By Eurohoops team/ info@eurohops.net
Markus Howard scored 35 points, Jordan Theodore added 19 points and Chima Moneke (photo) had 11 points and nine rebounds as Baskonia made things happen in Madrid.
On a game decided by four points, but also Real Madrid not getting the lead in crunch time, the guests prevailed 95-91 and with a 17-16 record secured a spot in the play-ins.
Howard, with seven threes, was the top scorer and the player who sealed the win in the closing minutes from the free throw line.
“All I can say is God is good, that’s all I can really say”, said Howard after the final buzzer. “We had ups and downs, we stayed together, we stayed resilient, we will not take this for granted”.
Depending on the last round’s results, Baskonia can end up being eighth or ninth and remain alive to fight another day. To be exact, Baskonia will face Virtus and the game between them will be crucial for the final standings.
On the other hand, Madrid with a 26-7 record has already secured the top spot.
Mario Hezonja with 18 points was the top scorer of the losing side, Dzanan Musa added 16 and Fabien Causeur had 13.
A thrilling battle until the last seconds
Real Madrid was firing at all cylinders from the first moment, leading 27-12 with Causeur scoring nine points.
Baskonia managed to end the first period trailing by 10 (27-17) and trimmed the lead to seven (27-20) after a three by Howard.
Madrid remained in control, Baskonia’s push continued – 40-36 after 17 minutes of action – and the “Whites” closed the first half (48-42) with Howard scoring 11 points for the guests.
Baskonia finally got the 60-58 lead after a three by Matt Costello and closed the third quarter with a one-point advantage (65-64).
The guests jumped to an 80-73 lead, again after a three by Costello and that was the cue for Madrid to react and make it a one-point game with Mario Hezonja scoring a three (82-81) and 2,5 minutes left in the game.
That was the best the hosts could do. Baskonia by tooth and claw kept the lead until the end and survived a big battle.
“We were a little bit better in defense in the second half, we got some baskets in the fast break and Markus was amazing tonight”, said Baskonia coach Dusko Ivanovic.
Photo credit: EuroLeague