Liga Endesa: Real Madrid retakes top spot in Spain

Real Madrid and Valencia were the big winners through Round 17 of the Spanish Liga Endesa top flight, while Barcelona was the loser of the round. Madrid regained sole possesion of top spot with a road win over Joventut due to Barcelona loasing away to Tenerife. Barca’s loss also allowed Valencia to move to second above the Catalan club, courtesy of a home win over Estudiantes.

Joventut vs. Real Madrid, 78-81

This was an important away win for Los Blancos, but it was a hard fought success. However, the Madrid giant has lost its last two on the road, so it was vital for the club to get back to winning ways on its travels. The reward for victory was a first place berth, with Real Madrid now nursing a 13-3 record at the top. The visitors propped up their win with some lethal shooting from the charity strip, draining 92 percent of its shots for 23 free points. Felipe Reyes stepped up for the winning effort with 18 points, while Luka Bogdanovic topped Joventut with 16 points.

Valencia vs. Estudiantes, 93-85

Valencis moved into second place with a home victory over Estudiantes. The club is certainly putting itself in the mix for the Liga Endesa crown this season, especially in the Regular Season. This victory sent Valencia to 12-4 and it is worth mentioning the team is also thriving in the EuroCup this term. Estudiantes actually led by three points through the long break, but the hosts drained 32 points in the third act on a 32-20 run to move ahead for good. Bojan Dubljevic topped the winners with 17 points and 6 rebounds, while Edwin Jackson tucked home a game-high 20 points for Estudiantes.

Tenerife vs. FC Barcelona, 71-60

For the most part, Barcelona has managed to keep its torrid Euroleague form away from domestic Liga Endesa action. Especially during the last few weeks as the club eased to the top of the standings. However, poor form on the continent caught up with Barca this week as the club followed a Euroleague defeat with defeat in the Spanish league. This loss drops the Catalan club to third place with a 12-4 record. All credit to Tenerife, the club has been in fine touch this campaign and now sits fourth on the same 12-4 record as Barca and Valencia.