Real Madrid-Bitci Baskonia: all out to secure semi-final lead
The Whites welcome the side from Vitoria in the first matchup of the best of five series (10pm CET).
This evening, Real Madrid get the Liga Endesa semi-finals away when they take on Bitci Baskonia. The Whites, who have home-court advantage in the best of five series, will play the first two clashes at the WiZink Center barely 48 hours apart. Today, they will be vying to secure a first victory and extend their winning run in the league to eight games against a side who are also in a rich vein of form.
The madridistas were the first side to qualify for this round of the competition after a convincing 2-0 scoreline against Baxi Manresa and have now gone a month and a half unbeaten in the championship. Baskonia finished sixth in the Regular Season and then knocked out Valencia Basket despite not having home-court advantage, winning both clashes at La Fonteta. The Vitoria outfit are on the ascendency and have recorded six wins from their last eight outings.
The madridistas were the first side to qualify for this round of the competition after a convincing 2-0 scoreline against Baxi Manresa and have now gone a month and a half unbeaten in the championship. Baskonia finished sixth in the Regular Season and then knocked out Valencia Basket despite not having home-court advantage, winning both clashes at La Fonteta. The Vitoria outfit are on the ascendency and have recorded six wins from their last eight outings.
Real Madrid are the most valued team in the playoffs 116.5 and average 88 points compared to Baskonia’s 79.3. In defence, both concede 75 per game. In terms of rebounding, the Whites were relentless against Baxi Manresa, averaging 45 in the series. More than anything else, the two teams form solid blocks. The madridistas boast five players in double-digit scoring led by Yabusele's 15.5. Their opponents also possess a well-rounded squad in all positions: two highly physical point guards like Baldwin IV and Granger; tall forwards and sharp shooters, namely Giedraitis and Fontecchio; and in the paint they balance versatility and power with Peters, Costello and Enoch.
Previous semi-final meetings
This will be the sixth time they have gone head-to-head in this round of the Liga ACB. Real Madrid have a record of 3-2, advancing to the final in the 1991-92, 2000-01 and 2011-12 campaigns. That was the last time they crossed paths in the semi-finals. This term, Pablo Laso's charges have triumphed in three of the four meetings. The two in the EuroLeague 60-88 and 89-74 and the one in the league at the Fernando Buesa Arena 65-93. Tonight, the Whites will be looking to make it 1-0 at the WiZink Center.
Previous semi-final meetings
This will be the sixth time they have gone head-to-head in this round of the Liga ACB. Real Madrid have a record of 3-2, advancing to the final in the 1991-92, 2000-01 and 2011-12 campaigns. That was the last time they crossed paths in the semi-finals. This term, Pablo Laso's charges have triumphed in three of the four meetings. The two in the EuroLeague 60-88 and 89-74 and the one in the league at the Fernando Buesa Arena 65-93. Tonight, the Whites will be looking to make it 1-0 at the WiZink Center.