SINGAPORE (Singapore) - Two games, two wins for Unicaja. The Spanish juggernauts continued the tradition of temas from that country by reaching the Final of the FIBA Intercontinental Cup. This will be the fifth time in the last six editions that a team from Spain is in the championship game.
Unicaja shift gears in second period
The BCL Europe champions from Malaga defeated a fellow BCL champ, from Asia, 96-59 in their second game in Group A, to win the group on a 2-0 record.
Al Riyadi Beirut played their hearts out, but the closing minutes of the second quarter nd the opening minutes of the third were crucial. Unicaja pushed the tempo, opened up a double-digit lead and never looked back again.
Tyler Kalinoski was once again the best player for coach Ibon Navarro, coming off the bench to put up a quick 13 points in 13 minutes.
Nihad Dedovic was also effective with the second unit, getting to double digits again with 10 points, while newcomer Tyson Perez put on a solid performance with 10 points and 7 rebounds, also off the bench.
Kendrick Perry was the most productive starter with 17 points in less than 17 minutes of work.
"The main focus was to keep our energy up. We did a good job controlling the pace, controlling the flow of the game. At the beginning of the third quarter we continued that flow and it served us well. It was a signature win, us being us. We understand that there's a lot of talent here, but as long as we continue to be who we are, then I think we'll be in good shape," Perry commented on Unicaja's 27 assists on the day.
For Al Riyadi, Elmedin Kikanovic had 19 points with 8 rebounds, while Wael Arakji finished with 11 points, 4 assists, 3 rebounds, and a number of his usual tricky plays.
They will face Petro De Luanda on Saturday for the second spot in the group. The winner of that one will play the Third Place Game on Sunday, while the loser closes out the FIBA Intercontinental Cup with the battle for fifth.
First game, first win for Australia
In Group B, the Tasmania JackJumpers became the first team from Australia to win a game at the Intercontinental Cup. They had no issues against the BCL Americas champions Quimsa and raced to an 81-59 victory.
Will Magnay put on an incredible performance with 12 points, 9 rebounds, 6 of them offensive, and 5 blocks.
"We defended very well, kept them out of the paint. We're just gonna try and recover, get ready for our game (on Saturday). We're just trying to represent Australia the right way, represent Tasmania the right way. I think we did that, and hopefully we can do it again," the JackJumpers' center said.
Jordon Crawford and Milton Doyle were effective as ever from the outside, combining for 27 points on the day, while Clint Steindl knocked down three threes off the bench to finish with 10 points in 11 minutes of work.
Juan Brussino and Patricio Tabarez had 11 each for Quimsa, but they already know they will finish third in Group B, with two defeats in as many games so far in Singapore.
The JackJumpers' win sets us up for the first big do-or-die game of the event. They take on the NBA G League United team on Saturday. The winner gets a date with Unicaja in the Final, while the defeated team moves to the Third Place Game on Sunday.
FIBA