The leaders add a ninth consecutive league victory

The leaders achieved a ninth consecutive victory in the Endesa League against Dreamland Gran Canaria to stay at the top of the standings after the international break.  In a repeat of the last Copa del Rey semi final, Chus Mateo's team won at a tricky court producing their best defensive performance of the season, which limited their opponent to 54 points - 18 in the first half. But it was in the last 15 minutes that Real Madrid put the game to bed with an 18-33 run. Bruno Fernando (8 points, 7 rebounds and 20 PIR ) and Hezonja (14, 8 and 18) were the most outstanding players at the Gran Canaria Arena.
An emotional tribute to Tavares by his former team started a game in which our team started well on defense, shutting down the rebounds and preventing Dreamland Gran Canaria from running. With the center on the court (4 points, 2 rebounds and 1 block), Madrid had more fluid ideas in attack, although it was a first quarter of few points and little success, reflected in the 9-12.
Upping the tempo before half time
Real Madrid tried unsuccessfully to score three pointers and went through a dry spell at the start of the second quarter, which the home team took advantage of to level the score (15-14, min. 14) through offensive rebounds. Hezonja’s entrance knocked Madrid out of their slump. He broke the three-pointer jinx with five straight points (of his 8 in this quarter), giving his team the initiative again and managing to open the gap in the final stretch of the first half after a 3-17 partial in their favor (18-31).
Buoyed by three three-pointers, Dreamland Gran Canaria were growing in the third quarter to the point of tying the game at 36 in the 26th minute. Madrid, in another attacking dry spell, also relaxed defensively, gifting Thomasson and Brussino too much space. A timeout by Chus Mateo served to spark the team’s defense back into life. Feliz brought more aggressiveness in the backcourt and confidence in attack. Hezonja's return to the court also gave the team a new look. Bruno Fernando joined in and Madrid regained an 8-point lead heading into the final period after a 4-12 run (40-48, min. 30).
Brilliant defense
Madrid did not slack off in defense and put an end to Dreamland Gran Canaria's hopes. Bruno Fernando emerged as the leader and his presence at both ends of the court was crucial for Chus Mateo's team’s flourishing. The Angolan almost had a double-double in his best performance in our jersey (8 points, 7 rebounds and 20 PIR in 18 minutes of play). Llull, Hezonja, who finished as the top scorer with 14 points, and Hugo González did the rest in attack to maintain a comfortable lead of more than ten points until the end. Real Madrid set a new record for points conceded this season (54-69, min. 40).
DREAMLAND GRAN CANARIA-REAL MADRID STATISTICS