MADRID — Real Madrid opened the ACB season with a narrow 89-87 victory over Malaga in Madrid, while reigning Spanish champion Valencia suffered a shock 100-105 home defeat to Lleida on the same opening weekend.
Valencia, now led by Xabi Albert in the post-Pedro Martinez era after opening with a road win at Besiktas, could not carry that momentum domestically against last season's 14th-place finisher. James Batemon led Lleida with 23 points and 5 assists and Darius McGhee added 21, overturning 14 points from Nikola Mirotic and 13 apiece from TJ Shorts (4 rebounds, 6 assists) and Cameron Taylor (5 rebounds, 6 assists). The quarters went 20-26, 53-50, 72-76, 100-105.
In Madrid, Real Madrid had to rally late after Malaga threatened a huge road win and led 81-76 with 3:54 remaining. Luwawu-Cabarrot hit the decisive three-pointer to make it 87-85, while Maledon finished with 17 points and 7 assists and Campazzo added 15 points and 5 assists to secure the 89-87 final. For the always competitive Malaga, former Aris player Amin Noua posted 17 points and 8 rebounds and Billy Hernangomez had 20 points, 6 rebounds and 4 blocks. The quarters were 23-22, 46-47, 65-71, 89-87.
Both Spanish clubs turn quickly to EuroLeague action on Sept. 29, with Valencia hosting Baskonia in an all-Spanish clash at 21:30 and Real Madrid traveling to Istanbul to face Anadolu Efes at 20:00 for the second round.