Real Madrid clinched the third-place position at the EncestaRias tournament in Pontevedra, overcoming Baskonia with a final score of 87-80. This victory showcased the team's depth and resilience, particularly in the second half, as they managed to secure the win despite missing several key players. The squad demonstrated a balanced offensive effort and improved defensive intensity after a slow start, highlighting their collective strength in a competitive preseason setting. Their performance sets the stage for upcoming official competitions, where they will look to build on this momentum.
Initially, Real Madrid's performance in the first half of the match against Baskonia was sluggish. However, after the intermission, Coach Sergio Scariolo's team significantly improved their defensive strategy. This tactical adjustment, combined with a more distributed scoring effort, allowed them to take control of the game. Six different players reached double-digit scoring, underscoring the team's ability to perform collectively even without their full roster. This balanced offensive output was a critical factor in their eventual triumph.
A standout player for Real Madrid was Andres Feliz, who delivered an impressive all-around performance. He registered 14 points, collected seven rebounds, and dished out five assists, showcasing his versatility and impact on both ends of the court. Gabriele Procida also contributed significantly, matching Feliz with 14 points. Trey Lyles added 13 points, while Chuma Okeke was dominant on the boards, securing a double-double with 12 points and 10 rebounds, which helped Real Madrid establish control in the paint.
Real Madrid faced this challenge without several prominent players, including Alberto Abalde, Gabriel Deck, Mario Hezonja, and Theo Maledon. Similarly, Baskonia, under coach Paolo Galbiati, was also severely depleted, with only 10 players available due to the absence of Mamadi Diakite, Markus Howard, Rodions Kurucs, and Tadas Sedekerskis. Despite their limited roster, Baskonia managed to keep the game competitive until the final minutes, largely thanks to Clement Frisch's scoring prowess.
Clement Frisch was the leading scorer of the game, tallying 20 points for Baskonia, with a significant eight points coming in the fourth quarter. His late-game heroics reduced Real Madrid's lead to just six points with only two minutes remaining, creating a tense finish. However, Real Madrid maintained their composure and executed effectively in the crucial moments, preventing Baskonia from completing their comeback bid and securing the win.
In other tournament news, Valencia emerged as the champions, defeating Rio Breogan with a decisive 77-55 victory in the final. Matt Costello led Valencia with 12 points, and a well-rounded team effort allowed them to comfortably secure the title despite being without Brancou Badio, Ethan Happ, Xabier Lopez-Arostegui, Jean Montero, and Nate Sestina. The tournament served as a vital preparatory phase for all participating teams as they now look forward to the commencement of official league play and cup competitions.
Looking ahead, the focus shifts to the Supercopa Endesa, which is scheduled to begin next weekend. Real Madrid is slated to face La Laguna Tenerife in one of the semifinals, while Valencia will compete against the host team, Unicaja, in the other. Baskonia will continue its preseason preparations before kicking off its EuroLeague campaign at home against Olympiacos on September 30. These upcoming fixtures mark the official start of the basketball season for these top-tier Spanish clubs.
The EncestaRias tournament provided a significant warm-up for several Spanish basketball teams as they prepare for the official season. Real Madrid's hard-fought victory over a shorthanded Baskonia, characterized by a strong team performance and key contributions from players like Andres Feliz, demonstrated their depth and strategic adaptability. Meanwhile, Valencia's dominant win in the final underscored their readiness for competitive play. These preseason outcomes offer valuable insights into the teams' current forms as they transition into the demanding schedule of the Supercopa Endesa and EuroLeague.
