Unicaja Flips Script on Baskonia Rivalry

There was a golden era when Baskonia had Unicaja in a vice, dominating relentlessly. Think back to the period from November 2017 to March 2019, when the Vitoria team won eight straight games against Malaga. Whether in the Euroleague or the ACB League, Baskonia simply had Unicaja's number, no question.

Back then, Baskonia's structure was the envy of Unicaja - a polished project that seemed untouchable. Fast forward to the present, however, and things have changed dramatically. After that ironclad streak, the wins have been more evenly distributed, and dare I say, the roles of the "model club" have reversed - well, except for Baskonia's strange 2020 championship title snatched during the COVID pandemic. Who would have predicted this?

A changing dynamic in classic ACB matches

This matchup between Unicaja and Baskonia remains one of the most iconic ACB league rivalries, a refreshing departure from the football obsession that usually makes headlines. Along with teams like Hovenhut and Valencia, these two bring a certain nostalgia to the court. However, at this point, their fates couldn't be further apart. Baskonia finds itself in a fog of uncertainty - unstable projects, changing coaches year after year and the relentless routine of the EuroLeague taking its toll even as they cling to a solid core and take their time signing big-name players from across Europe.

Read more: Valencia Thrills in Copa Campeones Debut

Proof of their woes? They've missed out on the Copa del Rey for the past two years, a bitter pill to swallow for a club of their caliber in the capital of Alava. They currently sit in ninth place and will have a mountain to climb if they want to break this unwelcome streak of missing the tournament's playoffs.

Recent matchups in favor of Unicaja

Since that strange final stretch of 2020, when the championship title was on the line, these teams have only competed in the ACB regular season. And here's where it gets spicy: the last four meetings have gone in favor of Unicaja, whether at the bustling Carpena or the challenging Buesa Arena. Of course, if you dig into history, Baskonia still outscores their direct rivals, with 71 wins to Unicaja's 56 in 127 total matchups. But that gap has been closing recently, and the momentum? He is firmly on the Malaga team's side.

Read more: James Harden Forgets Sergio Llull: 'Who Is He?'

Looking at their form, Unicaja seem like a safer bet on paper, especially given their dominance at home at the moment. They have been a fortress at home, winning four of their five home games in front of a roaring crowd. Baskonia, on the other hand, have been struggling away from home - with just one miserable win in five away games, and that was against the islanders Coviran Granada, who are battling with San Pablo Burgos at the bottom of the ACB table. It's safe to say that this match has all the makings of another Unicaja masterclass - can Baskonia surprise? Some of the buzz in the stands suggests they could.