By Eurohoops team/ info@eurohoops.net
Unicaja proved that lightning can strike twice. After beating Barcelona in the quarterfinals, the team from Malaga prevailed over Real Madrid (93-82) and secured a spot in Sunday’s final.
David Kravish with 20 points led a balanced team effort for the winning side, while Dylan Osetkowski added 14 and both Unicaja big men had a good game against Edy Tavares.
Real Madrid‘s center who got also cut on the eyebrows had 19 points and three blocks, but couldn’t hold back Unicaja.
Tyson Carter with 12 points and Tyler Kalinoski with 11 also made crucial plays down the stretch, as their team dominated the second half of the game.
Sergio Llull missed the game due to injury, but still, nothing worked for Madrid. Gabriel Deck added 15 points and Dzanan Musa had 10, finishing the game on the bench after a hard fall on the floor that made him momentarily lose his balance.
After a tied first half at 39, Malaga led even by 14 points (78-64) at the start of the fourth quarter while Real Madrid couldn’t get closer than eight (80-72) while shooting 3/21 threes.
Tenerife steals the win in Badalona
Reaching the final for the first time in team history, Lenovo Tenerife survived a crazy battle with a 73-72 victory against tournament host Joventut Badalona.
With time running out for Carles Duran’s side, a solid defensive effort culminating in a game-winning rejection by Tim Abromaitis sealed the deal. Elgin Cook previously scored his only two points off an assist by Bruno Fitipaldo for the slim lead with 3.9 seconds on the clock.
Marcelo Huertas tallied 15 points with Jaime Fernandez and Sasu Salin adding 13 points each, and Giorgi Shermadini putting up 12 points. Hurting his left hand in the recent FIBA Intercontinental Cup triumph, Joan Sastre was not available for Txus Vidorreta.
Joel Parra logging a career-high 26 points was not enough for the home side.
Copa del Rey
Quarterfinals (16-17/2)
Real Madrid – Valencia 86-85
FC Barcelona – Unicaja 87-89 OT (76-76)
Lenovo Tenerife – Gran Canaria 89-73
Joventut Badalona – Cazoo Baskonia 94-81
Semifinals (18/2)
Real Madrid – Unicaja 82-93
Joventut Badalona – Lenovo Tenerife 72-73
Final (19/2)
Unicaja – Lenovo Tenerife (19:00 CET)