Unicaja faced La Laguna Tenerife in the BCL third-place playoff. After the disappointment of the semifinal and the various dramas of recent days, the team bounced back with an 85-80 victory. Finishing as the third-best team in FIBA Europe is no small feat given the circumstances. Here’s a player-by-player analysis of Ibon Navarro’s squad.
Kendrick Perry (5) – Still far from his best form, which the team desperately needs. He delivered a strong fast-break drive midway through the fourth quarter and hit a late three-pointer. He shows flashes of leadership but lacks the consistency of his peak performances.
Alberto Díaz (5) – Did his usual job. Didn’t shine, but carried out his tasks correctly. The team showed better attacking ideas than against AEK. Solid defensively as always.
Justin Cobbs (2) – Hadn’t played in the Final Four before this game; despite being dressed on Thursday, he stayed on the bench. Logged fewer than ten minutes and made little impact.
Manu Trujillo (S.C) – Sulejmanovic was left out, so a roster spot opened up. The youth academy product didn’t get minutes but supported his teammates from the bench.
Tyler Kalinoski (6) – What a worker. Whatever you throw at him, wherever you need him, he does it well. Pure elegance. He sealed the game by calmly sinking three free throws.
Chase Audige (7) – Had to guard the toughest opponent (Mills). Energetic enough to provide some help defense while occasionally losing focus. Brave on drives, finding gaps in the defense. He knocked down a crucial three-pointer to tie the game in the fourth quarter. Clearly enjoying himself – Unicaja’s best player this time.
Jonathan Barreiro (6) – Hit a three in the second quarter. Good on defense and on the boards. Doesn’t jump out in the stat sheet but works as hard as anyone. His contribution is vital.
Tyson Pérez (S.C) – Sat down three minutes into the second quarter and didn’t return. Suffered a blow to his left calf that prevented him from playing further.
James Webb III (5) – Went unnoticed in the first half. Struggled offensively, so he focused on grabbing rebounds (5). Eventually contributed with a key three-pointer in the final two minutes to make it 81-77.
Killian Tillie (6) – Played quite well. Sank three three-pointers, including one to keep pace in the final quarter, and looked much looser than in his return from injury in the semifinals. Also alert on the boards (6).
David Kravish (6) – Still lacks confidence in his mid-range game, one of his specialties. The shots aren’t falling, but the intent is there. Step by step. The team needs him to find his rhythm, though his presence is felt. Found his teammates well with several assists.
Olek Balcerowski (5) – Again looked too soft. Struggled to secure rebounds or hold the ball in the paint; almost everything slipped away. His numbers weren’t bad, but he faltered in key moments.