Real Madrid sends a message via Bologna

The “Whites” prevailed in front of their fans and got a big night by Campazzo and Hezonja

By Eurohoops team/ info@eurohoops.net

Real Madrid has their worst start in the EuroLeague season in recent years, however, against Bologna, the Spanish powerhouse proved that things can change.

Against a desperate-for-wins team, Madrid triumphed 98-86 thanks to a great third quarter and had a 4-5 record in the Turkish Airlines EuroLeague standings, dropping the Italians to 2-7.

Mario Hezonja scored 20 points, and Facundo Campazzo added 14 points, nine assists, two steals, and no turnovers. Newcomer Xavier Rathan-Mayes scored 17.

“The defensive level in the third quarter was the key for us, to get some distance and control the game”, said Madrid coach Chus Mateo in the press conference.

Tornike Shengelia also scored 20 points for the losing side, while Isaiah Cordinier who was rumored to be a Madrid transfer target had 18 points plus seven assists.

Still, Madrid led constantly and kept their distance for all of the second half, while the guests simply couldn’t be a threat.

A walk in the park in the second half

For the first 20 minutes, Virtus was in the game even if Madrid led at the end of the first period (28-25) and also at halftime (53-49).

However, things drastically changed after that. First, Madrid pushed their lead to eight points (65-57) with Hezonja scoring and then to 13 (73-60) with Edy Tavares scoring 14 points.

Madrid’s big man didn’t need to score after that. The third period ended with the hosts up by 13 (80-67), and Virtus accepted their fate.

“After a good first half, it was difficult to keep the same level of intensity in the second half, but I still believe we should be more consistent”, admitted Virtus coach Luca Banchi who added on the Cordinier rumors: “It’s just gossip and I can’t control rumors”. 

Madrid pushed the lead to 17 (86-69) at the start of the fourth quarter and the game was over. The hosts led even by 22 (98-76) before relaxing a bit in the end.

Photo credit: EuroLeague