By Eurohoops team/ info@eurohoops.net
With a tremendous performance in the second half (32-50), Real Madrid prevailed over Khimki on the road (82-93). This was the fourth win for the Spaniards in group F (4-3), whereas the Russians suffered their second straight loss (4-3).
For the winners, both Gustavo Ayon (24 points, 13 rebounds) and Sergio Llull (17 points, 11 assists) made an impressive double-double, as three more players scored in double figures. On the other hand, James Augustine had 20 points and seven rebounds for the losing squad, with Alexey Shved adding 17 points and six assists.
In the beginning, the match was close, as no team could take a significant advantage (10-13, 20-22), with the first quarter ending in a draw (26-26). Later, the visitors took a six-point lead (33-39), however the hosts responded, played better, both defensively and offensively, and went on a 17-4 run to end the first half in front by seven (50-43).
In the second half, Real Madrid’s players enhanced their overall performance and outscored their opponents 28-19 to regain the lead, after 30 minutes in the game (69-71), as the Russians were playing very badly defensively.
In the fourth quarter, the Spaniards went on a 13-3 run to extend their advantage to double digits (72-84), but Khimki tried to respond and cut the deficit to six points (79-85). The visitors, though, stood tall and brought their lead back to double digits (79-91) to earn a big victory on the road.