BASKETBALL
Harden powers Rockets past Raptors
With his tenth triple-double of the season, James Harden pushed the Houston Rockets to their eighth win on the trot, defeating the Toronto Raptors 129-122.
Harden had 40 points, 11 assists and 10 rebounds, but rated his blocks close to the end of the game as the most satisfactory stat.
FOOTBALL
Higuain double give Juve 3-0 win
Gonzalo Higuain scored his fourth brace this season in Juventus’ 3-0 victory against Bologna.
The win not only enabled them to move four points clear at the top of the table with a game in hand, but also signalled a record 26th consecutive victory at home.
Messi saves Barca’s blushes
With a sensational free-kick towards the end of the game, Lionel Messi salvaged a point for Barcelona as they were held to a 1-1 draw away at Villarreal.
Nicola Sansone had given the hosts an unlikely lead, and the league’s tightest defence looked set to grab all three points until Messi’s goal.
Despite the draw, Barcelona lie third and now trail Real Madrid by five points, even though they have played an extra game.
