Real back to winning ways after coming out on top at Virtus
Credit: Ciamillo & Castoria
Defending champions snapped a three-game losing streak with a commanding performance over Italian side, who have lost five of the last seven
Real Madrid ended a three-game losing streak and became the first team to secure a top-six finish, thus guaranteeing a spot in the playoffs, by cruising past Virtus Segafredo Bologna, 74-89.
The visiting team took control early on and rarely looked in danger, leading by double digits at the interval. Virtus kept battling and managed to briefly get within five points, but Real produced a strong all-round team display to pull clear again and nail down a place in the playoffs.
Guerschon Yabusele powered Real with 15 points on 6-of-7 shooting from the field plus 7 rebounds, while Vincent Poirier added 14 points and 8 boards to help the reigning champ improve to 23-6 in first place.
Isaia Cordinier led the resistance for Virtus with 12 points and 8 rebounds, but it never looked like being enough as the hosts dropped to 17-12 after losing five of their last seven games.