By Eurohoops / info@eurohoops.net
Real Madrid and Valencia Basket faced off in the marquee matchup of the round, a clash between two title contenders that was key to determining which of the two would finish the first half of the season as champions.
Once again, Real Madrid proved they remain the team to beat.
A commanding 94–79 victory for the Whites over the taronja speaks for itself.
Mario Hezonja led all scorers with 23 points. David Kramer, making a strong return, finished with 14 points, the same total as Sergio Llull.
For Valencia Basket, Darius Thompson stood out with 19 points, while Jean Montero was the only other visiting player to reach double figures, contributing 15 points.
Despite Valencia Basket opening the game at a spectacular level and enjoying leads as large as 6–23, Pedro Martínez’s side eventually succumbed to the home team’s power.
The second quarter ended with a devastating 34–19 run that tied the game at 43–43, effectively resetting the contest—clearly great news for Real Madrid.
The break did not change the dynamic, as Scariolo’s men came out in control in the second half. In the midst of a white storm, the scoreboard showed 72–54, restoring the joy at the Movistar Arena, where fans watched their team dispatch two dangerous opponents—Barça and Valencia Basket—with convincing wins.
Things did not change much in the final quarter, as any attempt at a Valencia Basket comeback was immediately stifled by Real Madrid, who were crowned first-half champions in brilliant fashion.
Earlier today, Baskonia destroyed BAXI Manresa and Barça grabbed a last-second win against San Pablo Burgos.
Liga Endesa Round 16
Surne Bilbao – La Laguna Tenerife 95-78
Dreamland Gran Canaria – Hiopos Lleida 50-68
Morabanc Andorra – Río Breogán 101-104
Unicaja de Málaga – Coviran Granada 88-79
San Pablo Burgos – Barça 79-80
Joventut Badalona – Bàsquet Girona 71-74
Kosner Baskonia – BAXI Manresa 130-85
UCAM Murcia – Casademont Zaragoza 90-84
Real Madrid – Valencia Basket 94-79
STANDINGS: Real Madrid (14-2), Valencia Basket (12-4), Barça (12-4), UCAM Murcia (11-5)…