体坛英语新闻：Barcelona stretches lead over Real Madrid in Spanish basketball league

MADRID, April 8 (Xinhua) -- FC Barcelona produced a magnificent defensive display to stretch their lead over Real Madrid at the top of the Endesa ACB Basketball League this weekend.

With Madrid not playing their game away to third placed Caja Laboral until Monday night, Barca opened a two game advantage over their rivals with a 68-49 win away to CAI Zaragoza.

Barca's defense was at its best to keep Zaragoza below the 50-point mark, while 17 points from Boniface Ndong saw them to a comfortable win.

Gescrap Bizkaya strengthened their claim for a place in the end of season play-offs with a 79-71 win at home to Blusens Monbus, but Lagun Aro suffered a shock defeat at home to second from bottom UCAM Murcia. The side third from bottom pulled off a 71-67 win to pile the pressure on the two teams below them.

Bottom of the table Blancos Rueda Valladolid responded well with a 69-66 win against Mad Croc Fuenlabrada, last weeks MVP, Curtis Borchardt, produced another impressive display netting 10 points and collecting 12 rebounds.

The 23 points and seven rebounds from Zorik Luka were not enough to stop Unicaja Malaga stuttering to a 96-81 defeat at home to Assignia Manresa. Adam Hanga was Manresa's star with 21 points.

Meanwhile, Valencia enjoyed a comfortable 90-67 home win against FIATC Joventut to climb above Lagun Aro into fourth place in the table.

The game between Lucentum Alicante and Asefa Estudiantes will be played this coming Thursday and Estudiantes need a win or else they will be cut adrift in the relegation zone along with Valladolid.