A stellar Madrid secures fourth straight win at the WiZink Center

Real Madrid reaffirmed the positive dynamic of the last few games and picked up another league win. They did so against Baxi Manresa, whom they left with very few options throughout. They dominated from start to finish, reaching a lead of +28 points in the last quarter, and achieved a full house of victories in the series of four consecutive games at the WiZink Center. A great result that allows them to go into a very demanding week with three away games full of confidence (Olympiacos, Maccabi and UCAM Murcia). Tavares (17 PIR), Rathan-Mayes (14 points) and Hezonja (14) were the most outstanding players.

As was to be expected, in the early stages the play at the low post was going to be a fierce battle. It was there that the height of Tavares (8 points, 3 rebounds and 13 in PIR in less than six minutes) once again made the difference. Madrid gradually got into their stride, not giving their opponents second chances and dominating the rebounding to gain a small advantage (12-8). From then on, the madridistas made a good start through Llull and Musa, which was enough for them to take the first quarter at the WiZink (22-13).

Madrid play a great first half
Chus Mateo‘s rotations worked and gave the expected result. Madrid set the pace: when they wanted to run, they ran, and when they wanted to slow the game down the game, they did. The quintet of Hezonja, Hugo González, Deck, Rathan-Mayes and Ibaka made it 47-21 in the 15th minute. The team shone thanks to the rebounding dominance on both sides of the court (23-14), found good space in attack and showed great defensive solidity. All this helped them to go into the break with a +26 lead (47-21).

After the break, Manresa came out swinging looking to reduce the deficit. They improved in attack with a fast and efficient game. They were able to get a 5-14 lead in five minutes, and the Catalan team's surge became a reality. But it was at that moment that Llull and Deck appeared to hit back and continue with a comfortable difference at the end of the third quarter (63-40).

Fourth home win in a row
Despite the scoring slowing down, Madrid continued to control the game and manage the 20-point cushion. Rathan-Mayes, with three almost consecutive three-pointers, and Hezonja scored 14 points in four minutes to open up an insurmountable gap (84-56). At that point, Chus Mateo dosed the most usual players, putting in players like Gueye (who scored his first points in the league). After the fourth consecutive victory at the WiZink Center, the team now faces a demanding week with a Euroleague double-header away from home.

REAL MADRID-BAXI MANRESA STATISTICS