Malaga and Badalone advance to BCL quarterfinals ending Chalon’s European Adventure
Unicaja Malaga once again showed why it holds the status of reigning Basketball Champions League champion. By securing a hard-fought win on Tuesday, March 10 at the Colisée, the Spanish powerhouse confirmed its qualification from Group K alongside Joventut Badalona.
Facing a determined Élan Chalon side, Malaga had to work for every possession in a high-intensity matchup. The French club never stopped competing in front of its home crowd, but the experience and composure of the Andalusian team ultimately made the difference.
Malaga’s experience prevails
Coming into the game, Malaga carried the weight of its status as defending BCL champion, and the Spanish club managed the decisive moments with control. Even though Chalon shot an impressive 45% from three-point range compared to Malaga’s 21%, Unicaja’s discipline and ability to capitalize on key possessions proved decisive.
Jeremiah Hill (20 points) and Mathéo Leray (14 points) tried to keep Chalon within striking distance with a mix of perimeter shooting and aggressive drives. But the visitors took advantage of costly mistakes from the home side — including 21 turnovers, eight from Hill alone — to maintain their edge throughout the contest.
The atmosphere at the Colisée was electric, with the home crowd pushing Élan until the final minutes and notable figures like Jacques Monclar and Rémi Reverchon in attendance. But in the end, Malaga’s experience and efficiency under pressure allowed the Spanish champions to secure the victory and confirm their place among the top teams advancing from Group K.
TIE GAME IN CHALON 😱😱😱#BasketballCL x @ELANCHALON pic.twitter.com/iAtBaqjL3e
— Basketball Champions League (@BasketballCL) March 10, 2026
With this win, Unicaja Malaga officially secured its qualification, as Élan Chalon can no longer catch the Spanish club in the standings. Joventut Badalona, meanwhile, remains firmly in first place after its victory over Würzburg, confirming the two Spanish teams as the qualifiers from Group K.
For Malaga, the result reinforces its status as one of the most consistent teams in the competition. The reigning BCL champions once again showed their ability to handle decisive games and manage the pressure of hostile environments.
On the Chalon side, the European journey still leaves a positive impression despite the elimination. “So we can be disappointed because we lost the match and therefore we are eliminated from the European Cup and as competitors, we don’t want that anymore. But if we look at the journey, it’s incredible. I think nobody realizes how incredible this season’s journey is. So we dropped matches in the championship, but it’s also because we leave everything on the court everywhere. We’re not perfect but if we take a step back on the season, it’s a hell of a season,” concluded coach Elric Delord after the game.
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