ESP – Mumbru leads play-off chasing Bilbao to crucial win at DKV

BARCELONA (ACB) - Alex Mumbru picked a good time to have his best game of the season for Bizkaia Basket Bilbao.

The Spain international poured in 22 points to lead Bilbao to a 72-66 win at DKV Joventut in a battle of teams chasing a spot in the ACB play-offs.

The triumph has left Bilbao in ninth place, with the top eight by season's end earning play-off berths.

Mumbru was voted Player of the Week.

He hit six of 11 field goal attempts, including one of three from beyond the arc. He also grabbed six rebounds and handed out three assists.

Bilbao are 14-16 and trail eighth-place Gran Canaria (15-15), who beat Meridiano Alicante 82-77 in their 31st round game.

Meanwhile, Barcelona improved to 28-3 with an 84-74 home win over Unicaja Malaga and clinched first place in the ACB regular season.

Fran Vazquez, who could be added to the Spain squad this summer, had 20 points while Ricky Rubio poured in 15, hauled in six rebounds and handed out four assists.

Unicaja are in sixth place at 16-15.

Real Madrid and Caja Laboral are battling each other for second place.

Both improved to 25-6 after winning their games.

Madrid prevailed in a tight game at CB Granada, 71-66.

"We stepped up our defense in the second half and when the game was neck-and-neck we decided to foul, which worked out well," Madrid coach Ettore Messina said.

"It's important to know when and how to play like we did, which will make us stronger heading into the play-offs."

Argentina international point guard Pablo Prigioni had 10 points, seven assists and five boards for Madrid and drew praise from Messina.

"I am very pleased with Pablo Prigioni's ball-handling skills," the coach added. "He proved just how valuable he is and he guided the team to victory."

Caja Laboral prevailed in Vitoria over Suzuki Manresa, 78-69.

Power Electronics Valencia didn't suffer a letdown after beating Alba Berlin in the Eurocup Final.

Jose Simeon, a player who received votes in the Revelation of the Year race in the ACB, led the Eurocup champions with 15 points in 81-64 victory over second-bottom Xacobeo Blu:sens.

Cajasol Sevilla are fifth at 18-13 following a 78-56 mauling of visiting Fuenlabrada.

Seventh-place Asefa Estudiantes, like Unicaja, are 16-15 following a 75-64 triumph over basement club CB Murcia, who have already been relegated.



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