It was a coming-out party for center Khalifa Diop, who shined in Gran Canaria's dramatic 91-90 overtime win over Valencia.
Khalifa Diop shined for Gran Canaria
Gran Canaria improved to 9-2 in Group B with a dramatic 91-90 overtime win over Valencia, sweeping its Spanish rival and fortifying its position atop of the group. The game was also a coming-out party for center Khalifa Diop.
Related Videos
The youngster, who turned 20 years of age just over two weeks ago, scored in double figures for the first time this season in his last appearance, a Round 10 win against Promitheas when he finished with 11 points. Diop averaged 4.3 points and 3.3 rebounds before Round 10, and if he showcased what he can do on that occasion, he exploded on Tuesday.
Against Valencia, Diop not only finished with 18 points on 9-for-12 two-point shooting plus 9 rebounds, but he scored 6 of those points in overtime to keep Gran Canaria in front. Then, with the game on the line, in the final minute of the extra session, he delivered a blocked shot on one end and then grabbed one of his 5 offensive rebounds on the other to help Gran Canaria snatch an important victory.