Valencia spoils Mike James’ EuroLeague career night to remain alive in playoff race

Mike James had a career night in the EuroLeague, but Valencia stood tall and earned a much-needed victory in its effort to enter the playoff zone.

Valencia and CSKA Moscow fought tooth and nail for the win at La Fonteta, with the Spaniards prevailing in double overtime.

Despite the hosts leading by 15 in the first half (39-24), the visitors came back and took control (56-61).

The Spaniards led by seven later on (72-65), but the Muscovites turned things around again (74-74).

Since then, no team could take the upper hand and the game was sent to overtime (84-84).

Later, nothing changed and Hermannson made one of two free throws to force a double overtime (95-95).

With Valencia leading by two (105-103), James had the chance to win it for CSKA, but missed two three-pointers in the final seconds.

Valencia remained alive in the playoff race in the EuroLeague, snapping a three-game losing streak and improving to 12-12.

For their part, CSKA dropped to 16-8, losing for the fourth time in the last five EuroLeague games.

Mike James posted a career-high 37 points (11/27 shooting) in his return to action after the suspension, along with seven assists and four steals.

CSKA were forced to play without Nikola Milutinov (season-ending shoulder injury) and Tornike Shengelia (out for several EuroLeague games with knee injury).

Anadolu Efes swept the EuroLeague regular season series over Barcelona, thanks to its 86-88 win at Palau Blaugrana.

The Turks led by as many as 13 points in the fourth quarter and endured the comeback of the Catalans late in the game.

Therefore, they secured an impressive road win to improve to 13-10 and enter the playoff zone.

Efes have lost only once in the last six EuroLeague games and maintained a playoff push.

On the other hand, Barcelona dropped to 17-7, but still have the best record in the EuroLeague.

Efes became the first team that defeats Barcelona twice in the EuroLeague this season.

Earlier this week, EuroLeague Basketball announced the suspension of two games, due to the coronavirus pandemic.

More specifically, Maccabi will not host Khimki, as the Russians never travelled to Tel-Aviv, because of travel restrictions.

In addition, Zalgiris Kaunas will not face Crvena Zvezda, due to several positive coronavirus cases in the Serbian team.

EuroLeague will reschedule both games to a later date.