The 2015 Copa del Rey in Gran Canaria is underway and this year’s edition already is shaping up to be the most competitive in recent memory.
Barcelona and Real Madrid; the fan favourites to reach the Copa del Rey final each year have had subpar seasons in the Liga Endesa and even though they sit third and second respectively, combined they possess a total of 10 losses so far this term.
LEAGUE LEADERS ADVANCE
Table-topping Unicaja Malaga are through to the last four as they edged Bilbao 86-78.
It wasn’t until the third quarter though that Malaga were able to stamp their authority on proceedings. But if they wish to carry their consistent league form into the Copa, then they will have to perform better than they did against a stubborn Bilbao outfit.
Jayson Granger led the victors with 18 points and 4 assists with Lithuanian Mindaugas Kuzminskas adding 15. Dairis Bertans and Quino Quinn paced Bilbao with 17 points each but despite a spirited display from them both, head home.
BARCA GRIND OUT WIN OVER VALENCIA
Barcelona pulled out an 85-80 success over Valencia in a tightly-contested clash.
The Catalan side though enjoyed double-digit leads in the third and early stages of the fourth quarter, Valencia came back to set-up a tense finale but Abrines showed excellent maturity to guide Barca to victory.
Euroleague Rising Star hopeful Alex Abrines top starred with 16 points, a feat matched by team-mate Justin Doellman, who was playing against his former club.
Bojan Dubljevic led Valencia with a game-high 19 points.
Friday’s schedule sees hosts Gran Canaria face Joventut Badalona and Real Madrid take on Zaragoza.
