Real Madrid defeated Casademont Zaragoza (99-78) and Valencia Basket did the same (101-65) against Hiopos Lleida, while Barça stumbled (84-83) on their visit to UCAM Murcia, in matches on matchday 18 of the Endesa League.
Sergio Scariolo’s team, with rest for Edy Tavares and Trey Lyles, and with hardly any prominence for Facundo Campazzo and Mario Hezonja, showed their wardrobe to reinforce the leadership at the Movistar Arena and put the defeat this week in Paris behind them. Gabriele Procida (18 points and 24 PIR) and Alex Len (15 and 23) were the best, from least to most Madrid. Chuma Okeke, David Krämer and Sergio Lull also scored in double figures.
In addition, Valencia Basket was another roller against Hiopos Lleida, from start to finish to reach 14 victories compared to 16 for the whites. Pedro Martínez’s men connected on 17 three-pointers, with a 47% success rate, and forced 17 turnovers on the Catalans. Jean Montero (20 rating) led the way and Josep Puerto (19 points) followed him for a Valencia that had no rival.
Meanwhile, Barça fell 16 points behind in Murcia and the locals gave their fans tremendous joy by winning in the final seconds with a triple from Toni Nakic. Xavi Pascual’s team suffered its second consecutive defeat in the League, despite having the final actions of Kevin Punter and Jan Vesely. Devontae Cacok (23 points and 25 PIR) kept the faith of a UCAM that tied the Catalans on the table (12-6).
On the other hand, Unicaja resolved (92-98) a tight match against BAXI Manresa with the decisive performance of Kendrick Perry (17 points, 8 assists, 5 rebounds, 28 PIR). The point guard scored nine points in the last quarter and Unicaja attacked the Nou Congost in the final minutes, with James Webb also instrumental in the outcome to put Ibon Navarro’s team at 12 victories.
Furthermore, La Laguna Tenerife extended its reaction in the League, stopping Kosner Baskonia’s streak (89-85). Txus Vidorreta’s team gained a good advantage with a great first half, but they had to sweat to contain the Basques’ attempted comeback, both with 11 wins although Vitoria’s team had one less game. Marcelinho Huertas (23 points and 23 PIR) led the Aurinegra performance in La Laguna.