UCAM Murcia Seeks Crucial Victory Against Manisa Basket
The UCAM Murcia Basketball Club is gearing up for a decisive clash against Manisa Basket this Wednesday in a crucial FIBA Champions League Group H matchup.
A Battle for First Place
Both teams enter the contest tied with a 3-1 record, making this encounter a virtual playoff for first place. A win for UCAM CB by more than six points would guarantee direct qualification for the next phase, bypassing the repechage.
Learning from Past Encounters
While UCAM CB has won its last three games in the tournament, they previously lost a thrilling overtime game against Manisa in Spain, falling 103-97. The Spanish side can draw lessons from that contest as they seek to turn the tables on their Turkish rivals, especially regarding the six-point deficit incurred in the earlier matchup.
Looking Beyond Group H
Manisa Basket, who currently hold the head-to-head score, are aiming for a victory on their home court to solidify their secure position atop the standings. The Turkish team’s ambition is no secret. They aim to finish in first place, and this game against UCAM CB represents a pivotal step towards achieving that goal.
In the final round of group play, scheduled for December 18th, UCAM CB will face Peristeri Domino’s while Manisa will confront FPM SoccerBet Belgrade.
A Busy Schedule
UCAM CB comes into this game having recently faced Dreamland Gran Canaria in the Endesa League. Despite the loss, their coach, Sito Alonso, recognizes the importance of securing a comfortable victory against Manisa to secure their spot in the next phase of the FIBA Champions League and avoid potentially problematic additional games
Preparing for the Challenge
The UCAM squad traveled to Turkey on Monday and trained in Manisa on Tuesday in preparation for their pivotal upcoming challenge.
How confident is the guest that UCAM Murcia will win the rematch?
## Interview: UCAM Murcia Looks to Bounce Back Against Manisa Basket
**Host:** Welcome back to the show! We’re gearing up for a big FIBA Champions League matchup this Wednesday: UCAM Murcia facing off against Manisa Basket. Joining us to discuss the game is basketball analyst, Alex Reed.
Alex Reed, thanks for being here. Let’s dive right in. UCAM Murcia is coming off a tough overtime loss to Manisa Basket earlier this season. What were your thoughts on that game?
**Alex Reed:** Absolutely. That opening game was a real shocker, wasn’t it? Manisa Basket, making their FIBA Champions League debut, upset a strong UCAM Murcia squad that had reached the Final Four earlier in the year [[1](https://www.championsleague.basketball/en/news/manisa-stun-murcia-18-year-old-traore-shines-on-big-night-for-bcl-debutants)]. Young [Traore’s name] really shone for Manisa, proving they’re not just happy to be there. This Wednesday’s rematch is huge for UCAM Murcia, who will be desperate to secure a win on home court and even the score.
**Host:** Do you think UCAM Murcia has made adjustments to counter Manisa’s strengths?
**Alex Reed:** I wouldn’t be surprised. Murcia has a talented roster and a savvy coach. They’ll have undoubtedly studied the tape from that first game and will be looking to exploit any weaknesses they identified in Manisa Basket’s defense.
**Host:** So, what’s your prediction for this Wednesday’s game?
**Alex Reed:** This is a tough one. Manisa Basket gained confidence from that first win, but I think UCAM Murcia will be highly motivated to bounce back. It’ll likely be another tight contest, but I’m giving the edge to Murcia at home.
**Host:**Alex Reed, thanks so much for your insights. We’ll be watching closely on Wednesday!