Barcelona and UCAM played a tense second ACB quarterfinal match. The second ACB playoff quarterfinal game between Barcelona and UCAM Murcia took place in Barcelona. Both teams traded scoring runs and accurate shots. The outcome of the match decided who moved closer to the semifinals.
The second game of the ACB playoff quarterfinal series between Barcelona and UCAM Murcia was a hard-fought battle on the Palau Blaugrana court. From the very beginning, it was clear that neither team was willing to concede the initiative, and every accurate shot had the potential to change the course of the game.
Barcelona, who had claimed a convincing 23-point victory in the first game, stepped onto the court determined to secure their success and seal a spot in the semifinals ahead of schedule. However, UCAM Murcia, having lost their home-court advantage, showed a different attitude from the opening minutes. The visitors actively used long-range shots, and DeJulius and Radebaugh quickly put their team ahead, opening the scoring with precise three-pointers.
In the first quarter, Barcelona faced tight defense from their opponents and did not always find open spaces for attack. Nevertheless, Parra and Shengelia managed to score important points, while Clyburn converted a long-range shot to cut the deficit. By the end of the first ten minutes, UCAM Murcia led 22:18, maintaining their lead thanks to aggressive play under the basket and accurate free throws.
In the second period, Barcelona picked up the pace: Parra hit a crucial three-pointer to tie the game, while Satoransky and Brizuela added points from the free-throw line. Willy Hernangómez, who did not appear in the first game due to strong competition with Fall, got playing time this time and contributed decisively under the rim. For UCAM Murcia, DeJulius continued to score, while Cacok was confident from mid-range.
By the middle of the second quarter, the score was tied at 29:29, and neither team could gain a significant lead. The game was evenly matched, with every play marked by an intense battle for rebounds and momentum. Both coaches relied on proven starters: for Barcelona, Marcos, Clyburn, Fall, Shengelia, and Punter took the court; for Murcia, it was Cate, Raieste, Nakic, DeJulius, and Radebaugh.
The officiating crew consisted of Calatrava, Serrano, and Baena. The match began at 19:00 Spanish time, and by the end of the first half, it was clear that the semifinal spot would be decided in the closing moments of the series. Barcelona played with an eye on a possible opponent—the winner of the Madrid/Canary Islands matchup—while UCAM Murcia not only fought for victory but also had to redeem themselves after losing the first game.
In the final minutes of the second quarter, both teams exchanged successful attacks: Parra and DeJulius made three-pointers, while Satoransky and Brizuela converted important free throws. By halftime, the score remained tied, adding even more intrigue ahead of the second half.
The ACB playoff context this season is especially tense: the best-of-three series leaves no room for error, and losing home-court advantage can be critical. As russpain.com notes, a similar battle has unfolded in the other quarterfinal pairing, where Baskonia and Joventut opened the series with a high-stakes clash—more details can be found in the article about the start of the playoffs in Vitoria.
For reference: The Endesa League (ACB) is considered the strongest basketball championship in Spain, and participation in the playoffs traditionally attracts fans' attention nationwide. The winner of the Barcelona — UCAM Murcia series will face the strongest team from the Madrid/Canary Islands pair in the semifinals. The next game could be decisive for both teams.
