By Alex Madrid / info@eurohoops.net
Real Madrid ended its losing streak after a big win over Barcelona in the “Clasico”, 87 – 75. The Blancos improved to 6-6 in the standings while their arch-rival fell to a 4-8 record.
This defeat marked Barcelona’s 16th in 17 EuroLeague games away from home. And who’s to “blame” for this?
No other than potential #1 pick in the NBA Draft Luka Doncic and his wonderful all-around, MVP contribution of 16 points, 7 assists and 6 rebounds for 24 PIR.
After a slow first quarter (15 – 15), the Slovenian player came off the bench and had 9 points and 5 assists in the second quarter to take help the “Blancos” get their biggest lead of the first half, 40 – 31. Juan Carlos Navarro led Barcelona’s 0 – 7 run to end the quarter to make it close again.
The key: Madrid made the difference in the third (28 – 14) with a three-point rampage. After a 13 – 2 run the hosts dominated both ends of the floor. Doncic closed the quarter with an incredible full-court bucket.
Sito Alonso tried to change things a bit by sending in Victor Claver. Barcelona cut the lead to single digits (80 – 71, 36′) with Pierre Oriola doing it all. The Spanish international had 11 points while Ante Tomic was the guests’ leading scorer with 12. But Doncic and co couldn’t be stopped.
The star: Luka Doncic, did it once again. The Slovenian wunderkind took complete control of the “Clasico” and showed that he’s made for big games. Real Madrid‘s captain Felipe Reyes also contributed with 14 points and 8 boards while Trey Thompkins added 12.