By Eurohoops team / info@eurohoops.net
Baskonia defeated La Laguna Tenerife with a score of 91-81, securing a spot in the semifinals of the Copa del Rey, which is being held in Valencia this year.
Trent Forrest was the top scorer for the winning team with 21 points, Rodions Kurucs added 14, as did Timothe Luwawu-Cabarrot. On the other side, Bruno Fitipaldo and Thomas Scrubb scored 14 points each.
Baskonia held the lead from the first to the last minute. With a run in the second quarter, Paolo Galbiati’s team pulled away to a significant advantage (36-20), making it seem like they would easily reach the semifinals.
However, Tenerife made a comeback and tied the game at 66-66 at the start of the final quarter, but they stalled there. Baskonia managed to pull away again and ultimately secured the victory without drama.
Barcelona beats Murcia to reach semifinals
Barcelona secured their advancement as they defeated Murcia in the last quarterfinal with a score of 91-85.
Kevin Punter scored 20 points, Nico Laprovittola added 14 along with nine assists, same as Will Clyburn, while Tornike Shengelia had 13. On the other side, Dylan Ennis was outstanding with 25 points, while Devontae Cacok scored 17 points and grabbed ten rebounds.
The quarterfinals in Valencia concluded with a very interesting duel. Murcia had the lead entering the final quarter (66-60), but failed to pull off an upset. A 10-0 run by Barcelona followed, and Xavi Pascual’s team found their three-point shot at crucial moments, ultimately breaking Murcia’s resistance.
Barcelona and Baskonia will meet in the semifinals.
Quarterfinals
Valencia Basket – Joventut 95-84
Real Madrid – Unicaja 100-70
Baskonia – La Laguna Tenerife 91-81
Barcelona – UCAM Murcia 91-85
Semifinals
Valencia Basket – Real Madrid (18:00 CET)
Baskonia – Barcelona (21:00 CET)