By Eurohoops Team/ info@eurohoops.net
Real Madrid are even more firmly at the top of the Liga Endesa after defeating Hiopos Lleida 95–78. The Madrid side’s victory, combined with Valencia Basket’s loss, means that Sergio Scariolo’s team now holds a three-win advantage over their closest challengers.
Theo Maledon, with 18 points, was the top scorer for Real Madrid, while Chuma Okeke contributed 14 points and 9 rebounds, also reaching a performance rating of 20.
However, the game’s overall top scorer was Gyorgy Goloman, who finished with 19 points.
After a first quarter that even ended with the visitors ahead (16–17), Madrid showed their clear superiority over the team coached by Gerard Encuentra.
A 31–9 run in the second quarter allowed Scariolo’s side to pull away and take full control of the game, a lead they never relinquished.
Things went much worse for Kosner Baskonia, who suffered a clear defeat on their visit to San Pablo Burgos, losing 107–96. Howard’s 26 points and Forrest’s strong performance (19 points, 8 assists and 5 rebounds) were not enough for Galbiati’s team.