Barcelona suffered their seventh defeat of the season, but still are considered by many to be the biggest threat to Real Madrid’s undefeated streak.
The Catalan side lost 85-79 to playoff side Zaragoza as 19 points from Belgian international Jonathan Tabu and 15 from Viktor Sanikidze was enough to settle the tie leaving Barca now looking to solidify third.
Ante Tomic replied with 15 for the visitors.
Valencia overcame a tricky assignment in Gran Canaria, beating them 86-81 to almost seal second spot.
The visitors put on a third quarter clinic, as Gran Canaria’s defence faultered and despite a fourth quarter comeback, they couldn’t do enough to put Valencia under more pressure as the Eurocup semi-finalists look likely to finish second.
Real Madrid though remains in a class of their own at the top of the Liga Endesa as they defeated Cajasol Seville 81-75 to remain undefeated at 26-0.
Sergio Llull led the league leaders with 15 points as they maintained their dominance at the top, but they were pushed all the way by a stubborn Seville side.
There was an upset at the Palacio Municipal De Deportes as Murcia defeated Laboral Kutxa 89-80 to further distance themselves from the drop zone. Augusto Lima led the scoring for Murcia with 17 points and 10 rebounds as he proved to be a key presence inside for the win.
To make the situation better for Murcia, La Bruixa d’Or lost 81-74 at home to in-form Estudiantes.
Marko Banic led the way with 20 points.
Other matches in the Liga Endesa included a much-needed win for Gipuzkoa, as they beat Monbus 76-72 on the road, but are still outside the playoff places due to poor form.
Unicaja Malaga put their disappointment of going out in the Euroleague behind them as they beat Tenerife 71-60 away from home thanks to 13 points from Ryan Toolson.
Bilbao were comfortable 93-77 victors over basement side Valladolid and there was a much needed win for Fuenlabrada as they bested Joventut Badalona 76-69.
