Murcia, Spain – UCAM Murcia advanced to the semifinals of the FIBA Europe Cup on Thursday, defeating Pallacanestro Reggiana in a hard-fought quarterfinal matchup. Despite a determined effort from the Italian side, Murcia ultimately prevailed, showcasing their strength and experience in a 79-72 victory at the Palasport Giulio Bigi in Reggio Emilia. The game, played before a crowd of 3,285, saw several lead changes and a spirited comeback attempt from Reggiana, but Murcia’s control of the boards and late-game three-point shooting proved decisive.
The contest was a defensive battle early on, with both teams struggling to uncover offensive rhythm. Reggiana established a slight advantage in the first quarter, fueled by a more intense defensive approach. However, Murcia responded midway through the second period with an 11-0 run, briefly taking the lead. Reggiana managed to contain the surge, but the first half concluded with Murcia holding a narrow 28-27 lead, indicative of the tight, nervy atmosphere.
Murcia began the third quarter strongly, extending their lead to as many as seven points with another quick scoring burst. Reggiana coach Priftis called a timeout to strive and stem the tide, and the adjustment worked. Led by a strong performance from Echenique, along with contributions from Woldetensae and Caupain, Reggiana battled back to within two points (42-40) heading into the final quarter.
The fourth quarter saw Reggiana briefly regain the lead with a basket from Uglietti, but Murcia quickly responded with a decisive 15-4 run. This late surge, punctuated by key three-pointers, proved too much for Reggiana to overcome. While Reggiana fought until the final buzzer, Murcia maintained control, securing their place in the next round of the FIBA Europe Cup.
Key Stats and Performances
UCAM Murcia was led by a balanced scoring attack, with De Julius and Radebaugh each contributing 14 points. Cacok and Sant-Roos added 11 points apiece. Murcia’s dominance on the glass was a key factor in their victory, finishing with 49 rebounds compared to Reggiana’s 43. They shot 7 of 34 from beyond the arc and 16 of 19 from the free-throw line.
For Pallacanestro Reggiana, Echenique stood out with 15 points, while Caupain added 11. However, several key players struggled to find their rhythm, including Barford, who was hampered by a back issue, and Thor. Reggiana shot 4 of 17 from three-point range and 11 of 15 from the free-throw line.
Game Details and Turning Points
The game’s momentum shifted several times, but Murcia’s ability to control the boards and capitalize on Reggiana’s offensive struggles in the fourth quarter proved to be the difference. The 15-4 run late in the fourth quarter effectively sealed the victory for the Spanish side. Reggiana’s inability to consistently knock down three-pointers also hampered their comeback efforts. The box score reveals a close contest, but Murcia’s execution in critical moments ultimately prevailed.
The officiating crew consisted of Nemanja Ninkovic (SRB), Mehmet Karabilecen (TUR), and Janis Rozenbergs (LAT), with Ales Kamnikar (SLO) serving as the Commissioner/Technical Delegate.
What’s Next for UCAM Murcia?
With this victory, UCAM Murcia advances to the semifinals of the FIBA Europe Cup. Their next opponent will be determined following the conclusion of the remaining quarterfinal matchups. Details regarding the semifinal schedule, including dates, times, and venues, will be announced by FIBA Europe in the coming days. Fans can stay updated on the FIBA Europe Cup website: https://www.fiba.basketball/en/events/fiba-europe-cup-25-26.
For Pallacanestro Reggiana, the loss marks the end of their FIBA Europe Cup campaign. They will now turn their attention back to domestic competition, with their next game scheduled for [date and opponent to be confirmed].
The game highlighted the competitive nature of the FIBA Europe Cup, showcasing the talent and determination of teams from across Europe. While Reggiana’s journey ends here, their spirited performance demonstrated their potential and provided a valuable experience for the team.
