Madrid defeated in Valencia

Real Madrid saw their three-game winning run on the road come to an end with a defeat at the Roig Arena against Valencia Basket on matchday 10 of the EuroLeague. Scariolo's side had to contend with the home team's impressive three-point shooting (16), which forced them to play catch-up and attempt a comeback. Lyles (23 points, 9 rebounds and 24 in PIR) and Maledon (14 points, 5 assists and 22) were the standout performers for the team, which in less than 48 hours will host Panathinaikos at the Movistar Arena (Thursday, 8.45 pm CET).

It was a high-tempo contest from the outset. Madrid refused to be drawn into Valencia's intense style of play and minimised their strengths, particularly on the counter-attack, with solid defence and rebounding, giving away very few second chances. They dominated for much of the first quarter, with Campazzo (5) and Hezonja (7) setting the tone in attack (14-19, min. 7). However, Valencia Basket banked on their accuracy from the three-point line, with 5, to hold on and take the first quarter (22-21).

Three-pointers make the difference
The home side constantly pushed forward with their back-and-forth play, today with high shooting percentages. Madrid countered this by remaining dominant on the defensive rebound and with patient attacking. With Maledon (4 assists), Lyles (11 points at half-time) and Len (5 points), they enjoyed their best spell midway through the second quarter. A 7-0 run in the Whites' favour put them ahead 29-30 (min. 14). The game would have taken a different turn if Madrid had hit their three-pointers in this quarter (0 vs. 5). This was not the case, and Valencia Basket, who added Pradilla, Reuvers and Thompson to their outside threat, managed to go into the break 45-38 ahead.

Madrid did not despair, even though Valencia Basket's play, based almost exclusively on outside shooting, gave them reason to. They were more aggressive. Tavares, at the back, continued to prevent the visitors from scoring near the basket (5 blocks), while Campazzo and Lyles took charge in attack. Between them, they distributed the points to reduce the 10-point lead that Los Taronjas had built up at the start of the second half. The Whites had three possessions to tie the game at different points in the third quarter. However, a missed three-pointer, another that the opposition hit, a turnover and a mistake meant they were left empty-handed. Valencia Basket made the most of their last two possessions (67-60).

Attempted comeback
The pace and accuracy dictated by Pedro Martínez's charges forced Madrid to overexert themselves and commit more turnovers than they would have liked. Montero and Taylor pushed the lead into double digits early in the fourth quarter. Scariolo's men tried to close the gap, with Maledon leading the charge. But they were unlucky, and Valencia ended up shooting 16 decisive three-pointers to seal the final score (89-76, min. 40).
 
STATISTICS FROM VALENCIA BASKET-REAL MADRID