ACB Liga Endesa: big three open with wins

The largest league in European basketball is back in action as the Spain ACB Liga Endesa tipped off its 2017/2018 season this weekend. At the moment, with the NBA and European competitions yet to get underway, the ACB Liga Endesa is the biggest name in global basketball so far this season.

When we talk about Spanish Basketball, it is natural to turn to Real Madrid (the league’s winningest club) and Barcelona. However, last season produced an historic finale when Valencia clinched its first ever title and move into the box office alongside the Spanish giants.

At the start of the campaign, all eyes were on Valencia, Madrid, and Barcelona, to see if the three main title contenders could get their seasons’ off to winning starts. Spoiler ahead … they all did.

Real Betis vs. Valencia, 80-90

Valencia, fresh of its title win started its defence with a comfortable road win over Real Betis. The club snapped a seven season Real Madrid/Barcelona monopoly last season and is one of the favourites this campaign. In this game, the visitors drained 52.4 percent of its efforts from beyond the arc to keep the board ticking. Valencia controlled big parts and weathered a Betis rally in the fourth act. Erick Green was red hot and nailed 27 points in the victory.

Barcelona vs. Baskonia, 87-82

Barcelona had a season to forget during 2016/2017 and need to lay a marker down early in this campaign. The Catalan giant had arguably the hardest opening day of the season, but used home advantage to see off Baskonia, who will have their own designs on the title. However, Barca was forced to dig deep after trailing by 11 points through halftime. In the second half, the hosts reeled off a 31-15 run to shock Baskonia to secure the win.

Real Madrid vs. Andorra, 94-88

Andorra was a surprise package last season, getting knocked out of the Play-offs to Real Madrid. The club will be seeking to prove it was not a flash in the pan and gave Los Blancos a real fight in the Spanish capital. As it was, Real Madrid edged the win by staying one step ahead of their guests for most of this contest. Newcomer, Fabien Causer, topped Madrid with 19 points to pace the success.