Sports

Caja Laboral Baskonia were unable to seal a definitive place in the final after conceding defeat to Real Madrid, who won 80 points to their 67. The Madrid victory means a fourth play-off match; current scores are 2-1 in Caja Laboral''s favour.

On the whole, the two teams went neck-and-neck throughout the game; in the first quarter, both teams showed good attacking play but with neither side managing a safe lead. End quarter scores saw both teams on 21 points.

Things remained more or less the same in the second quarter. Caja Laboral looked marginally stronger than their rivals when play recommenced, managing a 4-point lead (28-32) but Real Madrid were prompt in their reaction taking scores to 33 all, though finishing at half-time with a one point disadvantage (37-38).

Following the half-time break, Real Madrid looked at times as though they might take the lead, but Caja Laboral hung on to the draw with scores climbing to 43 all, 45 all and even 47 all, though eventually the Basques took a 3 point lead (50-53). Once again, however, the home side took no time to respond and ended the quarter with 58 points to Caja Laboral''s 53.

In the final, both sides began to look shakier. Real Madrid continued their lead on 60-53, though Baskonia managed to briefly turn the scores about in the 33rd minute (60-61). Another draw came (63-63) though it wasn''t to last for Caja Laboral as the home side stepped on the gas for the final stretch, scoring three straight triples, which more or less clinched the game.

Final score, 80-67 to Real Madrid with a fourth play-off scheduled for this Friday.

Technical data

80. Real Madrid (21+16+21+22): Prigioni (9), Bullock (3), Velickovic (11), Reyes (11) and Tomic (18), Lavrinovic (9), Jaric (0), Llull (17), Vidal (2) and Garbajosa (0)

67. Caja Laboral Baskonia (21+17+15+14): Palacio (5), Oleson (4), San Emeterio (6), Teletovic (11) and Splitter (17), Elyahu (4), Huertas (11), English (6), Herrmann (3), Ribas (0) and Golubovic (0).