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abr 03 2026VITORIA — Baskonia defeated Real Madrid 98-96 in EuroLeague action after a spectacular finish at Fernando Buesa Arena, where Kobi Simmons and Timothé Luwawu-Cabarrot led the Vitoria side's late-game comeback in the final minutes.
Real Madrid started the game with ambition, aware that a victory in Vitoria would allow them to move closer to the top of the EuroLeague standings. The Madrid side found good offensive solutions with Facundo Campazzo, very active in playmaking and scoring, while Mario Hezonja contributed points from beyond the arc to keep the visitors ahead during several stretches of the game.
However, Baskonia never lost touch with the scoreboard. The home team found offensive production in Timothé Luwawu-Cabarrot, who led the Vitoria attack for much of the contest, accompanied by Mamadi Diakite and Kobi Simmons, who provided crucial points to keep the team alive in this EuroLeague matchday.
The decisive moment came in the final two minutes. Real Madrid appeared to have the game under control while leading 88-95, but then Kobi Simmons appeared, hitting two consecutive three-pointers to cut the deficit to 94-95 and restore excitement to Fernando Buesa Arena.
Shortly after, Timothé Luwawu-Cabarrot tied the game with 37 seconds remaining, while Mario Hezonja missed on Real Madrid's next possession, squandering the opportunity to restore the lead for the Madrid side.
With the game tied, Baskonia had the final possession. Kobi Simmons launched a difficult shot that didn't fall, but Mario Hezonja fouled, sending the American point guard to the free-throw line with less than a second remaining. Simmons kept his composure and made the decisive free throws that sealed the 98-96 final.
Real Madrid still had one last chance, but Sergio Llull's long-range attempt at the buzzer missed, confirming Baskonia's victory in this EuroLeague matchday.
On the individual side, Timothé Luwawu-Cabarrot was Baskonia's leading scorer with 26 points, while Mamadi Diakite and Kobi Simmons each contributed 21 points, and Eugene Omoruyi added 15 points.
For Real Madrid, Facundo Campazzo recorded 21 points and 9 assists, Mario Hezonja added 17 points, while Walter Tavares achieved a double-double with 10 points and 11 rebounds. Sergio Llull contributed 12 points and Gabriel Deck added 11.
With this EuroLeague victory, Baskonia earns a prestigious win over Real Madrid in an intensely competitive matchup, while the Madrid side misses the opportunity to move into the top spot of the standings in the final stretch of the regular season.
