Laso on Abalde’s defense against Musa: 'One of his best games for Real' / News - Basketnews.com

Credit: ZUMAPRESS.com-Scanpix Credit ZUMAPRESS.com-Scanpix

"I think he has played one of his best games since he is here," Pablo Laso showed pride in Alberto Abalde'sperformance against Rio Breogan.

Real Madrid / Schedule

Real Madrid Leche Rio Breogan73-67 Real Madrid Lenovo TenerifeSat17:30

The Spanish forward did an excellent job on defense, reducing Dzanan Musa's impact during the whole game. The Bosnian struggled since the beginning. He could not run. He had to cope with contacts each time he was with the ball. He was not comfortable at all.

"He is young. He will need to adapt to those defenses out of Lugo. He has never experienced something like that," expressed his coach Veljko Mrsic after the game.

Musa did not have a single easy shot. The Balcanic youngster finished with 13 points in 34 minutes with low percentages: 1/5 from 2-pointers, 2/6 from beyond the arc.

Real Madrid'scobweb worked fantastically.

Abalde was consistently solid. In the last quarter, he did not allow Musa to score. Breogan's leader shot just twice in 7 minutes when the Lucenses were bouncing back after a 16-point deficit.

One of those was a three-pointer that could put Breogan ahead on the scoreboard. It did not happen.

Musa is earning his time in the Spanish spotlight and will continue in the ACB League.

"I had many offers, but my focus is just on Breogan. I will be here until the end of the season," revealed Musa before the game at Movistar.

Madrid will play its 9th straight Spanish Copa del Rey semifinals facing Lenovo Tenerife on Saturday.

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