Defeat in Vitoria
105
-100
Baskonia
FinishedReal Madrid
Real Madrid started strongly but faded in a match that was decided in the final quarter in Baskonia's favour.
Real Madrid failed to secure victory against Baskonia in their visit to the Buesa Arena, in a match that started very well and saw them take a 20-point lead in the first half. However, the home side reacted after the break and managed to draw level at the end, where their greater accuracy tipped the balance in their favour. Lyles (24 points and a PIR of 30) and Campazzo (18 and 21) were the standout players for our team.
Madrid got off to a great start at the Buesa Arena, putting in a sensational first quarter. After a few minutes of trading baskets, Scariolo's men adjusted their defence and prevented Baskonia from running, which saw their scoring dented. In attack, they put on a show, reaching 34 points with Lyles impeccable. Coming off the bench, the American scored 13 points, with 3 three-pointers, without missing. But Krämer also had a good spell at the start, as did Bruno Fernando later on (18-34, min. 10).
Holding off the home side's push
Madrid doubled their lead over the Vitorians with a mini 6-2 run at the start of the second quarter (20-40, min. 12). The game’s maximum lead kick-started a reaction from the home side. Baskonia improved their outside shooting and were more aggressive in defence, while our team's performance dropped off at the back and they saw their opponents close the gap, led by Forrest and Samanic. Between Campazzo (8 points), Hezonja (10) and Deck (4), they kept Scariolo's team in the game and went into the break 9 points up (49-58).
Almost the entire third quarter was spent with Real Madrid defending the lead they had taken into the break and Baskonia trying to cut it. However, with three minutes remaining in the third period, the home side found form. They hit three consecutive three-pointers, two by Luwawu-Cabarrot and another by Samanic, to tie the game at 75-75 after an 8-0 run. But the Madrid players were not intimidated by the pressure and atmosphere at the Buesa Arena. Campazzo and Lyles (4/4) responded with two three-pointers to take the lead going into the final quarter (77-81, min. 40).
A lack of precision in the final stretch
The game took a turn in the final quarter. Baskonia were much more accurate in attack, while Madrid lacked accuracy when it was most needed. Luwawu-Cabarrot put his team ahead and a subsequent 9-0 run in the home side's favour proved decisive despite Madrid's last-ditch attempt to catch up (105-100, min. 40).