By Eurohoops team / info@eurohoops.net
After opening their EuroLeague playoff series with contrasting results, both Valencia and Real Madrid turned their attention to ACB action this weekend.
Valencia visited BAXI Manresa and, despite leading for most of the game, collapsed in the closing moments to suffer a 102–104 loss. Retin Obasohan delivered the decisive blow with a clutch three-pointer down the stretch.
The former ASVEL guard and Belgian international led Manresa with 30 points. Alejandro Reyes added 17, Agustín Ubal had 15, and Dani Pérez chipped in 12.
For Valencia, who now travel to Athens for Game 3 against Panathinaikos after dropping the first two games at Roig Arena, Brancou Badio led the way with 16 points. Matt Costello and Darius Thompson added 12 each, while Sergio De Larrea scored 11 and Josep Puerto 10.
The game in Manresa was dramatic, but it was topped by the spectacle in Madrid, where Real Madrid and UCAM Murcia delivered a thriller at Movistar Arena. Los Blancos looked headed for defeat, but Mario Hezonja sparked a comeback as Sergio Scariolo’s side prevailed 131–123 after overtime.
Hezonja took over in the fourth quarter, scoring key baskets, including a game-tying two-pointer with three seconds remaining. He had a chance to win it from the free-throw line but missed the bonus attempt, sending the game into overtime. He continued his dominant display in the extra period, finishing with 40 points.
Croatian forward added 11 rebounds and six assists, hitting an impressive 8-of-12 from three-point range. It marked the highest-scoring game of his club careerHe added 11 rebounds and six assists, hitting an impressive 8-of-12 from three-point range. It marked the highest-scoring game of his club career.
Trey Lyles followed with 26 points and 10 rebounds, Alberto Abalde scored 14, Usman Garuba had 11, and Theo Maledon contributed 10.
For Murcia, David DeJulius led the way with 27 points and 12 assists, Kelan Martin added 22, and Michael Forrest finished with 21.