ESP – Hettsheimeir leads CAI past Fuenlabrada; Lagun Aro’s Panko scoops weekly gong

ZARAGOZA (ACB) - Never assume anything when it comes to the ACB.

Fuenlabrada fans must have thought their team would come out a winner in Wednesday night's game at CAI Zaragoza, especially after getting back-to-back victories against Regal Barcelona and Caja Laboral.

Zaragoza are tough at home, though, and they proved it against Fuenlabrada by winning their clash 82-60.

Brazilian center Rafael Hettsheimeir won the battle of the big men, pouring in 23 points and corralling 11 rebounds for Zaragoza.

Mexico center Gustavo Ayon, the dominant force for Fuenlabrada against Barca and Caja Laboral, had six points and eight boards against Zaragoza.

Eighteen-year-old Congolese pivot Bismack Biyombo, also had six points and eight rebounds for Fuenlabrada.

Fuenlabrada are seventh in the ACB with a 14-11 record while CAI pulled further away from the relegation zone, improving to 11-14.

The result completed the 24th round of games, and allowed Lagun Aro GBC's Andy Panko to snatch the Player of the Week award.

The Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, native had 31 points and eight rebounds in Lagun Aro's 88-78 overtime setback at home to Real last week.

Darryl Middleton, meanwhile, has been reunited with his former Akasvayu Girona boss Svetislav Pesic.

Power Electronics Valencia have signed the 44-year-old American center.

Middleton will only be allowed to play in ACB games, though, and cannot feature in the club's upcoming Euroleague quarter-final against Real Madrid.

FIBA