Baskonia overtake Real in standings behind Markus Howard's onslaught / News - Basketnews.com

Baskonia have not lost a single game since November 25.

Credit: Aitor Arrizabalaga/Euroleague Basketball via Getty Images Credit Aitor Arrizabalaga/Euroleague Basketball via Getty Images

Two of the teams atop the standings met in Round 16 as Cazoo Baskonia Vitoria-Gasteiz took on Real Madrid in front of a sellout crowd at Buesa Arena.

Player of the Game EFF 26 Rokas Giedraitis Points 21 Accuracy 7-12 Rebounds 5 Assists 1

Powered by Markus Howard's 28 points, the hosts edged out the Royal club in a Spanish derby 92-86(24-28, 35-15, 14-26, 19-17) and remained the hottest EuroLeague team with six straight wins.

Baskonia improved their record to 11-5 and right now lead the standings, waiting to see AS Monaco's result against Zalgiris Kaunas. They have not lost a single game since November 25.

Baskonia pushed the gas pedal in the second quarter when outscored their opponents by 20 points. The Basques were leading 59-43 at halftime through Markus Howard's magic.

He was unstoppable throughout the second tally, going into a scoring trance that few players have had in the EuroLeague in recent years, 13 points in 3 minutes, and 21 points at halftime.

Nevertheless, new quarter - new story. Real came back on the court with double energy and arranged a 17-6 run at the start of the third period (60-65). Walter Tavares was dominating under the baskets and Real trailed by four points (69-73) before the last 10 minutes of the match.

Real had three chances to either tie the game or take the lead at the start of the fourth, but missed two shots and committed a turnover. Meanwhile, Rokas Giedraitis swished two three-pointers in a row on the other end and Baskonia had plus six (79-73) in the mid-quarter.

Pierria Henry and Rokas Giedraitis scored a duo each to put Baskonia in front by eight (86-78) with 2:30 to play. The hosts stopped Real's offense in crunch time and secured their lead until the last whistle.

Baskonia: Markus Howard 28, Rokas Giedraitis 21 (5 REB), Matthew Costello 12 (5 REB), Daulton Hommes 11, Pierria Henry 10 (5 AST).

Real: Gabriel Deck 17 (7 REB), Walter Tavares 15 (12 REB), Nigel Williams-Goss 15 (5 AST).

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