Madrid defeat Baskonia in final pre-season test

Real Madrid secured their fourth victory in their final pre-season friendly in Pontevedra, defeating Baskonia 87-80 in the third-place play-off of the X EncestaRías Tournament. Procida (14), Feliz (14) and Lyles (13) stood out in Scariolo's team's victory, who will get their official season underway on Saturday, 27th with the Super Cup against La Laguna Tenerife.

The first few seconds were an attempt to make a statement of intent. The team was intense and proactive. Feliz opened the scoring with a three-pointer to the natural dismay of the opponents, who soon found themselves at a disadvantage, as Okeke and Tavares extended the lead to +7 with barely any resistance. However, Baskonia began to tip the balance in their favour with a more coordinated approach.

Then Campazzo, Garuba and Procida came on in search of a new lease of life midway through the first quarter. The Italian tried to break the deadlock with a three-pointer, but the Vitorians managed to come back with a 7-13 run that forced Scariolo to call a timeout.
Madrid found their rhythm again and, although they ended the first period at a disadvantage (16-19), they looked better and played with more pace in the following minutes. The second quarter was electrifying. Feliz and Campazzo got Madrid back in the game with three-pointers, despite Llull's ejection for an unsportsmanlike foul and a technical foul with seven minutes remaining before the break.

Frisch wanted to make Real Madrid's life difficult, but against the tide, Scariolo's men persevered, finding a breath of fresh air in Lyles and in Tavares, a surety in free throws to regain the lead (35-34) with two minutes to go before the break.
The game resumed in Pontevedra with the score at 40-38 in Real Madrid's favour, who improved in pace and offensive productivity. They were more accurate in key plays, which gradually restored their command. Feliz and Procida were particularly influential. Madrid extended their lead to +13 (65-52), the biggest since the start, and the team was solid in defence. Scariolo's team's lead at the end of the third period (68-59) was extended as soon as the final quarter began. From that point on, both teams shared the initiative. Samanic and Forrest threw their weight behind the cause, trying to reverse the result. Tavares was responsible for stopping them, while Okeke and Campazzo confirmed the result at 87-80. Next stop: Malaga, because the Spanish Super Cup is knocking on the door.

MATCH INFO:
Real Madrid 87: Okeke, Feliz, Krämer, Llull and Tavares -starting five- Campazzo, Procida, Lyles, Almansa, Garuba, Fernando, Feliz, Gunars and García.
Baskonia 80: Diallo, Forrest, Joksimovic, Frisch and Diop -starting five- Samanic, Villar, Spagnolo, Diakate, Royo, Hrabar and Luwawu-Cabarrot.