By Eurohoops Team/ info@eurohoops.net
Real Madrid put on an offensive clinic in the first half against BAXI Manresa and that was more than enough for a 94 – 64 away win. The Blancos had 44 points in the first 12 minutes and led 57 – 36 at halftime, retaining a large advantage for the rest of the game.
Thanks to this victory, Real Madrid remained tied with archrival Barcelona in the first place in the ACB standings at 15-3. Manresa, now at 3-15, shares the bottom of the table with Fuenlabrada.
No Real Madrid player spent more than 21:07 on the floor since coach Chus Mateo did plenty of rotation ahead of a double-game EuroLeague week. Dzanan Musa scored 12 points in 15:11 to help the winning squad go off to a hot start, Mario Hezonja added 12 points of his own while Sergio Rodriguez finished with 11 points plus five assists. Edy Tavares contributed 11 points plus five rebounds and Nigel Williams-Goss had seven points in his return to action.
Jerrick Harding stood out from Manresa with 21 points. Marcis Steinbergs had 12 points and five rebounds.
More ACB action in Malaga, Unicaja beat Valencia 102 – 86 behind 20 points by Dario Brizuela. James Web III scored 16 for Valencia.
Vanja Marinkovic set his personal best for the 2022-23 season to 25 points leading Cazoo Baskonia to the win, 87-80, versus UCAM Murcia.
Highlighting Saturday’s schedule, FC Barcelona defeated Girona, 84-73.
ACB Round 18
Carplus Fuenlabrada – Lenovo Tenerife 67-95
Rio Breogan – Coviran Granada 99-67
Surne Bilbao – Joventut Badalona 51-70
Girona – FC Barcelona 73-84
Baxi Manresa – Real Madrid 69-94
Unicaja – Valencia 102-86
UCAM Murcia – Cazoo Baskonia 80-87
Gran Canaria – Monbus Obradoiro 75-68
Casademont Zaragoza – Real Betis 89-82 OT (76-76)
STANDINGS: Real Madrid 15-3, FC Barcelona 15-3, Lenovo Tenerife 14-4, Cazoo Baskonia 14-4, Unicaja 13-5…