El Barça observed in the last quarter to win Zaragoza
Real Madrid won (105-107) against Unicaja on the 24th day of the Endea League, held at Martín Carpena, after a heart-stopping end that kept them in the lead, followed by Tenerife Laguna in second place, while Barça saved their furniture at Palau Blaugrana (97).
Those under Chus Mateo avenged the Copa del Rey final last month against Málaga, not without suffering until the final buzzer. A three-pointer by Tyson Carter hit the mark twice in overtime and prevented a loss for Madrid in 20 wins, 12 of which followed internal competition. On the other hand, Unicaja sits in fourth place with 17 wins and two consecutive losses.
Ibon Navarro set a three-pointer record in an Endea League game (23), but Madrid answered the local artillery with 39 points in the final quarter. With the late contributions of Facundo Campazzo, plus Bruno Fernando, who had to leave in the second quarter, Dzanan Musa (24 points and 37 evaluation), Usman Garuba (18 and 25), Edy Tavares (14, 10 rebounds, and 24), Andres Nocioni, Sergio Llull, and Mario Hezonja (18).
Meanwhile, the hunt for the leader continues with Tenerife Laguna, the sole second-place team that defeated Morabanc Andorra (96-84). The TXUS Vidorreta team was once again strong at home, despite the recent injury to Fran Guerra, and had Gio Shermadini, who needed no assistance inside.
The Georgian center had a stellar performance with 22 points, 10 rebounds, and 38 evaluation, with Marcelinho Huertas as his ever-reliable partner. The Brazilian guard tallied 16 points, 11 assists, and 19 evaluations, and the Canarians reacted in the second half to Andorra’s attempt to stay out of the relegation zone.
On the other hand, Barça, thinking ahead to the upcoming Euroleague doubleheader, narrowly escaped an untimely sweat in their regular moment, thanks to the last quarter at Palau. Joan Parnarya’s squad regrouped in the second half after trailing by 14 points, imposing the muscle of Jabari Parker, decisive with a final cap, Willy Hernangómez, and Chimezie Metu.
The Catalans added their fourteenth victory, further solidifying their position in the «Top 8» like their neighbors in Badalona, Joventut, who won (81-86) against Lleida Hípica, ending a 20-year streak without a win at Barris Nord. Ante Tomic (19 points, 10 rebounds, and 29 evaluations) and Adam Hanga (19 points and 25 evaluation) led the way for a «Penya» team coming off three defeats.
Additionally, Basket Surne Bilbao clipped the wings (91-88) of Granada Coviran, who sought to climb out of the penultimate position. The Basques took a significant step towards salvation, with the next hurdle looming, thanks to standout performances from Melwin Pantzar (20 points and 33 evaluation) and Thijsof Ridder (19).
