Baskonia beat Real Madrid 98-96 at Buesa Arena, preventing Sergio Scariolo's team from catching EuroLeague leaders. Timothe Luwawu-Cabarrot led Vitoria with 26 points, while Valencia tied Madrid with an 81-94 win in Bologna led by Nate Reuvers. Both teams remain in playoff contention with three rounds left.
Baskonia, without pressure in the EuroLeague, overcame Real Madrid 98-96 in a thrilling finish at Buesa Arena. Vitoria's team, coached by Paolo Galbiati, built an early lead with threes, hitting 38-27 in the second quarter after a 13-0 run. Mamadi Diakité sank five threes without miss, and Timothe Luwawu-Cabarrot added 26 points, six rebounds, and three assists.
Real Madrid rallied behind Facu Campazzo (21 points, nine assists), Mario Hezonja, and Sergio Llull but faltered late. A 10-1 Baskonia closing run, keyed by Kobi Simmons, sealed it. The whites, with just five away wins in 17 EuroLeague games, failed to catch Olympiacos and Fenerbahce.
Meanwhile, Valencia Basket beat Virtus Bologna 81-94, powered by Nate Reuvers' 33 points, 10 rebounds, and 44 efficiency rating. This ties the 'taronja' side and Madrid at 22 wins, keeping playoff hopes alive with three rounds remaining.
