ACB Liga Endesa: giants continue success
We are at the Round 2 stage of the 2017/2018 ACB Liga Endesa season and already the usual suspects of Spanish Basketball are flexing their muscles. Round 1 last weekend saw Real Madrid, Barcelona, and reigning ACB Liga Endesa champs Valencia secure victories. The three clubs were at it again during Round 2, all picking up wins to move to 2-0.
There were also victories for Iberostar Tenerife, Unicaja Malaga, and Gran Canaria, three clubs that will be among the outside contenders this season and also boast 2-0 unblemished records. It is admittedly the very start of a long campaign, but nevertheless, the big clubs are likely to make the league standings familiar throughout.
Joventut vs. Barcelona, 72-74
Barcelona has not been entirely convincing so far, but after a torrid 2016/2017, two victories to kick off the new campaign is a welcome record. As the score suggests, Barca was taken to the wire by the home team, but eventually edged to victory late on. Kevin Seraphin scored 14 points to pace the victory, followed by Rakim Sanders with 13 points.
Unicaja Malaga vs. Burgos, 93-72
EuroCup champs Malaga turned on the style to take apart Burgos on the south coast. The hosts controlled the first thirty minutes for a substantial 83-48 lead. Burgos was allowed a 24-10 rally in the fourth act to restore some pride at the final buzzer. Alberta Diaz scored 14 points in the victory, while Jeffrey Brooks managed 13 points.
Bilbao Basket vs. Real Madrid, 80-87
Real Madrid had the legs on Bilbao and stayed unbeaten so far this 2017/2018 ACB Liga Endesa season. Los Blancos trailed by 8 points through ten minutes, before fighting back to lead by 7 through thirty minutes. Madrid held strong in the fourth quarter to maintain its advantage at the end. Anthony Randolph scored 26 points and grabbed 9 boards in the success.
Valencia vs. Obradoiro, 80-67
Champs Valencia have gotten off to a fantastic start in their title defence. An easy home success over Obradoiro was enough for the club to stay undefeated ahead of a tougher test against Tenerife on Sunday. This contest was tied through the long break, but Valencia moved through the gears in the second half and romped to victory. Erick Green was at his talismanic best as he poured in 19 points in the win.