Unicaja Malaga Triumph In FIBA Intercontinental Cup, Defeating NBA-G League United.
Spanish basketball club Unicaja Malaga claimed their first-ever FIBA Intercontinental Cup title, defeating NBA G League United 75-60 in the final at Singapore Indoor Stadium. This victory marks a historic moment for Unicaja and adds another trophy to Europe’s dominant tally in the competition, now standing at 23, with Spanish clubs accounting for 11 of those wins.
Representing Europe after their Basketball Champions League victory last spring, Unicaja took control early, securing a 6-point lead at half-time (38-32). Their impressive defence proved too much for NBA G League United, as the Spanish side extended their lead to 21 points in the fourth quarter to seal the win.
Dylan Osetkowski, who was named the tournament’s MVP, led Unicaja’s scoring efforts with 15 points in the final. The 28-year-old power forward had a standout tournament, averaging 11 points, 5 rebounds, and 5 assists. He was presented with the MVP award by FIBA Intercontinental Cup ambassador and former NBA star Stephon Marbury.
FIBA President Sheikh Saud Ali Al Thani awarded Unicaja captain Alberto Diaz the 2024 trophy, signalling another triumph for European basketball. NBA G League United, meanwhile, made history by becoming the first US team to reach the final since 1974.
Earlier on Sunday, Australia’s Tasmania JackJumpers made their own piece of history by securing third place with an 80-75 victory over Lebanon’s Al Riyadi Beirut. This achievement made the JackJumpers the first Australian club to step onto the podium in a FIBA Intercontinental Cup tournament, just days after becoming the first Oceania team to participate.
Africa’s Petro De Luanda also made waves, becoming the first African club to win a game in the competition. The BAL champions overcame a 13-point deficit to defeat Argentina’s Quimsa 70-64 in the fifth-place match.
Final Standings:
1. Unicaja (Spain)
2. NBA G League United (USA)
3. Tasmania JackJumpers (Australia)
4. Al Riyadi Beirut (Lebanon)
5. Petro De Luanda (Angola)
6. Quimsa (Argentina)
The 2024 edition of the FIBA Intercontinental Cup was a significant milestone, being only the second time the tournament has been hosted in Asia, and the first to include a team from Oceania. The competition continues to evolve as a truly global event, with participation from all six continents. Spanish club Real Madrid remains the most successful team in the tournament’s history, with five titles to their name.
FIBA and Sport Singapore’s three-year partnership has brought the FIBA Intercontinental Cup to Asia for the first time, with the Singapore Sports Hub set to host the event until 2025.
