Madrid reduce the deficit
They did so by raising their intensity at the back with the introduction of Procida and Abalde to slow down the Andorran output. However, they still lacked consistency in attack. The first three-pointer came in the 13th minute from Abalde and the next was not until the 18th minute, by Llull.
In between, MoraBanc Andorra opened up a 10-point lead thanks to Pustovyi’s offensive rebounds and Castañeda’s three-pointers. At 35-25, Scariolo’ s team made progress on the offensive end with the emergence of Tavares (8 points and 6 rebounds in the first half) and greater success. Hezonja, Okeke and Llull led a 15-6 run in the last two minutes to leave the score at 41-40 at half-time.
Madrid managed to complete the comeback right from the start of the third quarter with a brilliant performance from Okeke. Eight consecutive points from the power forward gave the Whites a second lead after a 2-3 start. From that point on, the game gained pace in attack, with the two teams exchanging baskets. Evans, for the home side, and Lyles, for the visitors, were the standout performers in the scoring. A basket by Maledon allowed Madrid to close the half three points up (58-61, min.30).
Temperance to win
The game remained level in the final quarter, but Madrid managed to seize the initiative with quality minutes from their centres. First from Len, who showed his strength at both ends, and then from Tavares. But MoraBanc Andorra kept within striking distance. With the score 71-73 at 34′, the Cape Verdean took over. They scored the next 5 points to open a 7-1 lead in two minutes, which put them 8 up with three minutes to go. But they had to dig in. And without Tavares, who committed his fifth personal foul. The Andorrans pressed until the end. Castañeda and Kuric made it 81-82 and it was all to play for in the final minute. And there, Scariolo’s team did not lose their nerve and sealed the victory from the free throw with four free throws from Llull, two from Maledon and two from Hezonja (85-90, min.40).
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