After a string of five consecutive away defeats, Real Madrid Baloncesto finally found their winning touch, defeating Zaragoza 95-83. This victory marks a significant turnaround for Sergio Scariolo’s side, who controlled the game throughout, never allowing their opponents to take the lead. The standout performance came from Edy Tavares, whose remarkable defensive prowess included an impressive eight blocks, the highest total in the ACB League in 18 years. Tavares also contributed offensively with 16 flawless points and four rebounds.
On the other side, Zaragoza’s Santi Yusta shone brightly, scoring 30 points and establishing himself as the third-highest scorer in the club’s history. His current average of 19.6 points per game makes him the top scorer in the Liga. Both players were instrumental in shaping the game’s tempo and were pivotal on both ends of the court during this closely contested match.
A Game of Momentum Shifts
The encounter was fiercely competitive, with Real Madrid responding effectively to Zaragoza’s quick-paced offensive style. The Madrid team dominated the first quarter through efficient transitions, despite committing six turnovers. Bell-Haynes led Zaragoza’s scoring efforts with 12 points in the first half while Tavares and Robinson made their presence felt under the basket. Following a devastating 0-13 run against Zaragoza at the start of the second half, Kramer injected energy into his team with a sensational dunk and a three-pointer that reignited their spirits.
Yusta’s explosive performance continued as he scored 15 points in just one quarter, narrowing the gap to 68-71. However, Real Madrid sealed their victory in the final quarter through a solid zone defense led by Maledon, supported by Garuba and Hezonja. Despite struggling with three-point shooting (16 attempts) and five turnovers, Hezonja managed to contribute significantly with 10 points, six rebounds, and three steals. After this point, Zaragoza could not respond effectively to Madrid’s dominance.
Looking Ahead
This victory not only boosts Real Madrid’s confidence but also sets them on a promising path for upcoming fixtures. With Tavares leading defensively and Yusta continuing to showcase his scoring ability for Zaragoza, both teams have much to build upon moving forward. Can Real Madrid maintain this momentum? Their next match will be crucial as they aim to establish consistency in their performance.
As they return home, fans will be eager to see if this victory can spark a turnaround for a team that has faced challenges early in the season.
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