The best UCAM Murcia CB of all time isn’t built solely on points and baskets. Sweat and relentless effort are non-negotiable for this historic squad. In this way, the university team achieved its 22nd victory of the season, surpassing the 21 wins from the 2023-2024 campaign, when they reached the ACB finals against Real Madrid.
UCAM Murcia is firmly focused on surpassing that fifth-place finish. They aim to secure a top seed and home-court advantage in their third appearance in the Liga Endesa playoffs, and they are well on track. The university side managed to rally against Bàsquet Girona (86-75) in an uncomfortable game, where they suffered more than the final score suggests. This victory added one of the most important records to their trophy case this season, with four rounds still to play.
Sito Alonso’s squad knew how to endure against a rival that doubled them in rebounding numbers for long stretches. The visitors grabbed 48 rebounds compared to the hosts’ 36, allowing Moncho Fernández’s team to generate multiple second-chance opportunities, scoring 21 points from that facet versus just 2 for UCAM Murcia. Nevertheless, the team overcame this deficit, largely thanks to their outstanding three-point shooting.
Jonah Radebaugh’s six three-pointers, the last few dousing small fires, helped build a lead in crucial moments and made him one of the game’s top performers with 20 points. He was supported by David DeJulius, whom Girona tried to contain from the start, but he found success from the free-throw line with great accuracy. Michael Forrest (12 points) and Jaylen Hands (10 points) also provided the necessary spark to change the script when needed.
From the second position, awaiting results from Valencia Basket on Sunday, the university team faces a week with two matches: they will visit Baskonia on Thursday at the Buesa Arena and host Unicaja Málaga on Sunday at the Palacio. Both games are against direct rivals for defining final playoff positions.
**An Uncomfortable Start**
The full-court pressure and intense defense from Bàsquet Girona caught UCAM Murcia off guard in the opening seconds. The university side tried to recalibrate with a three-pointer from Radebaugh and an active Falk, though the first lead went to the visitors (3-7). Sito Alonso’s team attempted to match that intensity but lacked offensive fluidity, relying on free throws as their best weapon five minutes into the first quarter (5-9).
UCAM looked uncomfortable despite showing a better defensive face, and two good actions allowed them to get closer (7-9). The university coach changed the plan by bringing in Forrest, Raieste, and Diagne for more physicality and energy. This led to Radebaugh’s second three-pointer, forcing a Girona timeout and flipping the score with a 7-2 run (10-9). His third triple right after returning to the court confirmed the local reaction, combined with Forrest’s speed, as Girona kept up the pressure (17-14). Moncho Fernández’s side regained the initiative, but the first quarter ended with Diagne’s free throws (18-18).
**Radebaugh as the Rebound Solution**
UCAM tried to…
