Murcia, Spain – Pallacanestro Reggiana travels to Spain on Wednesday, March 18, for a pivotal game against UCAM Murcia in the return leg of the FIBA Europe Cup quarter-finals. The game, scheduled for 8:30 PM local time (7:30 PM UTC) at the Palacio de los Deportes in Murcia, will determine which team advances to the semi-finals of the tournament.
The Italian side faces a slight uphill battle after a narrow 85-84 defeat in the first leg at the PalaBigi. However, Reggiana enters the contest buoyed by a hard-fought 102-99 victory over Dinamo Sassari on Sunday in Italy’s Serie A league, a game marked by a strong comeback performance. UCAM Murcia also comes into the match with momentum, having defeated Gran Canaria 87-76 at home, solidifying their fourth-place position in Spain’s Liga ACB.
Reggiana coach Dimitris Priftis acknowledged the challenge ahead, stating, “We are facing a high-level team again after just seven days. We know Murcia well, and they know us.” He also highlighted the physical demands on his team, adding, “We come from a demanding away game in Sassari, both physically and logistically, and we would have preferred more time to recover.”
Priftis emphasized the need for his team to match Murcia’s physicality and maintain focus throughout the game. “In the previous game, we showed that we can compete, but to stay in the game, it will be crucial to match their physicality and maintain a high level of concentration. We must limit errors and poor choices, avoiding letting the rhythm of the game increase in moments that could favor them,” he said. “The goal is to stay in the game as long as possible and reach the complete with the opportunity to play our cards. We go to Spain with confidence and awareness, knowing that we are not the favorites.”
The officiating crew for the game will consist of Zafer Yilmaz (Turkey), Zdenko Tomasovic (Slovakia), and Diogo Martins (Portugal). Fans can watch the game live on the FIBA YouTube channel. [1]
This return leg is crucial for Pallacanestro Reggiana, as a win would see them progress to the semi-finals of the FIBA Europe Cup, continuing their European campaign. The first leg was a tightly contested affair, with both teams trading leads throughout the game. The final score of 85-84 indicates just how close the match was, and Reggiana will need to replicate that level of competitiveness – and perhaps improve upon it – to secure a victory on Spanish soil.
The team’s recent Serie A win against Dinamo Sassari provides a positive boost in morale. The 102-99 victory was a come-from-behind effort, demonstrating Reggiana’s resilience and ability to perform under pressure. This will be a key attribute they’ll need to carry into the game against Murcia.
UCAM Murcia, meanwhile, will be looking to capitalize on their home-court advantage. Their recent win against Gran Canaria demonstrates their strong form in the Liga ACB, and they will be confident of securing a victory in front of their home fans. The Palacio de los Deportes is expected to be filled with passionate supporters, creating a challenging atmosphere for the visiting Reggiana team.
The game is expected to be a physical battle, with both teams boasting strong players and aggressive playing styles. Reggiana will need to find ways to contain Murcia’s key offensive threats while also maximizing their own scoring opportunities. Controlling the tempo of the game and minimizing turnovers will be crucial for both sides.
Beyond the FIBA Europe Cup, Pallacanestro Reggiana also has domestic commitments. The club has announced that tickets are available for their upcoming Serie A match against Virtus Bologna on Sunday, March 22, at the PalaBigi, with tip-off scheduled for 7:30 PM local time. Tickets can be purchased online via Vivaticket or at the StoRE in Piazza Prampolini. [1]
Following the game in Murcia, all eyes will be on the outcome and its implications for both teams’ seasons. A win for Reggiana would represent a significant achievement, while a victory for Murcia would further solidify their position as a contender in the FIBA Europe Cup. The stakes are high, and fans can expect a thrilling contest between two talented and determined teams.
What’s Next: Pallacanestro Reggiana will return to Italy to prepare for their Serie A matchup against Virtus Bologna on March 22nd. The outcome of the Murcia game will undoubtedly influence the team’s mindset heading into that domestic fixture.
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