ESP - Valencia secure play-off berth

MADRID (ACB) - Pamesa Valencia secured themselves an ACB play-off spot on Wednesday night after claiming an 85-70 win over in-form Lagun Aro Bilbao Basket, whose brave bid to make the post-season themselves was brought to an end.

Bilbao had won six of their previous seven games to make a late dash for the play-offs, but their loss to Valencia has now sunk that dream.

The defeat has left Bilbao in 10th spot in the standings with a 15-18 record, two games behind Unicaja Malaga - who occupy the eighth and final play-off position - with only one match remaining in the regular season.

Ruben Douglas led Pamesa with 27 points while his team-mate Ruben Garces contributed 12 points, 11 rebounds and two assists, helping seventh-placed Valencia move onto an 18-15 record.

In Wednesday's other ACB match, third-placed Winterthur FC Barcelona fell to a 75-68 defeat at CB Granada.

Jesus Fernandez had an inspired game for Granada with 25 points and seven rebounds, while Juan Carlos Navarro poured in 20 points for Barca.

Mike Perez
FIBA