MADRID. Kosner Baskonia delivered a massive statement in the Liga Endesa with a 83-88 victory over Real Madrid at the Movistar Arena. Paolo Galbiati's squad claimed their 24th win of the season and now control their own destiny for a top-4 finish and home-court advantage in the Playoffs.
Timothé Luwawu-Cabarrot was the star of the night. The French wing appeared in the decisive stretch with ten consecutive points to break open a tightly contested game and silence the Madrid crowd.
The game started with a high offensive pace and excellent three-point shooting from both teams. Both Real Madrid and Kosner Baskonia punished opponents from beyond the arc throughout a dynamic first quarter with constant back-and-forth action.
The 3-2 zone defense deployed by Sergio Scariolo was effectively attacked by the Vitoria squad, who found good looks and stayed close on the scoreboard. The first quarter ended with a slight Real Madrid advantage (29-26).
Scoring dropped in the second quarter, especially with substitutions. Real Madrid began to struggle offensively, and that's when Baskonia started to gain momentum.
Chima Moneke Omoruyi was one of the most active players for Paolo Galbiati's squad during those minutes and allowed the visitors to stay completely in the game heading into halftime (46-42).
The game changed dramatically after the break. Kosner Baskonia came out much more aggressive and put together a spectacular 0-10 run led by Trent Forrest to flip the scoreboard (46-52).
The Vitoria squad even reached a ten-point lead thanks to their offensive pace and much more solid defense for long stretches of the third quarter.
However, the return of Madrid's zone defense complicated Baskonia's attacks. Additionally, Forrest's exit from the game coincided with several offensive struggles for the visitors that allowed Real Madrid to mount a comeback.
The white team regained emotional control of the game and managed to close the third quarter ahead once again (66-64).
The final period shifted quickly. Kosner Baskonia regained offensive fluidity with a very physical and dynamic lineup led by Forrest, Omoruyi, and Luwawu-Cabarrot.
Sergio Scariolo tried to stop the visiting surge by bringing Mario Hezonja back onto the court, and the Croatian responded quickly alongside David Kramer to tie the game (75-75).
But the final outcome had a name: Timothé Luwawu-Cabarrot.
With the game tied at 78, the Frenchman took full offensive responsibility and scored ten consecutive points that ultimately decided the game in Baskonia's favor.
Real Madrid found no answer in the closing moments, and the Vitoria squad sealed a victory of enormous competitive value in the fight for top positions in the Liga Endesa.
Luwawu-Cabarrot finished as Baskonia's leading scorer with 21 points and a 21 rating, sharing the spotlight with Trent Forrest and Omoruyi. For Real Madrid, Mario Hezonja stood out with 21 points, 7 rebounds, and a 27 rating.
Additionally, the game marked the debut of Omer Yurtseven in a Real Madrid uniform, recording 5 points and 4 rebounds in 19 minutes.
With this victory, Kosner Baskonia tightens the race for the top-4 and home-court advantage in the Playoffs. Real Madrid, with the league lead already secured, continues fine-tuning pieces heading into the decisive stretch of the season.