A week defined by another great “El Clasico” game is behind us, as the entire European basketball audience had their attention directed towards that clash. As always though, Liga Endesa never fails to deliver. Other games were filled with excitement as well.
Real Madrid was able to get revenge on recent Euroleague loss to Barcelona, as they were able to beat them at home this time 91-78. Rudy Fernandez missed another game, but Jaycee Carroll stepped up big time in his absence hitting shots everywhere from the floor. He shot 11/15 from the field for game high 26 points.
He was also the one with the dagger, as Barcelona was able to hang around until 3:33 left in the fourth, when Carroll nailed a three to put the home side up 11.
Ante Tomić led Barcelona with 22 points and 9 rebounds. Mario Hezonja was really angry after the game:
“It’s always the same story. We gave up and let them win. It’s a shame”.
Minor upset happened in Tenerife, as the home side was able to edge out struggling Joventut 89-83. The away side from Badalona has now lost 8 of their last 10 games, but still holding a solid 16-12 record. Joventut was trailing from the tip-off. They attempted the late comeback, but Tenerife were able to hang on to an important win to keep their playoff hopes alive.
Blagota Sekulić was terrific for the home side with 21. Sergi Vidal has 18 for Joventut.
Sevilla failed to get away at least by a win from the relegation zone, as Laboral Kutxa got the win 91-83. The home side was down by 18 at one moment in the third, but they were able to get back into the game behind great game from Kirk Penney who nailed 5 threes and has finished with 20 in this one.
Final nail in the coffin was nailed by Fabien Causeur. He hit a three with 1:40 left in the fourth to put the away side up 10. Causeur also led Laboral in scoring with 25 points.
Unicaja continued their winning ways but Estudaintes gave them all they can handle, but ultimately couldn’t snatch a win as they lost 85-78. Mindaugas Kuzminskas and Fran Vasquez were key for the visitors in this one, as both made some key shots at the rim in final minutes of the game at the top of the table.
Kuzminskas had 17 for Unicaja, and Pietro Aradori led the home side with 23.
Elsewhere around the league Fuenlabrada continued their losing ways as they couldn’t beat Gran Canaria at home. Canarians won 76-65. Fuenlabrada is firmly holding the last place in the league with only 6 wins in 28 games. Rio Natura kept their playoff hopes alive with a big win at home vs Bilbao 77-72. Manresa lost in Murcia 83-72, Zaragoza edged out MoraBanc 84-79, and Valencia destroyed Gipuzkoa 109-86.
