ACB Liga Endesa title contenders prove worth

So far, this ACB Liga Endesa season, we have talked about the three title favourites, Real Madrid, Valencia, and Barcelona. All three clubs have shown through two rounds of the 2017/2018 campaign that they will be the teams to beat. Through round 3 this weekend, the three clubs exploded for the first time, each putting in hugely impressive victories.

Real Madrid and Barcelona romped to their biggest wins so far, while reigning champs Valencia passed their biggest test so far. Either way, all three clubs are now at 3-0 and are undefeated ahead of the EuroLeague tip off this week.

FC Barcelona vs. Burgos, 111-81

I was hard on Barcelona last season as it was one of the worst years for the club in recent memory. Barca started this ACB Liga Endesa season well with two wins, but have hardly looked special. That changed against an admittedly cannon fodder team like Burgos. In Catalonia on Sunday, Barcelona tore into the minnows and secured a huge win. The hosts were better in every department, including topping Burgos in rebounds 36-22 and handing out 30 assists in a rounded attacking display. Adrien Moreman secured 17 points in the win, while Pierre Oriola drained 16 points.

Iberostar Tenerife vs. Valencia Basquetbol, 67-70

The final score was narrow, but Valencia passed its hardest test to beat Champions League winners Tenerife away from home. It was a victory of champions as Valencia were three down at the long break. In the second half, 36-30 was enough to allow the champs to get back into the game and edge the contest. The guests rested on a solid offensive output, with four players nailing more than double figures. Erick Green was once again the focal point with 18 points, while Tibor Pleiss scored 12 points from the bench.

Real Madrid vs. Zaragoza, 93-65

Like El Clasico rival Barcelona, Real Madrid put in its most impressive display of the season so far, taking apart Zaragoza in the Spanish capital. Madrid dominated the first half, but let go the third act 16-15. However, the giants moved through the blip and moved to another gear in the fourth act and secured a huge win. Los Blancos drained a solid 52 points in the paint, while sinking 23-out-of-28 points from the charity strip. Fabien Causer dropped 15 points to pace the winners.