After Barcelona and Real Madrid claimed their spot in the semi-finals, Bilbao, Valencia, Unicaja and Laboral Kutxa battled it out in a win or go home game three.
And they didn’t disappoint as both games had high quality of play, and one of the games was decided in the final minute.
It was an incredible game from both sides as Valencia advanced to the semifinals after 71-70 win on the road.
The visitors led throughout the game with small margin and they even held a double digit lead at the half. Bilbao didn’t give up in front of their home crowd and they took the lead with 40 seconds left after their captain Alex Mumbru snatched a big offensive rebound after a missed free throw and layed a ball in and was fouled in the process.
Pau Ribas was fouled on the next possession and calmly nailed to clutch free throws to put his team upfront by one. Mumbru didn’t score on the other end and Valencia started to celebrate their semifinal birth where they will play Real Madrid.
Alex Mumbru had 16 for Bilbao. Sam Van Rossom led Valencia with 14.
Laboral Kutxa played a lot better in Malaga this time, but it wasn’t enough to knock off the number two seed, as Unicaja won 89-77.
Laboral played great in the first half relying on good defense and quick counter attack they jumped up to an eight-point lead just before the end of the half.
Unicaja responded well in the second half as Jayson Granger took over the game. Making outside shots and floaters, but also dishing the ball to his teammates as he finished with 19 points and eight assists to take his team to the semi-final clash with Barcelona.
Mike James had 16 for the visitors.
