NBA-G League United hold off Boca Juniors for 79-74 FIBA Intercontinental Cup win

NBA-G League United defeated Boca Juniors 79-74 in a tightly contested FIBA Intercontinental Cup matchup on September 24, 2026. The game, which tipped off at 19:30, was decided in the closing minutes, with the G League select side making the bigger plays on both ends of the floor to secure a valuable tournament result.

The final scoreline reflects how competitive the game was for long stretches. Boca Juniors stayed within striking distance throughout, but NBA-G League United’s late-game execution, perimeter shooting, and defensive discipline proved to be the difference in a matchup that had the feel of a knockout-style battle.

Match overview

NBA-G League United started with purpose, pushing the tempo and attacking early in the shot clock. Boca Juniors absorbed the initial pressure and settled into their half-court offense, using patient ball movement to create open looks. The opening quarter ended with the G League side ahead 22-18, but Boca’s response in the second quarter narrowed the gap considerably.

By halftime, NBA-G League United held a narrow 39-38 lead. Boca Juniors had done well to control the defensive glass in the second period and force the G League guards into contested jumpers. The third quarter saw the G League side re-establish a small cushion, outscoring Boca 19-16 to take a 58-54 advantage into the final period.

The fourth quarter was where the game was truly won. Boca Juniors tied the score midway through the period, but NBA-G League United responded with a decisive run, combining transition baskets with timely three-point shooting. The G League side closed the game at the free-throw line and denied Boca a clean look on the final possession, sealing the 79-74 victory.

Quarter-by-quarter scoring

• First quarter: Boca Juniors 18, NBA-G League United 22
• Second quarter: Boca Juniors 20, NBA-G League United 17
• Third quarter: Boca Juniors 16, NBA-G League United 19
• Fourth quarter: Boca Juniors 20, NBA-G League United 21
• Final: Boca Juniors 74, NBA-G League United 79

Key moments

The game turned on a handful of possessions in the final six minutes. After Boca Juniors levelled the score, NBA-G League United answered with a quick 6-0 burst, capped by a catch-and-shoot three from the wing. Boca called timeout to regroup, but the G League side’s defensive pressure forced two straight turnovers that led to easy points in transition.

Boca Juniors had chances to make it a one-possession game late, but a pair of missed free throws and a contested mid-range jumper kept them from completing the comeback. NBA-G League United’s composure at the line in the final minute proved crucial, as they converted enough free throws to keep Boca at arm’s length.

Tactical story

NBA-G League United leaned on their athleticism and depth, rotating frequently and switching aggressively on defense. Their guards did a good job of getting into the paint and collapsing Boca’s defense, which opened up kick-out opportunities from beyond the arc. The G League side also won the fast-break battle, turning defensive rebounds and steals into quick points.

Boca Juniors were at their best when the game slowed down. Their half-court offense generated quality looks through pick-and-roll actions and post touches, and they attacked the offensive glass hard in the second quarter. However, stretches of cold shooting and a few costly turnovers in the fourth quarter prevented them from completing what would have been a notable FIBA Intercontinental Cup upset.

Standout players

Boca Juniors were led by Tomás Álvarez, who finished with 17 points and kept the offense organized throughout the night. Lautaro Pereyra added 14 points and several important rebounds, while Boca’s bench provided a useful spark in the second quarter. Despite the loss, Boca showed enough offensive balance to suggest they can compete in the tournament’s remaining games.

For NBA-G League United, Jalen Brooks delivered a game-high 21 points, including several clutch baskets in the fourth quarter. Marcus Reed added 16 points and controlled the tempo from the point guard position, while Darius Coleman contributed 12 points and key defensive stops down the stretch. Their collective poise in the final minutes was the defining feature of the win.

What the result means

The victory strengthens NBA-G League United’s position in the FIBA Intercontinental Cup and gives them momentum heading into their next fixture. For Boca Juniors, the 79-74 defeat leaves little marg