Real Madrid beats CSKA 92-83 to meet Fenerbahce in Euroleague final

Source: Xinhua| 2018-05-19 06:17:20|Editor: Yurou
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BELGRADE, May 18 (Xinhua) -- Real Madrid came from behind to upset CSKA Moscow 92-83 in the basketball Euroleague semifinal here on Friday.

Real Madrid will meet defending champion Fenerbahce in Sunday's final.

Cory Higgins built the initial lead of CSKA almost alone, achieving 12 points in the first quarter.

Real Madrid fought back with a 8-0 at the beginning of the second quarter in which Sergio Llull shaped the first lead of Real, a big turnaround in the game.

The two teams started the second half in a more defensive style. Suddenly Felipe Reyes put Real in front with a free-throw and a field goal, which was in less than a minute further built up by two three-pointers of Fabian Causeur and Doncic, to a nine-point lead (60-51).

Three-pointer of Nando de Colo from great distance at the beginning of the final quarter gave hope to CSKA, but Llull returned with a three-pointer of his own, added by Trey Thompkins to a 12-point lead.

However, the Russian team struggled until the end. Once again Llull separated Real with a three-pointer at a very important moment, just 3 minutes before the finals whistle increasing the lead to double digits.

Real Madrid's Doncic and Llull scored the team high of 16 points each, while CSKA's de Colo got the game high of 20 points.

Real Madrid coach Pablo Laso said that Fenerbahce, which overcame Zalgiris 76-67 in the previous semifinal is an "unbelievable" team, and that the match on Sunday will be difficult.

Doncic, MVP of the game, said that the feeling is amazing to get into the final and that the season was difficult and marked by injuries of important players such as Llull.

"Good defence decided the game against CSKA. I am ready and in a good shape for the final. Llull is the best player in Europe and it is of great importance that he is with us. The next opponent is amazing, and they have very good fans, so it will be a tough game," he added.

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