UCAM Murcia Faces Peristeri in Basketball Champions League Group D Lead Clash

UCAM Murcia and Greek club Peristeri collide at the Palacio de los Deportes for the Group D lead in the Basketball Champions League, with both teams entering the fixture carrying unblemished records in European play. As reported by local media coverage of the clash, the winner secures a direct berth to the Top-16 stage in January, bypassing the mid-season play-in tournament entirely. Tip-off is set for 20:30 local time (UTC+1) with television coverage via Popular TV.

Sito Alonso Recovers Juani Marcos While Missing Rotations

UCAM Murcia head coach Sito Alonso welcomes back point guard Juani Marcos after a soleus injury sustained against La Laguna Tenerife, providing a timely boost to the backcourt rotation. However, the squad remains shorthanded. Howard Sant-Roos sits out with an injury, while Kaiser Gates, Moussa Diagne, and the team’s Cuban small forward have been left out of the matchday squad. Alonso’s side aims to build on last weekend’s domestic victory against Leyma Coruña, though the coaching staff highlighted a need for sharper execution after a disjointed outing in that matchup.

Payne GOT GAME! 😤#BasketballCL I @peristeribc pic.twitter.com/Ykb9CiikyE

— https://x.com/diariolaopinion/status/2115166425312567377

The visitors arrive in southeastern Spain boasting a potent offensive system built around guard Ty Nichols. Peristeri features five players averaging double figures in scoring, relying on collective ball movement and a reputation for late-game resilience that has powered multiple European comebacks this campaign. Both clubs sit atop Group D, making this final fixture of the competition’s first round a definitive test of early-season continental dominance.

First Half Struggles and Momentum Shifts at Palacio de los Deportes

The opening period saw UCAM Murcia establish an early 7-4 advantage behind early sparks from Pansa, a three-pointer from Forrest, and a fast-break basket by Falk. Peristeri answered through Finch to stay within striking distance before seizing a 14-13 edge late in the quarter via Nikolaidis and Finch. Despite a late basket from Dylan Ennis, the hosts closed the first period trailing 15-16.

Passes are always faster than dribbles 😍#BasketballCL I @UCAMMurcia pic.twitter.com/Q8JIx9V1I4

— https://x.com/diariolaopinion/status/2115172669783982430

An offensive surge in the second quarter swung momentum back to the hosts. Ennis orchestrated a 10-3 run over three minutes, bolstered by a paint score from Cate and a triple from Boum, forcing a Peristeri timeout at 25-19. The Greek visitors responded immediately, stringing together a 9-2 run capped by Chatzidakis to reclaim a 28-27 lead with three minutes remaining before halftime. Radebaugh answered with a perimeter shot, but Peristeri edged ahead 32-33 at the intermission following a tense defensive battle.

Peristeri Pulls Away After Halftime Adjustments

The third quarter introduced a high-intensity exchange as UCAM Murcia twice leveled the score at 37-37 behind a triple from Juani Marcos and free throws from Nakic. Peristeri capitalized on defensive lapses with perimeter scoring from Nichols and Gkiouzelis, extending their advantage as Sito Alonso received a technical foul. With Murcia struggling to find offensive rhythm, Nichols converted five consecutive points to build an 11-point cushion at 53-42.

Peristeri Betsson are BOX OFFICE! 🍿#BasketballCL I @peristeribc pic.twitter.com/4ZYv9W3RmV

— https://x.com/diariolaopinion/status/2115181252915380443

Alonso adjusted by deploying Boum, Forrest, and Radebaugh simultaneously, shifting Falk to power forward to draw fouls. Free throws from Falk and Pansa kept the home side afloat, and Raieste connected from beyond the arc in the closing seconds of the frame. Yet, a final response from Finch re-established a double-digit margin for the Greek visitors at 50-60 heading into the fourth quarter.

Next Fixtures in Domestic and European Competition

Following the conclusion of the first round of the Basketball Champions League group stage, UCAM Murcia turns its attention back to upcoming domestic fixtures in the Liga ACB. The team’s next scheduled matches will be announced via official club channels and the league calendar. Official updates, box scores, and competition standings remain available through the official Basketball Champions League portal.