By Johnny Askounis/ info@eurohoops.net
After failing to build on a 13-point advantage, Valencia outlasted Real Madrid to claim the win, 94-93, at WiZink Center Sunday.
Jasiel Rivero picked up a knee injury scoring the go-ahead bucket and earning a foul with 1:08 remaining in the exciting contest. The Cuban center exited but ended up sharing a team-high 16 points with Klemen Prepelic. Xabier Lopez-Arostegui registered seven of his 11 points in the fourth quarter. Captain Bojan Dubljevic added 11 more points aiding the Oranges up to 12-6.
The team led by Pablo Laso dropped to 16-4 with its third loss in a row at the domestic level. Sergio Llull packing a game-high 17 points behind 5/10 three-pointers did not snap the skid. Rudy Fernandez finished with 16 points. Adam Hanga, Gabriel Deck, and Jeffery Taylor remained out.
Missing Lamar Peters, Bitci Baskonia fell to Urbas Fuenlabrada, 84-70. Serbian center Dusan Ristic led the way posting a 27-point, 10-rebound double-double against the EuroLeague outlet.
Alec Peters went for 16 points, seven assists, and six rebounds as his side dropped to 10-9. Steven Enoch and Rokas Giedraitis had 14 and 13 points, respectively, in the losing effort.
The hosts improved to 7-11.
Earlier, FC Barcelona went up to 14-3 after defeating Monbus Obradoiro, 83-67.
ACB Round 21:
Coosur Real Betis – Rio Breogan 84-81
Casademont Zaragoza – Unicaja 93-82
MoraBanc Andorra – Joventut Badalona 91-72
FC Barcelona – Monbus Obradoiro 83-67
Lenovo Tenerife – UCAM Murcia 87-71
Urbas Fuenlabrada – Bitci Baskonia 84-70
Real Madrid – Valencia 93-94
Surne Bilbao – Baxi Manresa 89-82
Hereda San Pablo Burgos – Gran Canaria (31/3)