Regal FC Barcelona’s class was for all to see as they breezed through Alicante 73-43 to take a 1-0 lead in their play-off series.
Like the third place game against Panathinaikos last Sunday in Istanbul coach Xavi Pascual rested Juan Carlos Navarro, so the scoring load came from Brazilian Marcelinho Huertas as he hit 14 points in a balanced scoring attack. Chuck Eidson scored 12 and big man Fran Vazquez got 11 as all but one Barca player that took to the court registered a field goal on the night.
Alicante, who finished eighth were no match for their more established opponents. They trailed 21-6 after the first ten minutes and there was no way back from there.
Mario Stojic led Alicante with nine points.
Valencia pull away in third to win.
Valencia in the end defeated Lagun Aro 82-60 to take the first game of their series but the game wasn’t as comfortable as the scoreline suggests.
Leading by seven at the half, there was hopes of a shock. But the hosts turned the game around and moved up a gear in the third, outscoring Lagun Aro 22-10 to take the win.
Frenchman Nando De Colo was in inspirational form as he led all scorers with 26 points. Sergei Vidal led Lagun with 14.
Caja Laboral edge Bilbao.
In probably the most exciting play-off game of the night, Caja Laboral defeated Gescrap Bilbao 77-73 to take a 1-0 lead.
After a closely contested first three quarters, which Bilbao led 67-65 going to the fourth, Caja Laboral pulled away in the final stretch to claim the win.
Mirza Teletovic led Caja Laboral with 19 points with Fernando San Emeterio contributing with 13.
Aaron Jackson had 18 points for Gescrap Bilbao.
Game one between Real Madrid and Seville is later tonight.
