Williams-Goss returns as Real Madrid cruise past Betis to remain on ACB top / News - Basketnews.com

Credit: Irh/LPS via ZUMA Press/Scanpix Credit Irh/LPS via ZUMA Press/Scanpix

It took Nigel Williams-Goss exactly one month to return to action, following a left-finger injury. Real Madrid's point guard was on Pablo Laso's 12-man squad and got plenty of playing time in Los Blancos' comfortable 71-48 (18-6, 14-15, 25-13, 14-14) win over Real Betis at the WiZink Center.

Free throws this season

79%13,9Points made:13,9Accuracy:78,9%Place in standings:1Record max:21Record min:5Most made FTs:Walter TavaresTeamEuroLeagueStatisticsSchedule

Real Madrid improved to 10-1 and are waiting for tonight's FC Barcelona's game in Burgos to see if they will be sharing the top of the ACB with their rivals. On the other hand, Betis dropped to 2-9 and are at the bottom of the league standings, tied with Fuenlabrada.

Madrid set the tone from the beginning, getting a 16-4 lead after three minutes. Goss entered the court 2'53'' before the end of the first quarter but he was clearly out of tune. He finished the contest scoreless (0/2 FG, 8 REB, 3 AST, 1 ST in 17'33'').

No problem for the hosts, as Walter Tavares dominated under the boards with 11 points and 7 rebounds, as Real Madrid forced Joan Plaza's men to miserable shooting percentages (14/40 2-PT, 4/22 3-PT), even on free throws (8/18). Moreover, they racked up a season-high 9 blocks against their opponents.

Alberto Abalde and Tomas Heurtel were also in double-digits, pouring in 11 and 10 points respectively. Shannon Evans almost scored half of his team's point (22/48) on a terrible afternoon for the squad from Andalusia.

Betis had five players on negative PIR: Danny Agbelese (-6), Pepe Pozas (-5), Pablo Marin (-4), Dairis Bertans (-1), Vitto Brown (-1).

Carlos Alocen, Jeffrey Taylor, Anthony Randolph and Trey Thompkins remain sidelined for the ten-time EuroLeague champs, who will stay on Spanish ground to face Baskonia in the upcoming EuroLeague derby on November 25.

Real Madrid: Walter Tavares 11 (4/6 REB, 7 REB, 3 BS), Alberto Abalde 11 (4/7 FG, 3 TO), Tomas Heurtel 10 (5 REB, 3 AST), Guerschon Yabusele 8 (4 REB), Tristan Vukcevic 8 (3 REB), Vincent Poirier 7 (10 REB), Adam Hanga 5 (8 REB, 3 AST).

Real Betis: Shannon Evans 22 (6/10 2-POINT SHOTS, 3/6 3-POINT SHOTS, 1/4 FT, 5 REB, 3 TO), Anzejs Pasecniks 8 (3/9 FG, 5 REB).

Thank you for reading us! We have even more content for you.