Maledon leads Real Madrid to emphatic win over Kosner Baskonia

Theo Maledon directed Real Madrid’s attack as the visitors beat Kosner Baskonia 104-86 at Fernando Buesa Arena in the eighth round of the EuroLeague. The French guard finished with 18 points, four rebounds and six assists, helping Madrid’s offensive output eventually overwhelm the home side.

The pressure was apparent from the opening minutes. As Baskonia president Josean Querejeta faced supporters’ anger following Galbiati’s dismissal, Madrid had already moved ahead: Jantunen and Procida helped build a 15-4 lead by the sixth minute. Baskonia struggled at both ends early on, making five of 13 two-point attempts and one of five from three. Luwawu-Cabarrot, Jones and Campazzo then helped extend Madrid’s advantage to 30-14.

Three-pointers from Okeke and Maledon gave Madrid its biggest lead, 36-19, in the 13th minute. But the visitors eased off, allowing Simmons to score 10 straight points and revive Baskonia. Joksimovic and Faried also contributed to a 12-2 run that brought the home side within 44-37 in the 18th minute. Jantunen and Feliz steadied Madrid, which went into the break ahead 56-46.

Lawson and Joksimovic cut the margin to 58-52, but Madrid rebuilt its cushion after half-time. Baskets from Luwawu-Cabarrot, Abalde and Jones helped take the score to 76-59. Madrid led 83-69 at the 30-minute mark, despite Lawson’s five points.

Baskonia got as close as 82-74 for the final time on a Santos three-pointer in the 32nd minute. Maledon then took charge again, scoring and assisting during a 14-5 stretch that made it 96-79 in the 37th minute. Procida and Feliz sealed the 104-86 result with three-pointers. Tavares also made a major contribution, recording 10 points, 12 rebounds and three blocks against a Baskonia side hampered by a shortage of centres. Jantunen (13 points) and Tavares were among Madrid’s other contributors, while Lawson and Simmons scored 17 apiece for Baskonia. Spagnolo and Simmons fouled out in the 38th and 40th minutes respectively.

The game was played in front of 8,136 spectators at Fernando Buesa Arena in Vitoria. Maledon’s display captured a night in which Madrid weathered Baskonia’s attempts to get back into the contest before restoring a commanding lead in the final quarter.