Real Madrid were unable to bid farewell to 2022 with a victory in their visit to Cazoo Baskonia. Chus Mateo's men lost at the Fernando Buesa Arena on match-day 16 of the Euroleague. A very successful second quarter from the team from Vitoria threw the clash off kilter. We fought until the end for the comeback and got into the game in the second half, but it was not enough to close the year with a win. Tavares was the best of the madridistas with 15 points and 27 index rating points.
It was expected to be a very closely-fought match in Vitoria and that is exactly how the match started. The exchange of blows was evident on court. The home side scored from outside, while we dominated the paint with an unbeatable Tavares. At 8-10, Chus Mateo's team tried to get ahead on the scoreboard with two consecutive three-pointers from Cornelie (7 points) and Sergio Rodríguez. Then, Howard and Giedraitis responded to reduce the deficit once again. It was Madrid who took a 4 point lead at the end of the first quarter with a three-pointer from Williams-Goss on the last play.
Local Initiative
On fire from the three-point range, with two on the trot from Yabusele and Hezonja, we made it 26-34 in the 11th minute. However, Baskonia were not going rest on their laurels and with seven points from Hommes they took the lead after a 9-0 run. From that point on, the home side dominated the game and, with a choral game led by Howard (21 points and 5 of 7 from three-point range), they went into the break with a 16-point lead.
Video.92-86: Last game of the year ends in defeat
Although it was a tough task Madrid never gave up. After half time, Chus Mateo's men showed a lot of intensity to close the gap to eight points in the 24th minute thanks to the contributions of Deck, Goss and Causeur. The defensive line and the work of Tavares (15 points and 7 rebounds) in the zone led to a 9-17 lead in six minutes. But just when we were at our best, Howard appeared to put the score back on level terms. Chus Mateo's men took the third quarter and started the final ten minutes four points adrift (73-69).
Madrid Attempted the Comeback
Our players tried to turn the game around in the final quarter. Deck and Goss brought the game closer, but Giedraitis' good work from three-point range was vital for Baskonia to catch their breath with six minutes to go. The team from Vitoria were nine points behind in the 37th minute, but Deck's three-pointer brought Madrid back into the fight for victory. Goss, with 15 points and four assists, tried to bring Chus Mateo's team closer on the scoreboard (87-82), but the home side knew how to manage the advantage and close the game at the Fernando Buesa Arena (92-86).
CAZOO BASKONIA-REAL MADRID STATISTICS
