League leaders increase lead in standings

Real Madrid cruised to a big win away to second-placed La Laguna Tenerife to increase their lead at the top of the Liga Endesa standings. The Whites overcame a tough team on their home court, demonstrating a high level of focus and concentration throughout the contest, especially in defence. Madrid were far superior in the first three quarters and controlled the scoring in the final stretch to record their 15th consecutive win in the competition. Bruno Fernando spearheaded the side with a double-double (10 points and 10 rebounds for 17 in PIR).
 
Madrid began by setting a high tempo to spring a surprise on the opposition. This was accomplished through the efforts of Bruno Fernando, who held off Shermadini and was able to contain the rebounding (5) allowing Madrid to open up a 2-8 lead. Tenerife soon responded and did so with their best asset: the three-pointer. But it was not enough. Chus Mateo’s team responded promptly and did so through the Feliz-Tavares pairing (10 points between the two of them) to take the first quarter (15-23).

A complete first-half performance
The home side's turnovers made matters worse and Real Madrid took advantage of this to widen the gap. They maintained a high level of focus at the back, overwhelmed their opponents in the rebounding battle (8 vs. 16) and produced a sublime collective attack with everyone contributing. It was Rathan-Mayes who spearheaded Madrid to build the biggest gap up to that point (25-42; 14'). Tenerife tried to reverse the momentum. However, a strong in-zone defence prevented any improvement in the score. Chus Mateo's team went to the break 34-45.

The home side were able to correct their first-half mistakes and showed more precision in their outside shooting. But their endeavours were in vain. The Whites upped their physicality, hitting all their outside shots and punishing the opposition in the paint. Hezonja was highly active at both ends of the court (7 points and 4 rebounds) along with Abalde. As a result, the leaders went from a 7-point lead in the 25th minute to a 17-point lead at the end of the third quarter (49-66).

Madrid claim hard-fought win
The Canary Islanders refused to give in and managed an 8-2 run at the start of the final quarter (57-68). The Madridistas responded immediately to go 15 points up (34') thanks to the contributions of Hezonja, Feliz and Bruno Fernando. Tenerife made several attempts to pull themselves back into the contest, but Chus Mateo's men were sharp and kept a cool head until the end to claim a huge win and increase their lead in the league.
 
STATISTICS FROM LAGUNA TENERIFE-REAL MADRID