UCAM Murcia, Emanuel Cățe's team, qualified for the “quarters” of the FIBA Europe Cup

Ashley Davis21/01/2026

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Article by David Istrate – Published on Wednesday, 21 January 2026, 21:41 / Updated on Wednesday, 21 January 2026 21:42

UCAM Murcia, the team where the Romanian Emanuel Cățe (28 years old) plays, prevailed 80-75 on Falco Szombathely (Hungary), reached a 4-0 record in group K of the second phase of the FIBA Europe Cup and qualified for the quarter-finals of the competition.

With a 3-0 record in the second phase of the FIBA Europe Cup, UCAM Murcia traveled with high morale to Hungary, where they were fighting for qualification in the “quarters” of the competition. That's because Sunday, January 18, Sito Alonso's side beat Basket Zaragoza 90-84 to book their place in the Spanish Cup Final 8.

UCAM Murcia, victory with emotions on Falco Szombathely's pitch

UCAM Murcia controlled the first half of the match with Falco Szombathely and it looked like it would be an easy game for the Spanish outfit. at break the guests were leading 49-34without the hosts being able to trouble them.

The situation changed after returning from the locker room. Defeated from behind by a noisy audience, the Hungarians took advantage of the relaxation of their opponents and reduced the difference more and more. Murcia failed to take control of the game, while Falco put more and more pressure on.

What's more, with 77 seconds left, Milos Konakov's students took the lead, 75-74jeopardizing the visitors' goal. A basket by Murcia's newest signing Kelan Martin followed, then two free throws by Howard Sant-Roos and two more by Devontae Cacok.

UCAM Murcia prevailed 80-74, kept their record clean and ensured their presence in the quarter-finals of the FIBA Europe Cup.

UCAM Murcia, Emanuel Cățe's team, qualified for the

Emanuel Cățe, the pivot of UCAM Murcia/Photo: fiba.basketball

Leading the way for the win were Devontae Cacok (16 points, 5 rebounds), Kelan Martin (15 points), Toni Nakic (12 points) and Michael Forrest (11 points). Emanuel Cățe played just over 16 minutes and collected 4 points, 4 rebounds, two steals, one assist, two turnovers and a +4 efficiency rating.

On the other side, Strahinja Jovanovic (14 points), Patrick Whelan (13 points), Andras Dez (12 points) and Benedek Varadi (10 points, 6 assists) stood out.

In the last two matches in group K of the FIBA Europe Cup, UCAM Murcia will play, at home, against Trefl Sopot (February 3, 21:30) and away against Rostock Seawolves (February 11, 20:00).