In one of the most electrifying semifinal matchups in recent memory, Celestial Wrath completed a dramatic comeback to defeat KK Crvena Zvezda DXB, 164–156, in a high-scoring overtime battle that kept fans on the edge of their seats until the final buzzer.
Playing on their home court, Celestial Wrath found themselves in deep trouble heading into the fourth quarter, trailing by double digits against a relentless CRVENA squad led by a scorching performance from Daniel Montaño. Montaño poured in 47 points, slicing through the defense and knocking down key shots that seemed poised to carry his team into the finals.
But the game took a stunning turn in the closing minutes of regulation.
With their season on the line, Celestial Wrath mounted a furious rally, sparked by back-to-back clutch three-pointers that erased the deficit and forced overtime. The home crowd erupted as momentum swung sharply in Celestial’s favor.
Leading the charge was Gabo Familiar, who delivered a masterclass performance. Familiar exploded for 51 points on an efficient 18-of-27 shooting, including 8-of-12 from beyond the arc, while also dishing out 12 assists. His scoring and playmaking proved unstoppable, especially in crunch time.
Not to be outdone, Takis Vafopoulos orchestrated the offense with precision, recording a remarkable triple-double with 27 points, 11 rebounds, and 15 assists. His ability to control the pace and create opportunities was pivotal in both the comeback and the overtime period.
In the extra frame, Celestial Wrath seized full control, outscoring CRVENA and capitalizing on their regained momentum. Defensive stops and efficient shot-making sealed the victory, completing one of the most memorable turnarounds of the season.
With the win, Celestial Wrath advances to the finals, riding the wave of a resilient and explosive performance. Meanwhile, CRVENA ZVEZDA DXB exits the tournament despite a heroic effort from Montaño and a strong showing throughout the game.