By Aris Barkas/ barkas@eurohoops.net
Two sweeps in two semifinal series was the aftermath of Sunday in Germany. Brose Baskets demolished Artland Dragons 94-63 (3-0) and Ratiopharm Ulm beat Saint Oliver Baskets 88-80 (3-0). It’s needless to say that defending champions Brose Baskets are the favorite to win the title with American forward Anthony “P.J.” Tucker (photo) mimicking the success that Olympiacos stand out Kyle Hines had in the German team.
Liga Endesa proved to be one more time the more competitive domestic league in Europe. Valencia beat Barcelona 81-76 on the road and tied the semifinal series between them (1-1). Spanish guard Rafael Martinez with 18 points and 4 assist was the best player on the court.
In Serbia the semifinals of the league started with the home teams prevailing. Radnicki beat Crvena Zvezda 84-78 in a game that was dominated by American center David Simon (24 p.) and Partizan didn’t had any problem against Voivodina (77-67).
And finally in Bulgaria there is a new – old – champion. Lukoil Academic swept the finals against Levski (3-0) and got their tenth consecutive championship.