Defeat in Bilbao

Real Madrid could not secure victory in their visit to Surne Bilbao Basket on matchday 31 of the League, ending their streak of 14 consecutive away wins. The leader, missing five players from the roster (Tavares, Len, Garuba, Okeke, and Hezonja), lost in a closely contested finish after leading by 7 points in the final quarter. Lyles stood out with 18 points, 9 rebounds, and a performance index rating of 22.

The game started with a high pace and few interruptions, marked by a great level of equality. The home team initially took control thanks to their superiority in rebounding, with Hlinason's presence inside and Hilliard's accuracy from beyond the arc (3 three-pointers). Madrid countered with solid team play, led by Llull, Almansa, and Lyles. The trio spearheaded Scariolo's side's attack in the first quarter, which ended with Bilbao Basket leading by two (24-22, min.10).

Campazzo gives Madrid the lead at halftime
The second quarter was marked by constant lead changes. Our team matched the rebounding battle, and, with three-pointers from Abalde and Maledon, took the lead. However, Bilbao Basket responded with contributions from Pantzar and Jaworski. At 38-37 with two minutes left in the first half, Madrid made a small push led by Campazzo and his consecutive 8 points (40-44, min.20).

Under Campazzo's leadership, the league leaders increased their dominance after the break. The Argentine point guard set a tempo that suited Madrid, who improved defensively, controlled the rebounds, and launched counterattacks to repeatedly disrupt the home side's defensive balance. Deck, playing as a four, and Lyles, as a five, were constant threats. Bilbao Basket leaned on Hlinason to stay competitive in a third quarter where Scariolo's team enjoyed a 10-point lead at one stage (60-66, min.30).

Madrid faltered in the final minutes
Bilbao Basket increased the pressure, capitalizing on offensive rebounds with Hlinason's height and Krampelj's energy. Madrid held off the onslaught with contributions from Maledon. A three-pointer from the Frenchman put our team up by 7 points in the 33rd minute (67-74), but a series of rushed plays in the following moments gave the home team momentum. Slowly, they closed the gap and took the lead with four consecutive points from Hilliard. Lyles made it 84-82 with 17 seconds left, but Ponsarnau's side sealed the win from the free-throw line (88-82, min.40).

Statistics of Surne Bilbao Basket-Real Madrid

 

Disclaimer: Translation generated by artificial intelligence. It may contain inaccuracies.