An exhausted Barça ran out of steam and were eliminated in the Copa del Rey semifinals by Kosner Baskonia (67-70). The Blaugrana ran out of gas and couldn't manage a 12-point deficit. The Catalan side only scored 9 points in a demoralizing final quarter. With some players hampered by physical problems and the exhaustion of Friday's game, Xavi Pascual's game plan failed to pull off yet another comeback. "We were completely spent in the final quarter," the coach admitted.

Barça avoided an early exit against UCAM Murcia, who made the quarterfinal match a real slog. The Blaugrana recovered from a six-point deficit in a solid and decisive final stretch, showcasing the resilience of a team with more determination than resources (91-85). The Catalan side will play Kosner Baskonia in the semifinals this Saturday (9 pm, DAZN).

Not all fairy tales have a happy ending. Ricky Rubio couldn't repeat his 2008 feat, when he led Joventut to the Copa del Rey title. The 35-year-old point guard, who tallied 11 points, 8 rebounds, and 8 assists, couldn't defy expectations at the Roig Arena, where Valencia Basket eliminated a competitive Asisa Joventut (95-84). The home team's greater depth proved decisive, stifling the efforts of a Joventut side that, despite the loss, made its mark.

Asisa Joventut Badalona makes its debut in the Copa del Rey this Thursday (6 p.m., DAZN) against Valencia Basket, a host team eager to lift the trophy. Cameron Hunt (Duncanville, 1997) exemplifies better than anyone the ambition of a Joventut Badalona team that wants to repeat the success of 2008, when they were crowned champions with Ricky Rubio.