SINGAPORE (Singapore) - Spanish club Unicaja Malaga became the first team to successfully defend their FIBA Intercontinental Cup crown over the past 47 years.
The Basketball Champions League Europe winners defeated NBA G League United 71-61 in the Final, repeating the outcome from last year's championship game in Singapore.
This result raises Europe's silverware tally in the FIBA Intercontinental Cup to 24 trophies, with Spanish clubs accounting for 12 of those conquests. Their compatriots Real Madrid were the last team to win consecutive FIBA Intercontinental Cup trophies, claiming three in a row from 1976 to 1978.
On the other hand, NBA G League United finished second in back-to-back seasons, after becoming the first team from the USA to reach the Final since 1974.
Unicaja, who represented Europe by virtue of winning their second consecutive Basketball Champions League in May, won the Final by overcoming an early 12-point deficit.
A strong 23-5 third quarter paved the way to a double digit lead of their own, and with their stellar defense producing 19 turnovers by the opponents, Unicaja successfully defended their title.
The Player of the Game in the Final was Kendrick Perry. The 32-year-old point guard finished the championship game with 11 points, 5 rebounds and 5 assists, playing a crucial role in that third quarter that turned the game around.
The Most Valuable Player of the FIBA Intercontinental Cup 2025 was Tyler Kalinoski. Another 32-year-old, Kalinoski knocked down 9-of-10 three-pointers in the first two games, then followed it up with a 12-point performance in the Final.
Over the past two FIBA Intercontinental Cup editions in Singapore, Kalinoski has shot 22-of-36 from beyond the arc.
Earlier on Sunday, Alahli SC became the first African team to finish on the podium. The Basketball Africa League champions defeated Brazil's Flamengo 91-82 in the Third-Place Game, setting a new mark for all African clubs - Zamalek (EGY), US Monastir (TUN) and Al Ahly (EGY) had all finished fourth previously.
Oceania claimed fifth position, as the reigning NBL champions Illawarra Hawks eased away to a 93-69 win over Utsunomiya Brex. The Basketball Champions League Asia winners finished sixth, but still go down in history as the first team from Japan to take part in the FIBA Intercontinental Cup.
Final Standings:
1. Unicaja (Spain)
2. NBA G League United (USA)
3. Alahli SC (Libya)
4. Flamengo (Brazil)
5. Illawarra Hawks (Australia)
6. Utsunomiya Brex (Japan)
FIBA Intercontinental Cup Singapore 2024 was an important milestone for the competition, as it was the first to include all six continents. It set the standard for 2025, and this year was once again a celebration of global basketball.
Oceania was included for the first time in 2024, Asian clubs have joined in 2023, while African clubs first played in 2022. Up until 2021, only teams from Europe and the Americas had taken part.
Spanish powerhouse Real Madrid remain the most successful club in FIBA Intercontinental Cup history, having won the trophy on five occasions.
### About the FIBA Intercontinental Cup FIBA and Sport Singapore entered a three-year partnership that brought the FIBA Intercontinental Cup to Asia for the first time. Singapore Sports Hub is the venue of choice, providing the stage for three editions of the event, from 2023 through 2025.