real Madrid extended their winning streak against Joventut Badalona with an 86-76 road victory at Palau Olimpic, sealing the eleventh consecutive win in this head-to-head series. The night belonged to Mario Hezonja, who authored a standout performance with 20 points, including four triples, as Real Madrid controlled the tempo from the opening whistle and kept Joventut at arm’s length through a disciplined display on both ends of the floor.

The green and black side approached the EuroCup semi-finals in Gran Canaria with an air of urgency, but they never managed to match the visitors’ intensity. Real Madrid opened with purpose, taking the momentum from a brisk 0-8 burst early in the game that underscored the contrasting mindsets between the teams. Against Joventut, the Madrid squad demonstrated patience and precision, exploiting fast breaks and keeping the defense organized to prevent a rapid comeback.

In the first half, Real Madrid rode an early advantage created by Causeur and Hezonja, taking control against Joventut, whose top scorer Andres Feliz showed promise with 13 points but could not sustain a sustained impact. The hosts battled through periods of sloppiness, yet their defense remained stubborn, forcing difficult shots and limiting second-chance opportunities for the visitors.

The greens woke up slightly after Ellenson and Parra connected on back-to-back triples, briefly trimming the deficit. Still, Real Madrid maintained a clear edge, bolstered by a disciplined defensive stance and quick counterattacks that stretched the lead to 15 points at 10-25 by the eighth minute. Birgander carried the home attack when Ante Tomic faced off the floor, yet the Joventut defense struggled to corral Real Madrid’s offensive movements. A late basket plus one from Musa pushed the gap to 18-30 as the first quarter ended, signaling a challenging uphill battle for the local squad.

The second period opened with Joventut tightening up on defense, forcing a 10-3 run that pulled them within striking distance at 28-33 by the 15th minute. Without Tavares on the floor, Real Madrid found it harder to move the ball and create easy looks, prompting Hezonja to re-enter and re-energize the offense. A timely three from the Croatian guard and another from Sergio Llull steadied Madrid, placing them back in front and reasserting control as the half progressed. The teams traded baskets, and a late Tomic bucket kept the scoreline within reach at 38-45 before halftime.

Joventut resumed in the second half with renewed purpose, leaning on Brodziansky and Tomic to cut into the visitors’ cushion. They narrowed the gap to six at 46-52 by the 25th minute, signaling a potential shift in momentum. Yet Hezonja stepped up again, with Dzanan Musa providing crucial support on the scoreboard and on the floor. Maya-like bursts of offense from the Balkan duo combined with strong defense helped Real Madrid reclaim a more comfortable difference, moving to 50-65 after a dynamic sequence with Musa and Randolph anchoring the effort on both ends.

Chus Mateo’s crew extended the advantage to 17 points after a sustained stretch of productive play, 54-71 late in the third, while Joventut sent out a few veterans and rested key contributors in the closing minutes. Real Madrid continued to push, maintaining the margin and applying pressure full-court to disrupt any late surge from their hosts. The visitors finished the period with a firm hold on the game and entered the final stanza with a substantial lead.

With Joventut’s best players resting on the bench, Real Madrid pressed on, widening the gap to 20 points as the clock dwindled, 65-85 with just under two minutes remaining. Kyle Guy entered late and knocked down a couple of triples, helping to seal the scoreline and cap a well-rounded performance by the visitors. The outcome was effectively decided well before the final buzzer, as Real Madrid managed the clock and assets efficiently while maintaining a high level of defensive intensity.

Data sheet:

76 – Joventut Badalona (18+20+19+19): Feliz (13), Busquets (-), Parra (6), Ellenson (8), Tomic (6) -first team-, Kraag (6), Guy (12), Brodziansky (8), Vives (9), Birgander (8) and Ventura (-).

86 – Real Madrid (30+15+26+15): William Goss (6), Causeur (6), Deck (13), Hezonja (20), Tavares (4) -first team-, Randolph (2), Rudy Fernández (-), Hanga (7), Yabusele (6) , Moses (16) and Llull (6).

referees: Juan Carlos García González, Joaquín García and Iyan González. Not deleted.

events: The match, part of the 29th day of the Endesa League, drew 9,604 spectators to the Palau Olimpic in Badalona, creating a lively atmosphere and underscoring the importance of a strong home crowd for Joventut in the league run-in.