Real Madrid slipped to defeat against Baskonia in Round 27 of the EuroLeague in a contest with constant alternations on the scoreboard throughout the 40 minutes and which was settled by the visitors with a last-second three-pointer. Musa (21 points and 26 in PIR) and Tavares (13 and 20) were the standout performers for the Whites in the first game of this week's double-header. In less than 48 minutes, Madrid host Valencia Basket.
It was a fast-paced game right from the get-go. A basket from the visitors was followed by a 9-0 run from Madrid, who remained ahead for the remainder of the first quarter. The hosts soon discovered their poise in attack, with 3/4 three-pointers (two by Hanga and one by Yabusele) and Poirier's scoring in the paint (6). They also displayed plenty of aggression in defence, dominating the rebounding against a Baskonia side that hung in there thanks to Thompson and Kotsar (22-17, min.10).
Madrid counter opposition's surge
In the second quarter, Baskonia found their rhythm on the outside and opened up the court. Madrid looked to score from around the hoop through Tavares. The centre was the focal point of Chus Mateo's team's offensive line with 6 points and 2 rebounds. the game then turned into a back-and-forth affair with the Vitoria side taking advantage of Madrid's losses to gain a six-point lead on 17' (32-38). However, the Madridistas soon responded. Displaying tremendous intensity and rediscovering their three-point prowess, Madrid put together an 11-2 run to bring the first half to a close, 43-40, after a two-and-one from Musa.
Video.81-85: Last-gasp defeat
The visitors started stronger after the break, playing at a relentless pace built on short bursts of pace, short possessions and three-point plays. Madrid found themselves 9 behind in the 26th minute (50-59), but again replicated their second quarter response. Musa pulled the team together at a crucial moment with seven consecutive points and Rudy exerted his authority, scoring two three-pointers and spurring his teammates on in defence. Tavares dominated the rebounding, and the Whites posted a 15-3 run in three minutes to preserve their first-half lead (65-62, min.30).
Crazy final quarter
The final quarter opened with five three-pointers in a row, two for Madrid and three for Baskonia. The parity shifted in Madrid's favour following an excellent few minutes from Tavares, who brought the score to 78-71 on the 36' mark. However, the game spiralled out of control again and the visitors tied the score at 81 with 35 seconds to go. Tavares, who finished with Musa as the team's standout performer, missed the next opportunity and Costello struck a three-pointer with 0.1 seconds left and an additional free throw to make the final score 81-85.
REAL MADRID-CAZOO BASKONIA STATISTICS
