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108-75: Leaders win on Randolph’s return

Real Madrid defeated Coviran Granada after posting 59 points in the first half of a game in which the American star made his return.
108-75: Leaders win on Randolph’s return
MATCH REPORT.Rodrigo SalamancaPhotographer: Víctor Carretero
Real Madrid chalked up their 21st victory in the league at the WiZink Center to cement their lead at the top of the standings. Chus Mateo's troops comfortably beat Coviran Granada in a game they set the tone for in the first half by scoring 59 points. The game also saw another great piece of news for the Whites with the return of Randolph, 293 days after his serious injury. Hezonja, with 18 points, and Poirier 21 were the standout performers with eight Madrid players in double-digit scoring.

The madridistas showed great concentration and determination from the tip-off at the WiZink Center. There was no sign of the tremendous effort after the EuroLeague double-header, Chus Mateo's men gradually improved in the first quarter and soon became much more fluid and effective. The league leaders dominated near the hoop generated through great rebounding, especially from an outstanding Tavares 8 points and 3 rebounds to take a 9-point lead 6'. Causeur also excelled for the hosts. From that point on, Madrid turned on the style and went on a 14-2 run led by Sergio Rodríguez, Cornelie, Hezonja and Poirier. The highlight of this impressive first quarter 30-15 was the return of Randolph, who struck a three-pointer as soon as he came on the court.

Another perfect quarter
The madridistas soon conceded a number of fouls. Despite this, the team continued to perform well at both ends of the court. They dictated the pace, covering plenty of the court and continued their stunning scoring spree. Randolph and Hezonja, with 8 and 7 points apiece, contributed to the biggest lead up to that point 41-20; min. 14. There was a clear perception of the home side's superiority and it stemmed from their intensity at the back, not giving away second chances 19 rebounds compared to 6 and creating good shooting positions. The Whites gained more effectiveness in attack in the final stretch of the second quarter, this time with Cornelie 9 points and Poirier, to cap off an excellent first half 59-37.
Granada came out more aggressively after the re-start. With Renfroe 12 points and 5 assists in command and Niang making his contribution under the hoop, the Andalusians produced their best minutes and managed to reduce Madrid's lead. The visitors did so with three consecutive three-pointers and went within 15 points. Chus Mateo urged his players to remain composed and, from then on, they retook the initiative, spearheaded by Causeur 12 points. Madrid's response in the last few minutes of the quarter meant that they were able to hold a comfortable lead heading into the fourth quarter 81-58.

Madrid put the game to bed
With Tavares' 3 personal fouls, Poirier stepped up and was unstoppable in the zone, posting impressive figures 16 points and 6 rebounds. Chus Mateo's charges had rediscovered the right direction and they played it to perfection. They upped their game even more at the back and completely overwhelmed Granada, who no longer showed the effectiveness of the third quarter and were left devastated. The French centre, Hezonja with 18 points and 4 rebounds, Causeur and Sergio Rodríguez used the last five minutes to drive Madrid to their 21st win in the league and pass the 100-point mark. Next up, the madridistas host Bayern Munich on Thursday 8:45pm CET.

REAL MADRID-COVIRAN GRANADA STATISTICS