By Eurohoops / info@eurohoops.net
Despite being fully immersed in the EuroLeague Final Four, Valencia Basket has to fulfill its commitments in the Liga Endesa, and so far, it continues to do so.
Pedro Martínez’s team defeated Surne Bilbao 88-83, a result that leaves the Taronja with a 22-9 record, tied with Barça and Kosner Baskonia. Jaume Ponsarnau’s team, meanwhile, remains at 17-15, currently holding the final playoff spot.
The star of the game was Justin Jaworski, who led all scorers with 31 points. For the home team, Kam Taylor was the top scorer with 16 points.
As the final score reflects, the game was hard-fought. Despite starting the game with a 32-11 lead, Valencia Basket didn’t have an easy time securing the victory. After halftime, the visitors rallied, outscoring their opponents 31-15 in the third quarter, bringing the game back to square one.
In the final quarter, Surne Bilbao completed their comeback, taking a 74-71 lead, but Valencia Basket’s superior quality and composure ultimately prevailed at the Roig Arena.
To finish the round, Barça defeated La Laguna Tenerife 97-102. Despite continuing to be without Satoransy, Vesely, and Clyburn, but the victories keep piling up and today’s had one main protagonist.
Juani Marcos played his best game in the Liga Endesa, racking up 18 points, 6 rebounds, and a 27 efficiency rating to lead the Blaugrana to victory. Kevin Punter (16 points), Youssopha Fall (13 points and 7 rebounds), and Toko Shengelia (13 points) were also key to the visitors’ win.
The South American point guards for the Tenerife team shone, with Marcelinho and Fitipaldo combining for 39 points, Mills adding 15, Abromaitis 16, and Guerra 14, but the home team’s comeback came too late. Despite never taking the lead, La Laguna Tenerife narrowed the gap to 74-75, but couldn’t turn the game around.
Barça capitalized on their opportunity, sealing the victory with the introduction of their key players.
Liga Endesa Round 31
Hiopos Lleida – Dreamland Gran Canaria 75-72
Real Madrid – Asisa Joventut 81-89
UCAM Murcia – Unicaja de Málaga 87-69
Valencia Basket – Surne Bilbao 88-83
Kosner Baskonia – Coviran Granada 121-85
Morabanc Andorra – San Pablo Burgos 83-85
La Laguna Tenerife – Barça 97-102
BAXI Manresa – Casademont Zaragoza 101-83
Río Breogán – Bàsquet Girona 95-76
STANDINGS: Real Madrid 26-6, UCAM Murcia 23-9, Barça 23-9, Kosner Baskonia 23-9, Valencia Basket 22-9…
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