By Eurohoops team / info@eurohoops.net
Baskonia survived the thriller on the road against Real Madrid and prevailed 87-91 for the big win. Adam Hanga gave his team a one point lead with 30 seconds left (88-87) and then Jaka Blazic crashed Real’s party with a three to give Baskonia the win.
The Slovenian guard led the winners with 21 points, while German center Johannes Voigtmann reached a double double with 18 points and 11 rebounds. Gustavo Ayon had 16 points for Real and Luka Doncic added 15.
From early on, Baskonia showed enough energy to be competitive against the hosts, with the first quarter ending 19-32. Voigtmann and Blazic led their team’s offense. However, the hosts started making their comeback 3 minutes before halftime, when the deficit dropped to 10 points 41-51. Soon, Carroll dunked emphatically on Baskonia’s basket, giving the crowd reasons to chant louder! It was obvious that the hosts had a long way to go in order to be dedicated in the game. Statistically wise, the teams were at a balance, though Baskonia was of course more efficient at shooting during the first half.
After the break, Ayon and Llull brought Real as close to Baskonia as ever in the game, yet Hanga was there to keep the visitors at a safe distance. At the end of the third quarter, the deficit was at 3 points, with Ayon leading Real’s comeback. Doncic made the score even at 71 points, then a three pointer by Jaycee Carroll put Real ahead for the first time in the game, 74 – 71, but the guests found the way to close the game the right way and escape with the win.