort that equaled Unicaja's best home scoring record in history.
This match also marked a historic moment for the Liga Endesa, with a combined score of 217 points, making it the highest-scoring game since 2005 without overtime.
Unicaja's head coach, Ibon Navarro, expressed relief and satisfaction after the game, noting the importance of this victory as they prepare for their upcoming quarterfinal matchup against Reggiana in the Basketball Champions League on April 9, 2025. The win not only boosts morale but also positions Unicaja favorably as they aim to solidify their standing in the league.
Despite the loss, Leyma Coruña fought valiantly, with Thompkins leading their scoring efforts with 22 points. However, their defensive struggles were evident, and they will need to regroup quickly as they look to improve their chances of avoiding relegation in the coming weeks.
As the dust settles on this high-octane matchup, both teams will reflect on the lessons learned. For Unicaja, the focus shifts to consistency and defensive improvements, while Leyma Coruña must harness the competitive spirit displayed in this game as they battle for survival in the league.
