By Aris Barkas/ barkas@eurohoops.net
The first place was sealed for Barca. So, the last regular season game for Liga Endesa against Manresa was more like a glorified practice. The Catalans won 77-71, they have a 28-5 record and they are already thinking about the Euroleague Final Four.
That’s why Juan Carlos Navarro and Erazem Lorbek weren’t used by coach Xavi Pascual in order to be protected for the semifinal against Olympiacos. Center Boniface Ndong scored 17 points, Barca took the lead after the first quarter (32-18) and although Manresa tried to fight back with Josh Asselin scoring 18 points, there wasn’t any real competition for the winners.
Real Madrid finished regular season also with a win against Joventut (95-82), but they have to settle for second place with 25-8 record.
Assignia Manresa – FC Barcelona Regal 71-77
MANRESA: Palsson, Asselin 18, Rodriguez 3, Montanez 2, Gladyr 6, Doelman 11, Hanga 11, Achara 5, Downs 9, Oriola 2
BARCELONA: Sada 4, Huertas, Perovic 6, Vazquez 9, Wallace 6, Ingles 10, Ndong 17, Rabaseda 2, Eidson 12, Mickeal 11