EuroLeague day 14
This Friday, Barcelona defiled the castle in which Red Star (79-89) transformed its fiefdom, as it achieved the best streak in the Euroleague – seven consecutive victories – in a very serious match in which it always took the initiative to establish itself at the top of the Euroleague standings.
Will Claiborne was the biggest catalyst for the victory with 22 points, 20 of which before the end of the first half, while after the start of the second half Kevin Punter (14) and Dario Brizuela (17) were decisive in stopping the attack in moments of greatest local pressure, and Tornick Shengelia took over responsibility (15). They all maintained a collective performance that allowed Barcelona to sign off their ninth European win, their second in a row, and their first on the road since Xavi Pascual returned to the bench after nine-and-a-half years.
Valencia Basket, led by the in-form Darius Thompson, attacked OAKA, now Telekom Center Athens, on Friday in a match in which, after falling behind in the first half, they overcame Panathinaikos in a brilliant second half to add a victory that strengthens them in the Euroleague playoff spot. Pedro Martinez’s side were able to capitalize on their improved defense in the final two quarters with an impeccable display from Thompson, who finished with 19 points, 8 rebounds and 6 assists, but also showed a great tendency to surprise an opponent who thought they had control of the game with the help of Cam Taylor and Pape Badiou.
Finally, on Friday, Baskonia won 88-78 over EA7 Emporio Armani Milan, with a distinguished role for French striker Timothy Loao Caparo, in a match within the 14th round of the regular stage of the Euroleague, which ended with the victory of the local team after escaping in the third period. At the Fernando Buesa Arena, where they are at their best, the locals dominated the scoreboard from the start, but without any excessive advantages.