Real Madrid 85-80 Estudiantes

Estudiantes fought hard for a victory at the Palacio de los Deportes due to lackluster performances in recent weeks that put them in danger of being relegated. The clash with Real Madrid was an even affair and the Whites eventually won thanks to a spectacular performance from Jaycee Carroll, who had missed the team's last two games. The American shooting guard banked 25 points, netted all of his field goal attempts and also half of his three-pointers, earning a 24 PIR. Real Madrid pulled down most rebounds in the opening minutes, but Estudiantes also started to do so eventually and prevented Laso's boys from showcasing their full potential. Estudiantes set the pace to the game while German Gabriel and Jason Granger scored points to give them a solid lead by the end of the period (9-26). Jaycee Carrol camed on in the second act and pulled rank for Madrid with eight points in few minutes. A solid Llull, Singler and Mirotic helped in specific efforts, the latter blocking and Estudiantes shot. Their 23 points allowed them to cut distances short (32-37). Real Madrid upped the pace to their game after half-time and caused trouble for Estudiantes. Suarez netted a three-pointer which was followed by two more from Pocius and another pair by Tomic (43-43). Suarez allowed the Madridistas to take the lead and Llull's playmaking skills put the team back on the right path. German Gabriel then came on and put an end to Real's reaction with several three-pointers, but Laso's men remained calm and managed to draw the score again through Carroll. Both teams reacted to conceded baskets with points of their own in the opening minutes of the final period. Felipe Reyes provided Madrid with greater intensity, but Gabriel never ceased to score points for Estudiantes. The final minutes were heartstopping, but Real Madrid pulled rank through Carroll amidst a desperate atmosphere to win on the part of both teams and earned a victory that keeps Real's chances of ending the regular season in the top spot open. 85 - REAL MADRID (09+23+26+27): Llull (6), Pocius (4), Suarez (7), Mirotic (4), Tomic (13) --starting five--; Begic (-), Singler (9), Reyes (15), Carroll (25), Sergio Rodriguez (2), Velickovic (-), Diez (-), Jorge Sanz (-). 80 - ASEFA ESTUDIANTES (24+15+20+21): Granger (13), Lofton (8), Jimenez (8), Kirksay (10), German Gabriel (26) --starting five--; Clark (9), Jaime Fernandez (-), Deane (2), Driesen (-), Simmons (-), De la Fuente (4) and Edu Martinez (-).