By Alex Molina / info@eurohoops.net
The ACB playoffs may be a completely different competition from the regular season, but Real Madrid’s struggles continued as Los Blancos moved one loss away from finishing the season without a trophy.
La Laguna Tenerife stole the opening game of the quarterfinal series between the first and eighth seeds, edging Real Madrid 98-97 at the Movistar Arena. Txus Vidorreta’s side delivered a huge upset on the road and will now have the chance to clinch a semifinal spot in front of its home crowd on Thursday.
The hero of Tenerife’s victory was Jaime Fernandez, who knocked down the game-winning three-pointer and capped off a brilliant second half in which he scored all 17 of his points. Marcelinho Huertas and David Kramer also finished with 17 points, while Tim Abromaitis and Aaron Doornekamp added 15 each.
Despite having six players score in double figures, with Trey Lyles leading the way with 15 points, Real Madrid gradually lost control of the game. The hosts led by as many as 12 points at 40-28, with Omer Yurtseven contributing 10 points and recent signing Mady Sissoko making his debut, but Tenerife trimmed the gap to 50-48 by halftime.
The second half remained tightly contested, with neither team able to create separation. In the final minute, both sides traded baskets before Fernandez delivered the decisive blow. Mario Hezonja had the chance to win it for Real Madrid at the buzzer, but his shot did not fall.
Liga Endesa Playoffs
(1) Real Madrid 0 – 1 La Laguna Tenerife (8) (97-98)
(4) UCAM Murcia 0 – 1 Barça (5) (68-91)
(2) Valencia Basket – Surne Bilbao (7)
(3) Kosner Baskonia – Asisa Joventut (6)
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