By Aris Barkas/ barkas@eurohoops.net
Barcelona has one last goal to achieve, to win the Spanish championship, and it will be difficult for Valencia to stop them. It was proved on Wednesday night. Barcelona won on the road by 16 points (80-64) and now has a 2-1 lead over Valencia in Liga Endesa’s semifinals.
Barcelona was dominating the game after the first quarter with Juan Carlos Navarro leading the way with 15 points. The outcome was decided early in the second half and both coaches gave minutes to their bench players. For the home team Brazilian center Vitor Faverani with 14 points was the top scorer.
In Italy, Siena continues to manhandle Sassari after a 92-66 win and a 2-0 leads in the semifinals. Bo McCalebb was the top scorer for the winners with 13 points in a balanced offense. For Sassari Bosnian forward Vanja Plisnic scored 18 points, but that’s just a footnote in the game.
Finally in Belgium the finals are tied 1-1 after the road win of Oostende in Charleroi (72-68). American forward Brent Wright with 14 points and 5 rebounds was the top scorer of the winners.