Efficient Thomas Heurtel guides Real to the fourth EuroLeague victory in a row / News - Basketnews.com

Credit: Sergey Grachev/Euroleague Basketball via Getty Images Credit Sergey Grachev/Euroleague Basketball via Getty Images

Real Madrid (5-1) defeated Zenit Saint Petersburg (3-3) 75-68 (22-13, 17-27, 20-17, 16-11) in a tough away game and extended their winning streak to four.

Player of the Game EFF 22 Thomas Heurtel Points 15 Accuracy 5-9 Rebounds 3 Assists 6

After a close third period, Real created a 10-point lead (71-61) with 4:58 to play. Vincent Poirier dunk, Fabien Causeur trey, and Alberto Abalde driving lay-up built the advantage.

Even though Zenit's Mateusz Ponitka reduced the deficit to single-digit (65-73) with 2:23 to go, Real locked up on the defensive end and sealed the win, as Baron and Mickey could not connect crucial shots from deep.

For Real Madrid, Thomas Heurtel was an efficient player. He posted 15 points (4/7 2PT, 1/2 3PT, 4/4 FT), 3 rebounds, 6 assists, 2 steals, 1 turnover, 3 drawn fouls, and 22 PIR.

"We played a great second half. I think our first half was so-so. I think we came out with a good mentality; we won the second half and the game, which was the most important for us. I think we stopped their main players," said Real's Frechman post-game.

"I think we did a very good job in the first three quarters, knowing how difficult it is to play against Zenit. And probably in the last quarter, where we made the difference, it was probably the period in which we made more mistakes. We missed free throws, some bad defense, some not that good rhythm on offense, but I think our job in the first three quarters was very solid and helped us get this victory," commented bench boss Pablo Laso.

Billy Baron was a top scorer for Zenit, registering 14 points (1/1 2PT, 4/10 3PT), 1 rebound, 3 assists, 1 steal, 1 turnover, 2 drawn fouls, and 13 PIR.

"It was one game that we had our chances to win, but small details decided the win. It was two situations in which we had to stop their fast break and we didn't. Madrid scored 5 points over there and it was the moment that they took probably the most important advantage," underlined Xavi Pascual after the defeat.

Real created a 9-point lead (22-13) in the first quarter. Walter Tavares (6 points) and Thomas Heurtel (7 points) led the route for the Royal club.

However, Zenit came back in the second with Billy Baron in front. The American guard hit 3 three-pointers in the second. The Russian powerhouse not only erased their deficit but also retook control of the game (40-37).

Real: Thomas Heurtel 15 (6 AST), Walter Tavares 14 (3 REB), Fabien Causeur 13, Guerschon Yabusele 11, (4 REB, 3 AST), Alberto Abalde 9 (3 REB).

Zenit: Billy Baron 14 (3 AST), Jordan Loyd 13 (5 AST, 13 PIR), Mateusz Ponitka 10 (5 REB, 13 PIR), Jordan Mickey 9 (5 REB, 4 TO).

Highlights

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