Real Madrid held firm in the closing minutes on Thursday night, securing a 94-87 victory over Kosner Baskonia Vitoria-Gasteiz at Movistar Arena after nearly surrendering a double-digit lead to one of the league’s most explosive scorers.
Madrid appeared in full control early in the fourth quarter with a 76-62 advantage before Markus Howard ignited a furious run that nearly flipped the game.
Howard poured in 16 of his 22 points in the final period, including 13 in a three-minute stretch that pushed Baskonia ahead 77-76 and briefly silenced the home crowd.
The momentum shift forced Real to regroup, and the hosts responded by tightening their defense and relying on timely shot-making from their backcourt.
Mario Hezonja led Real with 17 points, while Facundo Campazzo added 16 points and 5 assists, including a deep three-pointer that halted Baskonia’s surge and restored control.
Real built its first-half cushion by winning the rebounding battle 22-14 and holding Baskonia to 4-of-17 shooting from beyond the arc, despite struggling themselves from long range at 2-for-9 with 9 turnovers before halftime.
The hosts extended their lead to 58-45 in the third quarter behind improved ball movement and interior scoring, eventually entering the final frame up 71-60.
Baskonia’s counterpunch came from Howard and Timothe Luwawu-Cabarrot, who finished with 20 points while hitting 3-of-7 from deep, helping fuel the visitors’ comeback effort.
Multiple Real players contributed meaningful numbers, including Theo Maledon with 15 points and Gabriel Deck with 9 points on 3-of-4 shooting, helping stabilize the offense when Baskonia raised its pressure.
Real finished with a decisive 40-29 advantage on the boards and shot 8-of-19 from three while converting 90.3% at the foul line.
The win marked Real’s fourth straight in EuroLeague play and improved its record to 9-6, continuing its strong run against domestic opponents on the European stage.
Baskonia dropped to 5-10 with its fourth defeat in six games despite the late fireworks from Howard.
Next up, Real Madrid visits EA7 Emporio Armani Milan in Round 16 before hosting Paris Basketball later in the double week. Baskonia returns home to face AS Monaco before heading to FC Barcelona.
