73-94: Madrid book League final spot
Real Madrid, led by Sergio Rodríguez, Musa and Tavares, made it 3-1 in the semi-final against Joventut and will now face Barça or Unicaja in the title decider.
Real Madrid clinched their place in the ACB League final for the eleventh time in the last 12 years, after they were too strong for Joventut in Badalona in Game 4, coming away with a 3-1 semi-final victory. Chus Mateo's boys were sublime in defense once again, restricting La Penya to 73 points once again, before running riot in offense in a second half that saw them post 56 points and a run of +18. The trio of Tavares 28, Musa 27 and Sergio Rodríguez 25 totalled a PIR of 80, while Yabusele and Hezonja, with 16 and 14 points respectively, also enjoyed good nights. Our team will be involved in the title series for the twenty-fourth time, up against the winners of Barça-Unicaja.
The game got underway at break-neck pace. Joventut started out with high aggression levels but Madrid weren't to be intimidated and swiftly quelled the motivated opposition charge. The first half was a very even affair, with series of baskets for either team, similar shooting numbers and a good spread of the points. Madrid showed signs of being more comfortable from three, with three in the opening ten minutes 17-17.
Madrid take a lead into the break
The game continued at a blistering rhythm, with lots of contact and physical exertion. Joventut were showing incredible energy, doing damage to our team in the paint at times. Chus Mateo's boys generally coped well with the combined pressure of the opposition and the Olímpico crown, as Sergio Rodríguez came to the fore 8 points, with two triples, two assists and two steals as they bided their time. Towards the end of the first half, they seized their opportunity. Tavares' return brought a greater presence in the paint and Musa and Yabusele contributed to the offensive rebound. Llull posted five points in a row including a trademark triple, to lead the only significant run of the half, as nine players got on the scoreboard. A 13-6 in our favour ensured we won the second quarter 18-21 to head into half-time with the lead 35-38.
The game got underway at break-neck pace. Joventut started out with high aggression levels but Madrid weren't to be intimidated and swiftly quelled the motivated opposition charge. The first half was a very even affair, with series of baskets for either team, similar shooting numbers and a good spread of the points. Madrid showed signs of being more comfortable from three, with three in the opening ten minutes 17-17.
Madrid take a lead into the break
The game continued at a blistering rhythm, with lots of contact and physical exertion. Joventut were showing incredible energy, doing damage to our team in the paint at times. Chus Mateo's boys generally coped well with the combined pressure of the opposition and the Olímpico crown, as Sergio Rodríguez came to the fore 8 points, with two triples, two assists and two steals as they bided their time. Towards the end of the first half, they seized their opportunity. Tavares' return brought a greater presence in the paint and Musa and Yabusele contributed to the offensive rebound. Llull posted five points in a row including a trademark triple, to lead the only significant run of the half, as nine players got on the scoreboard. A 13-6 in our favour ensured we won the second quarter 18-21 to head into half-time with the lead 35-38.
Madrid found considerable improvements to their defense in the third quarter, forcing their rivals into turnovers, which they capitalized on with some strong finishing by Musa, Williams-Goss and Yabusele. We closed out their scoring in the paint, where so far they had caused all their problems, as well as keeping their outside threats like Guy very quiet. Slowly we began to stretch out our lead as even the paint became a baron area for the opposition. Sergio Rodríguez and Yabusele took up the charge, each hitting triples to complete a 14-25 in the period to make it +14 49-63, min.30.
Madrid prove too strong
The deficit was quickly moved to 17 points straight from the restart thanks to Tavares' 2+1. But there would be one more test of our mental strength as we had two unsportsmanlike fouls called against us - one for Sergio Rodríguez and the other for Hezonja. Madrid responded in a manner worthy of European champions, though, the Canary Islands-born point guard celebrating his birthday in style. He took control of the game now 15 points and 8 assists as Yabusele, Musa and Hezonja thrived alongside him. The lead topped 20 points Hezonja's two triples, to bring up eleven for the team in total, ensured a convincing victory and a place in the final 73-94, set to tip off on Friday 16 or Sunday 18, depending on results in the other semi.
JOVENTUT-REAL MADRID STATISTICS
Madrid prove too strong
The deficit was quickly moved to 17 points straight from the restart thanks to Tavares' 2+1. But there would be one more test of our mental strength as we had two unsportsmanlike fouls called against us - one for Sergio Rodríguez and the other for Hezonja. Madrid responded in a manner worthy of European champions, though, the Canary Islands-born point guard celebrating his birthday in style. He took control of the game now 15 points and 8 assists as Yabusele, Musa and Hezonja thrived alongside him. The lead topped 20 points Hezonja's two triples, to bring up eleven for the team in total, ensured a convincing victory and a place in the final 73-94, set to tip off on Friday 16 or Sunday 18, depending on results in the other semi.
JOVENTUT-REAL MADRID STATISTICS