The Real Madrid team will travel to La Fonteta with a 2-0 lead in the final against Valencia Basket, asserting their dominance in overtime.
MADRID, 22 (EUROPA PRESS)
Real Madrid emerged victorious (102-96) against Valencia Basket on Sunday in the second game of the Liga Endesa final ‘Playoff’, giving them a 2-0 advantage as the series moves to La Fonteta. The reigning champions are now just one win away from retaining their title.
Chus Mateo’s team once again displayed their strengths by coming back in the final minutes to force overtime. The Movistar Arena witnessed another intense victory for the Madrid team, with players like Facundo Campazzo (18 points, 11 assists, 19 efficiency rating), Mario Hezonja, Edy Tavares (9 points, 9 rebounds), and Andrés Feliz stepping up.
The capital’s team brought out their star players to travel to Valencia, where the third game is scheduled for Wednesday at 9:15 PM. They aim to prevent Pedro Martínez’s team from repeating their 2017 title win and secure another championship. Despite a close scoreline of 81-88 with less than four minutes left, the Palacio was a stronghold for the Madrid team.
Mateo’s squad secured their 31st consecutive home victory, thanks to Campazzo’s leadership in critical moments and Tavares’ powerful presence. Valencia Basket showed improvement compared to the first game, with Jean Montero (23 points, 8 assists) responding well this time, but it wasn’t enough to break Madrid’s winning streak at the Movistar Arena.
Xabier López-Arostegui was a standout player in the first half for Valencia, as they started strong and focused on connecting three-pointers. Although the accuracy dropped for the Valencia players, Montero and Chris Jones kept the game competitive against a resourceful Madrid team, including Hezonja and Dzanan Musa.
In the second half (48-45), Valencia regained their three-point shooting touch and built a lead with Matt Costello and Montero’s accurate shooting. The Madrid defense regrouped in time, with Campazzo dictating the pace, scoring crucial baskets alongside Feliz, who delivered quality minutes once again.
Rebounding and defense, with Tavares even stepping out of the paint, gave Madrid an extra edge. With just one basket in the game, they forced overtime thanks to Sergio Llull. Montero’s final shot didn’t go in, and the Dominican point guard faced off against his compatriot Feliz in another crucial moment, reminiscent of their duel in the first game, which Feliz won once again to seal the 2-0 series lead.
TECHNICAL SHEET
– RESULT: REAL MADRID, 102 – VALENCIA BASKET, 96. (48-45, at halftime).
– TEAMS
REAL MADRID: Campazzo (18), Abalde (10), Hezonja (13), Ndiaye (4), Tavares (9) – starting five – Feliz (14), Llull (2), Musa (12), Fernando (10), Garuba (10).
VALENCIA BASKET: Montero (23), Badio (5), Puerto (-), Pradilla (4), Reuvers (11) – starting five – De Larrea (-), Jones (9), Sestina (5), Jovic (6), Costello (16), Soriano (3), López-Arostegui (14).
– QUARTER SCORES: 22-25, 26-20, 21-23, 20-21, 13-7.
– REFEREES: Pérez Pizarro, Perea, and Araña. No players eliminated.
– VENUE: Movistar Arena.
FUENTE
