Vincent Poirier's all-around performance fires Real to dominant win over Zenit / News - Basketnews.com

Credit: Sonia Canada/Getty Images Credit Sonia Canada/Getty Images

In the battle between the top teams in the EuroLeague standings, Real Madrid (20-3) left no chance for Zenit Saint Petersburg (14-8).

Player of the Game EFF 21 Vincent Poirier Points 10 Accuracy 5-7 Rebounds 8 Assists 3

The Royals cruised past the Russian squad, 85-64 (23-23, 22-13, 24-15, 16-13), and got their ninth straight Turkish Airlines EuroLeague victory.

The Royal club ran away from their opponents late in the first half. After the 11-4 spurt, which was initiated by Rudy Fernandez, Real created a 9-point lead (45-36).

Sergio Llull and Guerschon Yabusele-led Real continued their successful display in the third period. Eventually, Pablo Laso's squad was in front by 18 points (67-49).

The fourth quarter was a mere formality, as Real's advantage reached the apex of 24 points (83-59).

Vincent Poirier was the top performer for the winners, accumulating 10 points (5/7 2PT), 8 rebounds, 3 assists, 3 steals, 2 turnovers, and 21 PIR.

"I think that, in the first half, we made some mistakes and they stayed in the game with that. However, in the second half, we controlled the rhythm of the game and that's how we made the difference. Poythress is a great rebounder, so as soon as we took that away, we could grab the rebounds, run, and that is our strength," said Poirier post-game.

"Defensively, we did a good job. There are some players who really played very good defense. We had some stupid mistakes that hurt us against a team that plays very well. I think that, offensively, we moved the ball well. We got open jumpers, got good percentages, so I am happy to get this victory," commented Pablo Laso after the common victory at WiZink Center.

Alex Poythress led the route for Zenit, posting 21 points (8/13 2PT, 0/1 3PT, 5/8 FT), 9 rebounds, 1 assist, 1 steal, 1 turnover, and 23 PIR.

"I don't believe it was a matter of fatigue. Real was much better than us. I think they played a very good game tonight. We were not enough. We were not effective but also were not enough defensively and offensively. At this moment, we cannot compete against Real. This is the reality; we have to accept it," spoke Xavi Pascual.

Real: Sergio Llull 13, Guerschon Yabusele 13, Trey Thompkins 12, Vincent Poirier 10 (8 REB).

Zenit: Alex Poythress 21 (9 REB), Jordan Loyd 14, Jordan Mickey 10 (4 REB).

Highlights

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