Unicaja 79-90 Barça: One win away from the final

Barça made a huge statement at the Martín Carpena in Malaga on Sunday, with a brilliant second half ensuring that they will have two shots at the one remaining win they need to bag a place in the grand final

After the teams had won one game each at the Palau, this was the first of two games in Andalusia, and Barça started strongly without utterly dominating to lead 17-20 after the first period.

But boosted by the vociferous capacity crowd, the likes of Perry, Will Thomas and Kalinoski soon got the Unicaja machine turning, and there were again three points between the sides ta half-time, but this time in favour of the home team (43-40)

With Nico Laprovittola in danger of getting fouled out, Jasikevicius had to exercise caution with his rotations, while Satoransky finally got Barça back in command with two consecutive 3-pointers.

The Czech guard was outstanding, but much as the Catalans built up a +9 lead, they couldn't keep it and we were destined for a very tight final period.

A Kalinic three again opened up the gap, but Unicaja refused to lie down and were soon back to within four. That's when Laprovittola bounced back into the game and immediately shot home a three. Barça were back in business.

And at long last the blaugrana were able to keep their big lead intact. They got everything right and ended up winning with the highest points difference of the whole game.

It all starts again at the same venue on Tuesday at 9pm CEST. Win that and Barça are Liga ACB finalists. And even if they don't, they'll still have a second chance at the Palau.

MATCH STATS

Unicaja: Perry (12), Kalinoski (9), Osetkowski (0), Barreiro (0), Sima (7), Alberto Díaz (0), Carter (11), Djedovic (7), Thomas (8), Ejim (7), Brizuela (5) & Kravish (13).

Barça: Satoransky (12), Laprovittola (12), Abrines (10), Mirotic (12), Vesely (6), Kalinic (12), Kuric (10), Jokubaitis (2), Nnaji (8), Da Silva (2), Paulí (0) & Sanli (4).

Periods: 17-20, 43-40, 60-66, 79-90.

Referees: Antonio Conde, Martín Caballero and Javier Torres.