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Week 33 concluded later than usual so that Barcelona and Real Madrid could return to domestic normality after their weekend in Milan.
Led by Euroelague MVP Sergio Rodriguez, his side rebounded from their Euroleague title game disappointment by beating Gipuzkoa 81-72 without the services of Rudy Fernandez.
Sergio Llull led Madrid with 18 points. Rodriguez and Carroll each added 14 as the Euroleague finalists look certain to end as the league leaders heading into the post-season.
Barcelona, who finished third in Milan were 77-51 victors over Estudiantes, thanks to a dominating second quarter display.
Alex Abrines led Barca with 15 points, supported by Maciej Lampe’s 13 as the Catalan side remain third.
Valencia looks set to finish second in what has been a record-breaking season for them by beating Bruiz d’Or 92-59 and edging Tenerife 100-91.
The Eurocup winners face a tricky last game of the regular season though, as they travel to Catalunya to face Joventut Badalona.
Despite defeat, Tenerife quickly bounced back with a 96-85 win at home to Bilbao.
A three from Gran Canaria’s Ben Hansbrough handed Unicaja Malaga their first defeat in eight games as they were beaten 67-65 in a physical contest.
Walter Da Veiga led the winners with 11 points as they secured a spot in the post-season. Unicaja, barring any monumental collapse, should clinch home court for the Playoffs.
Joventut Badalona celebrated Guillem Vives’ Young Player of the Season award, but lost on a tip-dunk on the fourth quarter buzzer by Marcus Landry.
Despite Landry’s final second heroics, Scott Bamforth led the scoring with a double-double of 24 points and 11 rebounds, leading Seville to the win.
Around the Liga Endesa, Fuenlabrada beat bottom side Valladolid 91-81 at home. Rio Natura were also victorious at home, as they conquered a stubborn Murcia side 95-86, and Laboral Kutxa won the road 88-75 to Zaragoza.
The final round of the regular season is this weekend.
