Vintage Fernandez, powerful Real's fourth quarter hand ASVEL 8th straight loss / News - Basketnews.com

Credit: Angel Martinez/Euroleague Basketball via Getty Images Credit Angel Martinez/Euroleague Basketball via Getty Images

After ending a four-game losing run with a key win over Milan last week, Real Madrid (18-6) are maintaining their chances to finish first.

Player of the Game EFF 24 Rudy Fernandez Points 17 Accuracy 6-8 Rebounds 5 Assists 4

The Royal club overcame struggling LDCL ASVEL Villeurbanne (7-17) 70-58 (20-14, 16-16, 15-17, 19-11) and gifted the Frenchmen their 8th consecutive EuroLeague loss.

After the close first three quarters of the game (51-47), Real kicked off the higher gear at the start of the fourth period. They opened up the last 10 minutes of the game with a 10-2 push and gained a double-digit advantage (61-49) for first time in the match.

Rudy Fernandez hit two threes in a row, while Vincent Poirier and Guerschon Yabusele added a couple of two-point baskets. Los Blancos stopped ASVEL's offense and secured their double-digit lead until the duel ended.

Rudy Fernandez remembered his best days, accumulating 17 points (2/2 2PT, 4/6 3PT, 1/2 FT), 5 rebounds, 4 assists, and 24 PIR.

"They are always there [Llull and Fernandez]. That's why they are great players, great veterans, and the focus of the team. I think they played very well, not only hitting shots, but also defensively and leadership. That's something that you get with time and for sure, being great players.

I think we did a great defensive job the whole game. We still have one month [before the playoffs]. I think we have to get better and recover players," Pablo Laso spoke after the victory.

Elie Okobo returned for ASVEL after shoulder surgery, which was performed in early February. He finished the game with 8 points (3/7 2PT, 0/2 3PT, 2/2 FT), 2 rebounds, 1 assist, 1 turnover, and 6 PIR.

His co-partner Chris Jones guided the path for the losing side, recording 17 points (4/7 2PT, 3/3 3PT), 5 rebounds, 3 assists, 1 steal, 2 turnovers, and 21 PIR.

"We have to play together and have to share the ball offensively, that's the most important. That's why we are missing points right now. We have to do that, but we have to work and get back together in practice," TJ Parker commented.

Real: Rudy Fernandez 17 (5 REB), Guerschon Yabusele 12 (6 REB), Vicent Poirier 10 (12 REB), Sergio Llull 9, Gabriel Deck 8.

ASVEL: Chris Jones 17 (5 REB), David Lighty 11, Kostas Antetokounmpo 8, Elie Okobo 8.

Highlights

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