Madrid extend their lead ahead of Copa del Rey

Real Madrid will top the League table on their own ahead of next weekend's Copa del Rey following a win over Hiopos Lleida coupled with Unicaja's defeat in Lugo. Our team were at the Barris Nord for the first time in more than two decades, and marked the occasion with an eighth consecutive victory in the championship. Chus Mateo's boys came through a game that became complicated despite enjoying 15-point leads at times, ultimately deciding the result with a 19-29 run in the final quarter. Hezonja, with a double-double (22 points, 11 rebounds and 32 PIR) and Llull (16, 8 assists for 21) both performed well, while Campazzo (17 and 19), Tavares (10 and 17) and Abalde (10 and 13) also delivered strong numbers. Real Madrid started the game with a 0-7 run without a miss, stamping a high pace on the offensive proceedings, moving the ball well (4 assists by Llull), with good shooting percentages and a fine balance between the inside and out (7 points for Tavares and 5 for Fernando, plus 5 triples at 55% success rate). The home team did all they could to withstand the Madrid onslaught, first through Walden and then with a surge spearheaded by their second  five in the final stretch of the first quarter (21-28, min.10).
The madridistas quell the home reaction
Without Tavares on court, and following a drop-off in offense by the visitors, Hiopos Lleida found life easier. Led by Van der Vuurst and the Hamilton-Bozic duo inside, they turned the scores around in the second quarter, neutralising a 15-point disadvantage (33-32, min. 17). The return of Campazzo, Hezonja and the Cape Verde center had an immediate impact, as Madrid went on a 4-14 run before the break (37-46).
The game remained open in the third quarter. Chus Mateo's men reached an 11-point lead at 47-58 in the 36th minute. Campazzo, Llull, with his 1,000th triple in the ACB, and Tavares' offensive rebounds, kept Hiopos Lleida at a distance. But the home side refused to roll over and, cheered on by their fans, Bropleh's three-pointers and the appearance of Hasbrouck made Madrid uncomfortable - so much so that they found themselves trailing three minutes later. Only Llull's 2+1 saw our team head into the final period in the lead (65-66).
The best until last
Just as the home team were enjoying their best spell, Madrid took a step up with a 2-13 run at the start of the last quarter, led once again by the imperious Llull. The captain took charge and came up with the points and assists required to counter a highly motivated Hiopos Lleida. Fernando, Campazzo and Hezonja ensured the home team's reaction was futile with a 19-29 run (84-95, min.40).
HIOPOS LLEIDA-REAL MADRID STATISTICS