Copa del Rey: Semi-finals set
The Semi-Final of the 2018 Copa Del Rey has been locked after the Quarter-Final stage was played out over Thursday and Friday. The Four clubs competing in the Final Four in Gran Canaria on Saturday are reigning Champions League winners Iberostar Tenerife, Barcelona, hosts Herbalife Gran Canaria, and reigning Copa Del Rey champs Real Madrid.
Valencia Basket vs. Iberostar Tenerife, 72-79
Tenerife took out current Spanish league champions Valencia to set up an interesting clash with Real Madrid on Saturday. This first Copa Del Rey quarter-final of 2018 saw Tenerife stick with Valencia in the first half as the teams tied 36-36 through the long break. In the third quarter Tenerife started to pull away with a 19-23 run before settling the game with a 17-20 fourth frame. Valencia simply faded as the game progressed.
Real Madrid vs. Unicaja Malaga, 89-85
In Thursday’s other last eight game, Real Madrid edged current EuroCup champ Malage in an exciting game. Los Blancos is on course for its 28th Spanish Cup and held a slender 46-45 lead during halftime in this game. In the second half, the contest did not open as the teams continued to trade blows. Madrid fell behind 64-66 through thirty minutes, but rallied back with a 25-18 fourth quarter that sealed the game.
Herbalife Gran Canaria vs. Fuenlabrada, 107-92
Tournament hosts Gran Canaria showed home advantage could be huge this season as the club crushed Fuenlabrada to make a semi-final tie against Barcelona. However, the hosts trailed 25-27 after 10 minutes but was able to remain consistent at the bucket with 33 second period points and a 58-52 haltime lead. The second half continued with heavy scoring, but now Gran Canaria was pulling away, using a 21-15 third act run to extend to a winnable advantage.
Barcelona vs. Baskonia Vitoria 94-90
Barcelona is struggling this season but the former multiple cup champions is still in the mix for the title after passing Baskonia in a high-octane encounter. Both teams often threw caution to the wind and produced a festival of Basketball. Barcelona now head to Saturday’s semi-final against high-flying hosts Gran Canaria.