By Aris Barkas/ barkas@eurohoops.net
It was a “do or die” game for Valencia and Barcelona was more than happy to finish them. After a 77-73 road win Barca qualified to Spanish league finals (3-1) with Juan Carlos Navarro (17 p.) and Pete Mickael (14 p., 7 r.) doing the damage. Valencia tried its best and French guard Nando De Colo had a great game with 22 points, 5 rebounds and 4 assist, but the experience of the defending champions made the difference in the end.
In Italy, Siena completed the sweep of Sassari with a 79-64 road win (3-0) and qualified to the league finals. Bo McCalebb (photo) took over and finished the game with 21 points and 9/10 two pointers. It was evident one more time from the first quarter (23-12 for Siena) that Sassari wasn’t up to the task of challenging the defending champions.
In France, Chalon started the semifinals with a win against Orleans (70-65) even thought the star of the team, American Blake Schilb had an off night with 11 points but only 3/13 field goals. It was an ugly game with the winners having just 35,8% shot percentage and Orleans being almost as bad (37,1%).
In Belgium, former Panathinaikos, Panionios and Roma player Kennedy Winston was on fire and scored 27 points in Oostende’s win against Spirou Charleroi (82-79). Oostende has a 2-1 lead and needs on more win for the title.
In Serbia, Crvena Zvezda beat Radnicki on the road (76-71) and with 2-1 victories qualified to the league finals where Partizan is already waiting for them.