Real Madrid Baloncesto pulled away in the final minutes to defeat Virtus Bologna 92-84 on Thursday at Movistar Arena, extending its winning streak to three games and tightening its grip on a top-four spot in the EuroLeague standings.
The Spanish club improved to 19-11 and remained third in the table, while the Italian side dropped to 13-17, making its path to the postseason increasingly difficult.
Mario Hezonja delivered the decisive stretch, scoring eight of his 19 points in the closing minutes after the game was tied 77-77 midway through the fourth quarter.
The Croatian forward buried two three-pointers and added two free throws as Madrid created separation in the final possessions.
Virtus leaned heavily on Carsen Edwards, who erupted for 32 points and kept the visitors competitive for most of the night.
The American guard scored 22 points in the first half and carried the offensive load early, including 10 of Virtus’s first 17 points to help the Italian side take a 21-14 lead.
Madrid gradually stabilized and closed the half with momentum after Facundo Campazzo banked in a midcourt buzzer-beater, giving the hosts a 46-40 advantage at halftime.
Virtus responded in the third quarter and briefly took control early in the fourth period, moving ahead 72-69 after erasing an 11-point deficit.
The momentum shifted again when Madrid tightened its perimeter defense, with Sergio Llull playing a key role in limiting Edwards after halftime.
Edwards struggled to find space late in the game as Madrid’s defense forced difficult shots and slowed Virtus’s offense during the decisive stretch.
Madrid finished the night shooting 11-for-28 from three-point range after opening the game 0-for-5 from deep.
Walter Tavares anchored the paint with 14 points and five blocked shots, while Campazzo added 12 points and four assists.
Llull and Gabriel Deck each scored nine points as the hosts produced balanced scoring across the rotation.
Virtus received additional contributions from Luca Vildoza with 15 points and Derrick Alston Jr. with 11, while Alen Smailagic grabbed 11 rebounds.
Turnovers proved costly for the Italian club, which committed 15 compared with Madrid’s nine.
Madrid will return to action next Thursday when it hosts Valencia Basket, while Virtus Bologna prepares to face Partizan Belgrade on Wednesday.
