Unicaja Malaga completed a stunning comeback in Game 3 of the Spanish League quarterfinals against Barcelona to secure a spot in the semifinals.
Unicaja Malaga became the final team to punch their ticket to the Spanish ACB League semifinals, pulling off a stunning overtime comeback to defeat FC Barcelona 97–95.
Player of the Game
Kameron Taylor
20
Kameron Taylor
Points
Accuracy
Rebounds
Assists
Trailing by nine points (73–82) with just two minutes left in regulation, Unicaja launched an electrifying 11–2 run, led by Tyson Perez and Kendrick Perry, to force overtime.
The momentum carried into the extra period, as Unicaja built a 90–84 lead. But Barcelona’s Kevin Punter refused to go quietly—he drilled back-to-back four-point plays to give Barça a 94–92 edge with 1:30 left.
Tyson Carter answered with a clutch three-pointer to put Malaga back on top, 95–94. On the next possession, Punter was fouled but managed to convert only one of two free throws, tying the game at 95–95.
With the game on the line, Carter's potential game-winning three missed, but Melvin Ejim came through with a huge offensive rebound and drew a foul. Ejim calmly sank both free throws, putting Unicaja ahead 97–95 with five seconds remaining.
Barcelona had one final chance, but their last possession came up empty, sparking jubilant celebrations in Malaga.
Kendrick Perry and Kameron Taylor paced Unicaja with 16 points apiece.
Kevin Punter delivered a heroic 37-point effort for Barcelona in a losing cause.
Unicaja now advances to face top-seeded Real Madrid in the semifinals, with the first two games set to be played in Madrid.
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