History says that it is very difficult, almost impossible. It’s been more than 30 years, since the title won in 1992, that Joventut hasn’t beaten Real Madrid in a Liga playoff tie. Since then five confrontations, all white. But with Kyle Guy anything is possible. The American, executioner in the quarterfinals of Baskonia with two performances to remember, repeated his exhibition at WiZink against Real Madrid to lead the green-and-blacks to their first victory in the semifinals. The escort started erratically, but in the second part he uncorked the essence plug with eight triples and a total of 30 points.
The initial jump gave way to a happy first quarter, with an exchange of baskets, and a high rhythm, without speculation. That scenario first smiled at the whites, who came to command clearly (13-3). La Penya did not flinch. The visiting inside game, practically unprecedented against Baskonia, was noted this time. With a daring Tomic at the controls, unafraid of the giant Tavares, the gap narrowed.
At the end of the first stake, Carles Duran’s men were already on familiar terms with Madrid (22-18) and in the second quarter the Croatian center took advantage of the absence of his Cape Verdean counterpart to become master of the area. With Poirier still limping, Chus Mateo opted for a short quintet. Tomica assisted and scored at will (11 points at halftime), while Busquets, Feliz and Vives executed from 6.75.
Joventut’s defense drowned out the shooters of a Madrid that did not do the same with Guy, misguided until the last play before the break. The man from Indiana put those from Badalona (39-42) ahead with his first triple, at the buzzer. He didn’t mind having Hanga on him. It was only the beginning of his festival, which continued with five triples in the third quarter, four of them in a row.
The green and black were living their best moment, 12 points up, but Madrid’s response was devastating. Tavares began to abuse his defenders and Musa found inspiration before a final quarter with everything to decide (64-67).
Despite having the European champion in front of them and the pressure from WiZink, the green and black’s pulse did not tremble in the last ten minutes. Musa even tied the game (73-73), at which point Guy reappeared, closing the game with eight points in a row, including two more three-pointers.
Real Madrid (22 17 25 19): William-Goss (2), Hanga (11), Tavares (18), Yabusele (9) and Musa (18) -starting five-, Causeur (0), Randolph (4), Rudy Fernández (5), Hezonja (6), Sergio RodrÃguez (5) and Llull (5).
Joventut (18 24 25 26): Guy (30), Brodzianski (2), Vives (5), Parra (11) and Tomic (18) -starting five-, Busquets (8), Ellenson (3), Ventura (0 ), Happy (16) and Birgander (0).
Referees: Antonio Conde, Emilio Pérez and Vicente MartÃnez. Andrés Feliz was eliminated by five personal (min.37).
Incidents: Match corresponding to the first of the Endesa League semifinal playoff between Real Madrid and Joventut played at the Palacio de Los Deportes (WiZink Center) in Madrid before 8,672 spectators. Before the start, Emiliano RodrÃguez, Honorary President of the section, presented Guerschon Yabusele with the trophy as MVP of the Endesa League for the month of May.
