By Eurohoops / info@eurohoops.net
It was not easy at all, but Real Madrid will continue to lead the Liga Endesa on their own.
Sergio Scariolo’s side defeated Unicaja Málaga 91-82, a win that leaves Los Blancos with an 11–1 record. The Málaga team drop to 7–5.
Mario Hezonja was Real Madrid’s top scorer with 17 points, while Usman Garuba added 13 and played a key role in the home side’s comeback.
Chris Duarte, with 16 points, and Olek Balcerowski with 17 led the scoring for Unicaja Málaga.
The first twenty minutes were clearly dominated by the visitors. Ibon Navarro’s team executed their game plan to perfection and built leads of up to twelve points (36–48), closing the first half ahead 46–54, which drew boos from the crowd at the Movistar Arena.
Everything changed after the break. Real Madrid delivered a spectacular 25–12 third quarter that not only erased the visitors’ advantage but also gave them control of the game.
After those outstanding minutes, Real Madrid approached the final quarter with great calm, managing the lead confidently until the final buzzer.
Earlier today, Barça defeated Surne Bilbao and Valencia Basket also won its game against Morabanc Andorra.
Liga Endesa Round 12
Baskonia – San Pablo Burgos 89-77
Casademont Zaragoza – BAXI Manresa 83-95
Coviran Granada – UCAM Murcia 79-86
Joventut Badalona – Río Breogán 83-75
Bàsquet Girona – Hiopos Lleida 103-86
La Laguna Tenerife – Dreamland Gran Canaria 70-71
Surne Bilbao – Barça 66-71
Valencia Basket – Morabanc Andorra 84-79
Real Madrid – Unicaja de Málaga 91-82
STANDINGS: Real Madrid (11-1), UCAM Murcia (10-2), Valencia Basket (10-2), La Laguna Tenerife (8-4)…