Bilbao Basket Delivers Emotional Victory Over Real Madrid at Miribilla
On Wednesday night, Surne Bilbao Basket celebrated a convincing home win in front of their fans at Miribilla, defeating Real Madrid 79-67. The atmosphere reflected a club that has endured a difficult stretch, but demonstrated resilience against a powerhouse that appeared to have less energy than their rival that evening.
The triumph marked a complete team effort from the black-and-white squad, building on a solid performance against Valencia last weekend. The Bilbao Arena became a private stage for a celebration of persistence as the team pushed toward another strong showing in the Endesa League.
This victory also carried emotional weight for coach Alex Mumbrú. A moment of silence honored his former days with the club, coinciding with the return of his jersey bearing the number 15 to the rafters in a ceremonial tribute to his dual role as player and leader.
With the win, Surne Bilbao Basket secured their 13th victory of the season on a night filled with emotion at Miribilla.
In a match that showcased a disciplined rotation, the Bilbao side kept Real Madrid from settling into a steady rhythm. Sergi Llull led Madrid with 22 points, while Gaby Deck contributed important rebounds and 8 points, and Fabien Causeur added 13 points. The Basque club distributed minutes among seven players who reached double-digit PIR points, highlighting a balanced offensive approach. Damien Inglis posted 14 points and 18 rebounds, Andrew Goudelock added 14, Gytis Masiulis contributed 12, Jonathan Rousselle 11, and Jeff Withey blocked three shots.
That combination propelled Bilbao to stay within reach of a playoff position, with Real Madrid just one victory behind Barcelona at the top of the standings. The pursuit behind the leaders remained tight, as Joventut, Baxi Manresa, and Valencia Basket stayed within a win of the Whites, who were trying to gain ground with every possession.
Masiulis opened the scoring by delivering the first basket, followed by a five-point run that set the tone. Bilbao answered three early three-pointers by Real Madrid with a 12-2 burst, capped by strong play from Deck and Inglis to seize command of the opening period. The first period ended with Bilbao holding the upper hand at 22-18.
The pace intensified as the second period began, and Bilbao increased their lead to 11 points early on. Real Madrid countered with a 0-13 charge that tied the game briefly, but Llull sparked a late push for Madrid, and the half closed with Madrid trailing 45-41 after a late triple by Goudelock.
Madrid carried momentum into the third, but the local squad responded with steady defense and decisive plays from Rousselle and Masiulis. A 18-point burst by Bilbao in the middle of the period created a double-digit cushion that Real Madrid struggled to erase, narrowing only in stretches as the fourth quarter began.
As the final period unfolded, Madrid tried to mount a comeback, but Bilbao kept their distance. Withey tallied points in critical moments and the defense clamped down, restoring a double-digit lead with fewer than four minutes left. The home team held firm and finished strong, sealing the victory for Bilbao.
Data and statistics provided a clear view of the evening: Bilbao finished with 79 points and contributions across the roster, while Real Madrid totaled 67. The game took place at the Bilbao Arena in Miribilla before 7,218 spectators, underscoring the importance of the home win in front of the loyal fan base.
Individual performances highlighted a well-rounded Bilbao effort. Luz, Goudelock, Walker, Masiulis, and Delgado formed the top five scorers for the home side, supported by Rousselle, Hakanson, Reyes, Inglis, and Withey in steady minutes. For Madrid, Llull was the standout with 22 points, complemented by Causeur and Deck in the supporting cast, while Hanga, Williams-Goss, and Tavares contributed in varied roles as the visitors pressed for an advantage throughout the night.
Officials for the encounter were Carlos Peruga, Luis Miguel Castillo, and Esperanza Mendoza, and the event reflected Bilbao’s continued commitment to strong showings in a league known for its competitiveness. The match, originally scheduled for the postponed 19th day of the Endesa League, stood as a testament to the club’s growth and the enduring support of their fans.
– Endesa League recap notes and official statistics from the night highlight the value of teamwork, preparation, and the home-court atmosphere that defined an emotional and memorable evening for Surne Bilbao Basket.
Data sheet:
79 – Surne Bilbao Basket (22+23+15+19): Rafa Luz (3), Goudelock (14), Walker (8), Masiulis (12) and Delgado (4) -top five-; Rousselle (11), Hakanson (4), Reyes, Inglis (14) and Withey (9).
67 – Real Madrid (18 + 23 + 14 + 12): Abalde, Causeur (13), Deck (8), Yabusele (3) and Tavares (6) -top five-; Williams-Goss (2), Llull (22), Taylor (2), Hanga (3), Randolph (7) and Poirier (1).
Referees: Carlos Peruga, Luis Miguel Castillo and Esperanza Mendoza. Without being destroyed.
Events: The match of the postponed 19th day of the Endesa League was played at the Bilbao Arena in Miribilla in front of 7,218 spectators, according to official data.