Okeke spearheads convincing win over Asvel

Real Madrid clinched a second successive win in the EuroLeague with victory over French side Asvel at the Movistar Arena, led by the impressive Okeke (17 points, 4/4 on triples, 3/3 on two-pointers, 5 rebounds and a block for a PIR of 25). Our team were fantastic in defense once again, deciding the game in the first and last quarters. Lyles (19), Tavares (16), Hezonja (11) and Bruno Fernando (11) also all made double digits in points scored.

Madrid flew out of the blocks early on. Within five minutes, they'd posted 20 points, being aggressive in defense and effective in offense, where the pick&roll between Feliz and Tavares, and Okeke's triples (2 for 8 points) and Lyles (1), opened up a 20-9 lead. Asvel hung on in there with shooting from distance (5/10 on triples) and got back to within three points in the ensuing minutes but Scariolo's boys reacted at the end of the opening period to win 27-19.

Leading from the front
The points dried up for Madrid at the start of the second quarter and Asvel took advantage to move closer on the scoreboard with a physical five on court and Jackson posting baskets (38-35, min.18). Just as things were getting tighter, the madridista squad depth came to the fore once more. Tavares and Okeke in the paint (the American finished the first half with 11 points without a miss and a PIR of 16) startled the opposition and put an end to their point-scoring streak. Campazzo (5 points) and Llull (2 triples), who was celebrating his 450th EuroLeague appearance, led another 10-2 run prior to the break (48-37).
It was more of the same in quarter three. Madrid were in complete control, around 10 points up, but they just couldn't manage to put the game to bed as Asvel were determined to give themselves a chance. Seljaas showed some impressive shooting and Massa was physical under the hoop. Every time, though, the hosts responded, through Feliz, Deck, Lyles and time and again Okeke, who was everywhere and just didn't miss (66-53, min.30).

Madrid cruise to victory
Scariolo's boys stepped on the gas in the final quarter. They wore Asvel out with their defense, at an outstanding level once again, while finding their flow in offense. Everyone got in on the act to finally get the game over the line. The Llull-Hezonja link-up was on fire, and then Krämer took it up a notch. The German sunk three consecutive triples to finish off any remaining hopes for the French side and stretch the lead to over 20 points with four minutes left. From that point on, it was a steady stroll to the end of the game (85-72, min.40).

REAL MADRID-ASVEL STATISTICS