ESP – Plaza’s Cajasol eliminated by Messina’s Madrid; Spahija goes

MADRID (ACB) - Joan Plaza's Cajasol Sevilla pushed Real Madrid to the limit in the ACB play-offs but lost the first-round series, 2-1.

After winning Game 1 in Madrid last week, 66-60, Cajasol returned home for Game 2 over the weekend and lost, 76-71.

On Monday night, Madrid won Game 3, 67-60.

For a team that had to fight for its ACB life one season ago, Cajasol adopted the combative spirit of their new coach Plaza - the former Real Madrid boss - and had a terrific season.

"I want to dedicate this game to my players, to the fans in Seville," Plaza said.

"We would have liked to have won in Seville and here.

"We have to bring out the best and we did.

"Does anyone believe we didn't deserve to progress?

"No one. We can look in the mirror and feel proud."

Plaza, a former ACB Coach of the Year at Madrid, gained a lot of respect for the job he did this year.

He had the ability to make Cajasol and their fans believe that anything was possible.

The campaign bodes well for the future of the club.

"The feeling is that the team tried to fight against a giant (Real Madrid) and the team remained on its feet,” he said.

"I thank the compromise shown by my team, that should be shown by every side, big or small."

Madrid got 14 points from their Spain international, Jorge Garbajosa, while youngster Novica Velickovic of Serbia weighed in with 12.

Ettore Messina, who replaced Plaza as coach at Madrid, said: "It all seemed to be a disaster for us three days ago, but we reacted well in Seville and I think the most important thing is we managed to make the most of our virtues without losing our minds."

Next up is an ACB semi-final against Caja Laboral, a team that finished second in the regular season ahead of Madrid.

Caja Laboral beat Estudiantes 2-0 in their play-off tie.

"Our intention is to compete hard in Vitoria," said Messina.

"Otherwise, we would stay home."

Messina is extremely excited to be in the play-offs with Madrid.

"The greatness of Real Madrid is of a larger dimension than I thought before I joined the club," he said.

Regal Barcelona square off against Unicaja Malaga in the other semi-final.

Malaga, who defeated Power Electronics Valencia 2-0 in their semi-final, are not expected to have Great Britain international Roberto Archibald or Saul Blanco for Game 1 because of injuries.

It’s hasta luego for Spahija

Valencia coach Neven Spahija, meanwhile, has decided to leave the club.

Spahija guided the team to the Eurocup title in 2010 and into next season's Euroleague.

The coach says Valencia's budget for next season is too small and won’t allow the club to seriously contend for titles in Spain and Europe.

"It's a tough decision, especially after a good season," Spahija said.

"Valencia will always have the ambition but, with this budget, it won't be easy."

FIBA