Llull clinches a last-second win

Real Madrid ended a run of four consecutive away games with a clean sweep of victories. They did so by inflicting La Laguna Tenerife's first defeat on their home court to secure their fourth consecutive away win in the last 16 days. It was a hard-fought game that was won by a shot from Llull at the buzzer. The captain (11 points) and Hezonja (17) were the standouts for Scariolo's team, which put in its best defensive performance in the league so far this season.

Madrid got off to a good start at the Santiago Martín, dominating the first quarter. They were solid in defence and superior in rebounding (11 to 6). Hezonja and Maledon (4 points each) led a patient and diversified attack against a home side that had its best minutes when Jaime Fernández took to the court and took advantage of Madrid's six turnovers (16-18, min. 10).

Madrid lead with low scoring
The game continued at a slow pace with few points. Madrid stifled Tenerife even more. They reduced their outside shooting percentages to 20% on three-pointers and barely allowed second chances, as they were dominant on the rebound (26 to 12). They held them to 9 points. Llull and Okeke, with two three-pointers each, put Madrid +10 at the halfway point of the second quarter. La Laguna Tenerife attempted a comeback with two consecutive baskets by Beck and Guerra, but Tavares and Hezonja, who made the play of the game with a mid-air correction, basket and foul, restored Madrid's cushion before the break (25-33).

Madrid had the opportunity to break the game open in the early minutes of the second half, where they took a 13-point lead (25-38, min. 22). But they lacked energy (losing another seven balls). Without Tavares (three fouls) and soon in bonus, La Laguna Tenerife breathed new life into their attack, with contributions from Van Beck, Giedraitis and Guerra, and launched themselves into the fight for victory (48-49, min. 30).

Once again: Llull
The game remained close until the end. Scariolo's men slowed down the home side's momentum and defended their lead with important baskets at key moments, but La Laguna Tenerife, confident that they still had a chance and with their fans behind them, pushed them to the limit. Madrid prevented the comeback time and time again, whether with a three-pointer from Deck, Hezonja or a 2+1 from Campazzo. With the score tied at 69, the final minute began after a 3+1 play by Doornekamp. A lot can happen in 60 seconds.

Campazzo could have won the game with 2.9 seconds left with a drive that ended up being an offensive foul and gave the home team two free throws as they were in the bonus. Jaime Fernández missed the first and scored the second. Timeout by Scariolo. The play was clear. Ball to the captain. Llull shook off his defender, dribbled past two opponents and hung in the air to score a lay-up that gave us the 70-71 victory. Yet another heroic feat for the Real Madrid legend.

STATISTICS FOR LA LAGUNA TENERIFE-REAL MADRID