By Eurohoops team/ info@eurohoops.net
Entering the fifth clash of this year’s Round of 16, Unicaja Malaga was 9-1 in their last ten games in such phase, but the only defeat came to Galatasaray in Turkey in the 2022-23 season. Another loss was on the way, but Kameron Taylor and Tyson Carter gave the side the 80-76 victory.
Resting last week, Kendrick Perry came back on track with the right mentality, scoring a team’s high 19 points in the losing effort. David Kravish tried his best with 13 points and 8 rebounds, but he also wasn’t enough. Kameron Taylor added 11 points, 6 rebounds, and 3 assists.
Austin Wiley, who was averaging 16.6 points and 11.2 rebounds over his previous five games in the competition, ended with 15 points (6/7% FG) and 8 rebounds. Among the ones with five or more games played, he was leading the league this season with 9.5 boards per game.
The Malaga side was allowing opponents to shoot only 41.2% from the floor, which is also a league-best (lowest) this season, according to the BCL’s website; tonight, Tofas shot 49.2% FG.
Former Bayern Munich’s guard Cassius Winston was among the losing side’s best scorers with 19 points and 5 assists.
With this comeback victory, Unicaja Malaga is still unbeaten at 5-0 in the Round of 16 and will now play in the Quarter-Finals. Tofas Bursa will fight for a spot in the next phase next week.
PHOTO CREDIT: Basketball Champions League