67-95: Perfect week ahead of Final Four
Madrid triumph emphatically on Gran Canaria's home court and record their third win in barely five days. Yabusele (29 in PIR) and Causeur (25) were the standout performers.
Real Madrid capped a perfect week by recording their third win in the space of five days and their seventh in two weeks. After securing their place in the EuroLeague Final Four and overcoming Valencia Basket less than 48 hours ago, the Whites defeated Gran Canaria away, on a court where the hosts had only lost twice in 16 matchups. The madridistas found an extra gear, after a gruelling week against a side who had been crowned Eurocup champions, to produce a remarkable second quarter, which saw the team rack up 31 points. Chus Mateo‘s men then managed the game well to secure the victory before they begin the Final Four, which will be played between 19 and 21 May. Yabusele 17 points and 29 in PIR and Causeur 19 and 25 were the team’s standout performers.
The contest was played at high intensity and physicality right from the start. Gran Canaria started aggressively and brightly through Brussino and Albicy, but Madrid knew how to handle the situation. Good defence and good shooting percentages from Randolph and Causeur both with 5 points allowed the Whites to gain the upper hand on the scoreboard 10-14, min. 6. The Canary Islanders hit back from 6.75 to balance the score. Chus Mateo then brought on Tavares and Sergio Rodriguez, among others, which tipped the first quarter in Madrid's favour with a three-pointer on the buzzer 21-23.
Exchange of baskets
Madrid continued to rotate and extended their lead after two consecutive three-pointers from Hezonja 24-31. The hosts were quick to respond, with quick and direct play exploiting taking advantage of Madrid's turnovers. They managed to close the gap and bring the clash to 34-35 15'. It was a battle of scoring runs and this time it was Madrid's turn, as they went on a 0-7 spurt with Sergio Rodríguez picking out some good passes. But Gran Canaria refused to be cut adrift and with a series of three-pointers they pulled to within one point of the lead. The pace showed no signs of slowing down and with a 0-10 run with two minutes to go before half-time, the Whites edged the quarter with some fluid play 43-54.
The contest was played at high intensity and physicality right from the start. Gran Canaria started aggressively and brightly through Brussino and Albicy, but Madrid knew how to handle the situation. Good defence and good shooting percentages from Randolph and Causeur both with 5 points allowed the Whites to gain the upper hand on the scoreboard 10-14, min. 6. The Canary Islanders hit back from 6.75 to balance the score. Chus Mateo then brought on Tavares and Sergio Rodriguez, among others, which tipped the first quarter in Madrid's favour with a three-pointer on the buzzer 21-23.
Exchange of baskets
Madrid continued to rotate and extended their lead after two consecutive three-pointers from Hezonja 24-31. The hosts were quick to respond, with quick and direct play exploiting taking advantage of Madrid's turnovers. They managed to close the gap and bring the clash to 34-35 15'. It was a battle of scoring runs and this time it was Madrid's turn, as they went on a 0-7 spurt with Sergio Rodríguez picking out some good passes. But Gran Canaria refused to be cut adrift and with a series of three-pointers they pulled to within one point of the lead. The pace showed no signs of slowing down and with a 0-10 run with two minutes to go before half-time, the Whites edged the quarter with some fluid play 43-54.
Madrid made a better start after the break. They played more directly and tightened up in defence, forcing Gran Canaria into turnovers and bringing down their outside shooting percentages. This allowed the madridistas to build their biggest lead so far in the 24th minute +17. The islanders' rally was not enough and Chus Mateo's troops, spearheaded by Yabusele, Hezonja and Causeur, managed to maintain a comfortable lead heading into the final quarter 59-71.
Total control
Madrid made a strong start in the final quarter, giving no ground in the paint with Tavares. Two three-pointers from Hezonja 16 points and another from Rudy brought the lead to plus 20 min. 34. Gran Canaria were disconnected, and the Whites imposed their tempo with Causeur on fire from the perimeter 16 points and 25 in PIR to put the icing on the cake. Madrid secured a fine win on one of the toughest courts in the league. The victory caps a perfect week for Chus Mateo's charges, who head into the most important game of the season full of confidence: the EuroLeague Final Four. At the Zalgirio Arena in Kaunas they will go head-to-head with Barcelona in the semi-finals on Friday 8pm CET.
GRAN CANARIA-REAL MADRID STATISTICS
Total control
Madrid made a strong start in the final quarter, giving no ground in the paint with Tavares. Two three-pointers from Hezonja 16 points and another from Rudy brought the lead to plus 20 min. 34. Gran Canaria were disconnected, and the Whites imposed their tempo with Causeur on fire from the perimeter 16 points and 25 in PIR to put the icing on the cake. Madrid secured a fine win on one of the toughest courts in the league. The victory caps a perfect week for Chus Mateo's charges, who head into the most important game of the season full of confidence: the EuroLeague Final Four. At the Zalgirio Arena in Kaunas they will go head-to-head with Barcelona in the semi-finals on Friday 8pm CET.
GRAN CANARIA-REAL MADRID STATISTICS