Real Madrid Dominates Gran Canaria in a Condensed, High-Intesity Victory
Real Madrid arrived with deep depth on the bench, and that strength translated into a steady scoring rhythm against Gran Canaria, even as the game began with a balanced push from both sides. The final margin grew as the white team maintained control through the mid and late stages, finishing with a clear 67-95 advantage that underscored Madrid’s maturity in the Endesa Liga.
In the Canary Islands, Madrid found traction through the prolific scoring of Fabien Causeur, who dropped 19 points, and Mario Hezonja, who added 18. Guerschon Yabusele contributed a well-rounded line with 17 points, 9 rebounds, and a 29 performance index rating, while his inside presence helped blunt Gran Canaria’s counterpunch. The Claretian challengers were led by AJ Slaughter with 16 points and Nico Brussino adding 12 on efficient 4-for-6 shooting from long range, but Gran Canaria could not sustain the push needed to turn the tide.
Madrid started fast, opening with Randolph and Causeur contributing early points. On the Gran Canaria side, Brussino connected to even the score early, showing that the home squad would not roll over. The early exchanges featured a careful, methodical tempo as both teams tested defensive schemes before finding their rhythm.
Not this way!
Cornelie stopper! Madrid kept the defensive pressure high, closing gaps and maintaining control as the first quarter progressed. Movistar Plus+ captured the moment with a succinct update, illustrating the continued contest on the floor.
Abalde then assumed a leadership role for Madrid, while Albicy and Benite kept Gran Canaria’s attack clicking during a tense stretch that ended the opening period with Madrid ahead 21-23. The balance of play suggested a tight game, with fouls and physical play shaping the tempo in the first frame.
With the start of the second period, Hezonja forced shots from the outside as Madrid tried to push clear. Benite and Slaughter kept Gran Canaria in contact, though the islanders could not sustain the pressure. Brussino and Inglis re-entered to help the visitors shrink the gap, leaving the score tight at 34-35 near the midway point of the period.
From there, the pace quickened. Yabusele, Tavares, and Cornelie anchored Madrid in the paint, while Brussino and Albicy answered with timely triples. Madrid began to pull away as Yabusele and Causeur expanded their influence beyond the arc, extending the lead to double digits at 43-54 by late in the second quarter.
After halftime, Real Madrid began the second half with a strong run and built a 2-8 surge that pushed the score to 45-62. Gran Canaria fought back with a renewed focus on offense, but Madrid responded with discipline and depth, keeping their advantage in the double-digit range as the quarter wore on. Slaughter briefly provided a spark for the home team, but the visitors maintained their composure and kept the gap steady at 59-71 as the third quarter ended.
Chacho Rodríguez worked his magic in the backcourt, directing plays with calm precision and keeping Madrid ahead as the fourth quarter opened. Movistar Plus+ and the league’s social channels highlighted the moment, reflecting the continued energy and execution on the floor.
Madrid looked capable of closing the game in a hurry as Hezonja drew the focus with a series of clean finishes. The guard’s ability to slice through the defense helped widen the margin to 62-84 and capped a dominant stretch that left Gran Canaria seeking answers. The arena, packed with 8,194 spectators, witnessed Madrid’s command of the game as the clock wound down.
Gran Canaria attempted to mount a late surge with fast breaks and running baskets from Balcerowski and Carrera, but the higher-caliber execution from Real Madrid proved decisive. The final score line stood at 67-95, a result that preserved Madrid’s pursuit of a top-two finish in the Liga Endesa regular season, while Gran Canaria remained locked in sixth place overall.
Data sheet: 67. Gran Canaria The Great Canary lineup included Balcerowski (6), Albicy (8), Slaughter (16), Brussino (12), Carrera (3) in the starting group; Nikolic, Kljajic, Inglis (4), Salvó (4), Diop (5), Benite (9) filled out the rotation. 95. Real Madrid featured Williams-Goss (4), Causeur (19), Randolph (8), Abalde (9), Yabusele (17) as the primary five; Fernández (5), Hezonja (18), Rodríguez (3), Tavares (8), Cornelie (4) contributed in relief. Referees: Fernando Calatrava, Jorge Martinez, and Fabio Fernandez. The match formed part of the Endesa League’s thirty-third day, played at Gran Canaria Arena in front of a large crowd. Before the tip, a Eurocup canvas was unveiled honoring the teams’ collective achievements and retired jerseys, and Nico Brussino received the Pepe Moriana – Canarias7 award as the season’s best yellow player. [Citation: Endesa League match report and team announcements.]
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