By Lefteris Moutis/ moutis@eurohoops.net
Caja Laboral made the great surprise and won Real Madrid in the first semifinal of Spanish playoffs (81-71) gaining tremendous advantage for the qualification to the final after a big game from Polish big man Maciej Lampe (21 p., 11 r.). The value of the Basque’s victory becomes even more important after Andres Nocioni’s injury four minutes after the start of the game. The medical tests showed that he will not ply in the second game of the series, and is questionable for the first game in Fernando Buesa Arena. FC Barcelona is also up 1-0 in the semis after an easy win against Valencia (84-57).
In Italy, Scavolini won again Cantu (80-68) in Pezaro, tied the series at 2-2 and now their differences will be resolved in the fifth game at Saturday night. The winner of the match at Cantu will face in the semifinals Milan with home disadvantage.
In Germany, Ulm followed Bamberg’s path by winning Oliver Baskets away (82-74) in the second semifinal and now needs one more victory at home to play in the finals. Also, Braunschweig announced that the new coach of the team will be Kostas Flevarakis as eurohoops.net had informed you five days ago.