By Eurohoops team/ info@eurohoops.net
Real Madrid had a chance to move to the top of the EuroLeague standings with a win in Vitoria, but Baskonia had other plans.
Led by Kobi Simmons and Timothé Luwawu-Cabarrot in the closing moments, the team from Fernando Buesa Arena edged Los Blancos 98–96.
In the end, Timothé Luwawu-Cabarrot led the scoring for the winning side with 26 points, while Mamadi Diakite and Kobi Simmons followed with 21 points each. Eugene Omoruyi added 15 points.
As for Real Madrid, Facundo Campazzo had a strong outing with 21 points and nine assists, while Mario Hezonja scored 17 but missed a crucial shot and committed the foul on Simmons in the final seconds. Walter Tavares posted a double-double with 10 points and 11 rebounds, Sergio Llull chipped in 12, and Gabriel Deck added 11 points.
Baskonia’s comeback
Simmons hit back-to-back three-pointers in the final two minutes to cut the deficit from 88–95 to 94–95. Then Luwawu-Cabarrot tied the game with 37 seconds remaining, while Mario Hezonja missed on the other end, failing to restore Real’s lead.
Baskonia had the final possession. Simmons missed a tough shot, but Hezonja fouled him, sending him to the free-throw line. The American guard kept his composure and knocked down the decisive free throws with less than a second left. Sergio Llull attempted a buzzer-beating heave, but it fell short as Baskonia sealed the win.