Madrid get the better of Hiopos Lleida

Real Madrid picked up their sixth League win, beating Hiopos Lleida in the first ever matchup between the two teams in the competition. Our team were far superior in the first half, delivering an exhibition both in offense (10 triples and 51 points) and in defense (25 points) to build up a lead of +26. The visitors reacted in the third, but Chus Mateo's boys made sure of the win from the free-throw line in the closing stages. Five players ended up with double digits in PIR, led by Campazzo (19), Rathan-Mayes and Ibaka (17).

The madridistas enjoyed a dazzling opening spell, working like a well-oiled machine. Our boys got underway looking balanced at the back, playing at pace, moving the ball well and shooting with precision (88% 2-pointers and 44% 3-pointers). Campazzo (5 points, 3 rebounds and 2 assists) and Ibaka, unplayable in the paint (11 points), led the early run 28 to 13 (min.10).

Consistency reigns 
Madrid maintained an impressive intensity and work rate, making it impossible for Hiopos Lleida to enjoy point-scoring streaks. Campazzo was running the show, sharp on the counter and slowing things down where necessary. In offense, others began to get in on the party. The triples were going in for fun, Madrid hit 6 more in the second quarter - two for Hugo González and Abalde and one for Hezonja and Rathan-Mayes. The American headed in for half time with 9 points. Chus Mateo's team's accuracy from three made it 10 across the first two quarters, with a 60% success rate (51-25, min. 20).

Four threes in barely 90 seconds at the start of the third period breathed new life into Hiopos Lleida. Madrid let their concentration drop, and with it went the intensity and shooting. The opposition grew into the clash, led by Hasbrouck, Muric and Oriola. Rathan-Mayes kept our boys in front, but the gap continued to close until the quarter ended 15-34 against (66-59, min. 30).

Defense wins the day
Just as the visitors were beginning to believe again, our boys rediscovered ther aggressive defense during the final quarter. The second chances dried up quickly, and so did Hiopos Lleida's points. First Llull, then Campazzo, hit 5 points a piece (2+1 and a basket) to bring calm back to the team. Ibaka stood up strong in the visitors' paint, taking a glut of offensive rebounds, and Madrid made all but sure of the win at 81-69 with two minutes left to play. The opposition did their best, and managed to pull back to within three points with 15 seconds left on the clock, but Deck and Abalde wrapped it up from the free-throw line to extend our unbeaten League run at the WiZink Center (85-78, min.40).

REAL MADRID-HIOPOS LLEIDA STATISTICS