UCAM Murcia-Real Madrid: gunning for a fourth league win
Last year's Liga finalists face each other on gameday six (6:30pm CET).
The schedule allows no let up as Real Madrid go into league gameday six this evening, when they visit UCAM Murcia (6:30pm CET). The two finalists from the last edition square up, and the Murcia Sports Pavilion brings back good memories for our team, as the 37th league title was won there.
Now, two teams with the same balance, with 3 wins and 2 defeats each, meet face to face. UCAM Murcia is a tough court, and Chus Mateo's team knows that. Defensive work will be crucial, which was key in the last two league victories against Básquet Girona and Baxi Manresa, keeping their rivals below 70 points.
Real Madrid are up against one of the most outstanding teams in terms of rebounding. They have more than 37 rebounds per game, 12 of them offensive, thanks among other factors to the height and quickness at the low post of Birgander and Brodziansky. The Murcia outfit leads the league in turnovers with more than 10 per game.
Perimeter battle
Another key will be the success on the perimeter and the defence of players like Rodions Kurucs and Ennis. The latter is the second best scorer in the league, with 18.6 points per game, and knows how to find good space to shoot three-pointers. Defensive work and also Tavares' dominance under the basket will be key to winning in Murcia.