Regal FC Barcelona have secured first place in the ACB by defeating bitter rivals Real Madrid 86-83 last night.
With this victory, the Catalan side improves to 28-5 while Real drop to 25-8, leaving them to secure the runners-up spot instead.
Juan Carlos Navarro came up big for Barcelona, who head to Istanbul next Friday to play Olympiacos in the Euroleague Final Four. The Eurobasket MVP hit 23 points and dished out four assists while American Chuck Eidson chipped in with 19 points.
Madrid were led by Ante Tomic, who got 17 points and nine rebounds.
After having the better of the first three quarters, Madrid fell apart when it mattered allowing Barca to capitalise and a Navarro-led 25-15 surge propelled them to victory.
Elsewhere…
Fourth placed Gescrap Bilbao suffered a setback as they lost at home 83-80 against Unicaja Malaga, who, in ninth spot need to finish in the top 10 to secure an A-license for next season’s Euroleague. Great Britain international Joel Freeland led Malaga with 19 points and nine rebounds.
Gran Caneria 2014 upset Zaragoza 72-62 thanks to Greek swingman Michael Bramos’ 18 points and six rebounds , Murcia bolted to 14th place after defeating Assignia Manresa 78-60. Caja Laboral recorded a road win against Fuenlabrada 92-87 with Argentina international Andres Nocioni hitting 22 points.
Other scores…
Joventut Badalona 74-63 Lucentum
Blusens Monbus 76-62 Valencia
Blancos de Rueda 68-79 Estudiantes
Seville 61-65 Lagun Aro
