By Johnny Askounis/ info@eurohoops.net
A convincing display lifted FC Barcelona to the win, 85-75, versus archrival Real Madrid at WiZink Center Sunday evening.
Turkish import Sertac Sanli poured 17 points to go along with five rebounds in the Clasico highlighting ACB Regular Season Round 16.
Kyle Kuric ended up sharing the game-high 17 points. Nikola Mirotic followed with 13 points, including seven in the final quarter.
Pierre Oriola and Alex Abrines remained on the injury list with Dante Exum also not suiting up for the team led by Lithuanian tactician Sarunas Jasikevicius.
Pablo Laso’s side missed Fabien Causeur. Carlos Alocen and Trey Thompkins were out as well. Walter Tavares had 12 points and Sergio Llull 11 points in the losing effort.
The Turkish Airlines EuroLeague and ACB giants exchanged blows until Barca assumed control late in the first half and retained the lead through the second half. The distance went from 12 points to shooting distance down the stretch but the visitors did not let go to clinch the victory.
The win improving the domestic record to 12-3 forced the Whites down to 16-2. Baxi Manresa follows in third place at 12-6.
Bitci Baskonia prevailed, 80-69, over Hereda San Pablo Burgos. Matt Costello went for 21 points, including eight in the last quarter. The Michigan State product also grabbed ten rebounds. The win lifted the team coached by Neven Spahija to 10-8. Alec Peters and Arturs Kurucs were out after recently returning positive COVID-19 tests.
UCAM Murcia held on to beat Lenovo Tenerife, 88-86, to up its record to 10-6. The Basketball Champions League outlet fell to 8-7.
Elsewhere, Ludvig Hakanson banked in 26 points leading Surne Bilbao past Coosur Real Betis, 88-71. Laurynas Birutis also knocked in 26 points for Monbus Obradoiro in the 100-83 victory versus Rio Breogan.
Sunday results:
Coosur Real Betis – Surne Bilbao 71-88
UCAM Murcia – Lenovo Tenerife 88-86
Bitci Baskonia – Hereda San Pablo Burgos 80-69
Real Madrid – FC Barcelona 75-85
Monbus Obradoiro – Rio Breogan 100-83