ACB Liga Endesa semi-finals recap

Real Madrid downed Unicaja Malaga at home and Valencia beat Baskonia before the Vitoria club evened the series through Game 1 and Game 2 of the ACB Liga Endesa semi-finals.

We are down to the last four clubs and there is a real feeling this season that any team can win. Sure, Real Madrid is the clear favourite, but Los Blancos has not been untouchable this season. However, the reigning champions beat EuroCup holders Malaga, but the best of five series has plenty to go.

The same can be said of Valencia and Baskonia, especially through Game 2 on Thursday as Baskonia evened the series.

Real Madrid vs. Unicaja Malaga, 71-68

The champs were made to work hard on their own floor to secure victory in Game 1. Los Blancos won the first quarter 20-16 before an 18-18 second frame made it 38-34 through halftime. Unicaja hit back with a 16-18 third act that made it 50-52 after thirty minutes. Malaga continued to press, but Real Madrid held on for the win.

Baskonia vs. Valencia Basket, 90-70

After missing out in Game 1 by a single point (82-83), Baskonia got back to its high scoring best and defeated Valencia to even the AVB Liga Endesa semi-final series. The hosts led 21-16 after the first quarter, but in the second Valencia kept pace with a 25-25 frame that made it 46-41 through the long break. Baskonia took charge in the third act with a 20-16 period before outgunning the visitors 24-13 in the closing frame.