Liga Endesa: wins for Real Madrid and Barcelona

Round 16 of the Liga Endesa saw Real Madrid and Barcelona continue their dominance at the top of the standings. Real Madrid edged past Andorra after an overtime period, while Barcelona tore apart Obradoiro.

Real Madrid vs. Andorra, 96-92 OT

Real Madrid has bounced back from its torrid Christmas program in the Liga Endesa, collecting a win over Andorra. There’s no surprise that the comforts of home that brought winning way back to Madrid. The club went unbeaten in the Spanish capital domestically in 2016 and started 2017 with its first win in three. During Christmas, Real Madrid let go top place in the standings and even in this game Los Blancos struggled.

Andorra is in solid form this season and managed to push the Liga Endesa champs all the way and into an overtime period. In the end Madrid snatched in the added period. The hosts allowed Andorra into the game in the second quarter, scoring just 7 points to allow the visitors to make it 33-34 at halftime. Los Blancos soared in the second half and took the game into overtime. The home team managed to carry the momentum into the extra frame and win the game.

Sergio Llull claimed a double-double of 23 points and 11 assists in the win, while Rudy Fernandez added 15 points. Gustavo Ayon also doubled up with 14 points and 15 rebounds. Real Madrid now sits second with a 12-3 record.

David Jelinek topped the losing effort with 22 points, while Giorgi Shermadini secured a double-double of 21 points and 15 boards. The fourth double-double of the game went to Andrew Albicy with 14 points and 10 rebounds.

Barcelona vs. Obradoiro, 100-76

Barcelona’s domestic form continued to fly in contrast to its European form. The Catalan giant, struggling in the Euroleague is playing well in the Liga Endesa and pulled apart Obradoiro in Round 16 to stay top of the standings at 12-3. This is Barca’s fourth consecutive win, a run that spans Christmas and sent the club to the top of the standings.

In parts of this game, Barcelona looked relentless and swept away Obradoiro. The visitors are struggling third from bottom with a 4-10 record and the gulf in class was evident. The hosts drained 30 points in the first quarter and surged to a 55-40 advantage at the long break. Barca poured in another 25 points in the third act and cruised to victory in the fourth.

Juan Carlos Navarro turned back the clock with 18 points to lead the win. Ante Tomic hit 15 points and Alexander Vezenkov scored 13 points.

Shayne Whittington grabbed a game high 20 points to attempt to keep Obradoiro in the game, while Deividas Dulkys scored 16 points.