By Eurohoops team/ info@eurohoops.net
In the first match of Euroleague’s sixth round, Khimki remained solid in the end, beat Real Madrid 82-85 on the road and returned to the top of group A. For the Russians, this was their fourth victory (4-2), whereas the defending champions suffered their fourth loss (2-4) and their qualification to the next round is in jeopardy.
For the winners, Tyrese Rice had 18 points and eight assists, with three more players being in double digits. On the other hand, Sergio Rodriguez was the top scorer with 17 points for the losing squad, as Gustavo Ayon added an impressive double-double (14 points, 15 rebounds).
In the beginning, no team could take a significant advantage, with both squads executing very well offensively, as Khimki ended the first quarter in front by just two points (22-24). Later, the Russians extended their lead to 10 points (27-37), but the Spaniards responded with a 15-7 run and cut the deficit to just two points after 20 minutes in the game (42-44), with the second quarter ending in a draw (20-20).
In the second half, Real tried to take a significant advantage, but Khimki played very well on both ends of the floor and was in front by eight points (52-60), with five minutes to go in the third quarter. The Madrid squad, though, fought back again and with an 11-6 run was down by three (63-66), after 30 minutes in the game. In the last quarter, the match was a close derby, with Khimki making some big shots to retain a small lead (74-75, 77-81). A crazy and difficult three-point shot from Rodriguez, though, and one free throw by Sergio Llull cut the deficit down to just one point (81-82), with 20 seconds to go. Alexey Shved was perfect from the free-throw line (81-84), Real missed consecutive three-points shots and Kurtinaitis’ team claimed a big victory on the road.