Baskonia-Real Madrid: in search of a tenth league victory
The first of four games in a demanding week sees our team travel to Vitoria attempting to secure Copa del Rey qualification (8:30pm CET).
Real Madrid begin a tough week in which they will play four games in seven days (three in the league and one in the Euroleague). The first will be at the Fernando Buesa Arena tonight against Baskonia (Tip off at 8:30pm and can be watched on Movistar Plus+) where our team will try to add a tenth victory in the league and maintain our excellent form after victories against Bayern, Barça and Alba Berlin.
Madrid come into the game after a strong performance brought the first victory of the year against Bayern in the Euroleague. Now, Chus Mateo's team attempt to continue their winning streak in the league, which would also secure Copa del Rey qualification. Both of these things are in their hands. If they beat Baskonia tonight, it will be mission completed. If not, they would have to wait until Wednesday when they visit Coviran Granada.
Vitoria is a difficult court and Madrid will have to pay attention to their opponent’s talented individuals. Despite the absence of Sedekerskis, Baskonia has plenty of firepower from the perimeter such as Howard, Forrest or Luwawu-Cabarrot. Limiting their success will be one of the keys to victory. The Basque team has also been strengthened by the arrival of power forward Samanic.
They all add up
The fight for rebounds will be another important factor in this clash. Madrid can point to impressive numbers with 36.3 per game (26.9 defensive). Tavares, Ndiaye and Garuba stand out and will have to be at their best against the physical power of Moneke and Hall. On the other hand, Campazzo, Hezonja and Musa will try to replicate the brilliance of their previous game against Bayern where they all chalked up double-digits.