Baskonia Edges Real Madrid 98-96 in Thrilling EuroLeague Showdown

Simmons and Luwawu-Cabarrot Lead Baskonia to Narrow Victory

Kosner Baskonia Vitoria-Gasteiz secured a dramatic 98-96 victory over Real Madrid in Round 35 of the EuroLeague at Buesa Arena on April 3rd, 2026. The home side snapped a difficult losing streak with a clutch performance in the final moments, with Kobi Simmons sealing the victory at the free-throw line.

After enduring seven consecutive defeats, including losses to powerhouses like Crvena Zvezda, Olympiacos, and Paris Basketball, Baskonia demonstrated remarkable resilience to overcome a Real Madrid side that had been in excellent form, winning six of their previous seven matches. The victory was particularly sweet for the home faithful, as their team controlled the tempo throughout most of the contest.

Offensive Explosion from Baskonia's Backcourt

Timothe Luwawu-Cabarrot delivered an outstanding all-around performance, leading Baskonia with 26 points on efficient 8-of-16 shooting from the field. The French swingman was nearly perfect from the charity stripe, converting 8 of 9 free throw attempts, and added six rebounds and three assists to his impressive stat line. His ability to attack the basket and draw fouls proved crucial, as he earned seven trips to the free-throw line.

Simmons matched Luwawu-Cabarrot's scoring output with 21 points of his own, displaying exceptional efficiency with 8-of-12 shooting overall, including a vital 3-of-4 performance from beyond the arc. His three-point shooting in the fourth quarter kept Real Madrid at bay during their attempted comeback, and his composure at the free-throw line in the game's final seconds sealed the victory for the home side.

Diakite Provides Perfect Complement

Mamadi Diakite was virtually flawless for Baskonia, posting 21 points on an incredible 8-of-9 shooting performance. Most impressively, the Guinea native connected on all five of his three-point attempts, providing crucial floor spacing that opened driving lanes for his backcourt teammates. Diakite's efficiency rating of 25 was game-high, and he contributed five rebounds and two assists while playing stellar defense throughout the contest.

The trio of Luwawu-Cabarrot, Simmons, and Diakite combined for 68 of Baskonia's 98 points, demonstrating the offensive firepower that had been missing during their recent losing streak. Their collective shooting percentage was exceptional, and their ability to convert at critical moments proved to be the difference in this tightly contested affair.

Campazzo Leads Madrid's Valiant Effort

Facundo Campazzo orchestrated Real Madrid's offense brilliantly, recording 21 points and nine assists while shooting a perfect 3-of-3 from three-point range. The Argentine floor general's court vision and playmaking ability kept Madrid in striking distance throughout the game, and his 30 efficiency rating led all Real Madrid players. However, his three turnovers and five missed free throws proved costly in such a close contest.

Mario Hezonja added 17 points and five assists for the visitors, showcasing his versatile skill set with 6-of-9 shooting from inside the arc. The Croatian forward's passing ability created numerous scoring opportunities for his teammates, but Madrid struggled to find consistent offense in crucial stretches of the fourth quarter.

Tactical Battle and Momentum Swings

The game featured multiple lead changes and momentum swings, with neither team able to establish complete control. Baskonia opened strongly, taking a 29-27 lead after the first quarter behind balanced scoring and aggressive defense. The second quarter saw Real Madrid tighten their defense, limiting Baskonia to just 19 points while scoring 26 themselves to take a 53-48 halftime advantage.

The third quarter belonged to Baskonia, as they outscored Madrid 25-23 to pull within three points entering the final period. The home side's defensive intensity increased significantly, with better rotations and more active hands forcing Madrid into difficult shots. Usman Garuba provided valuable minutes off the bench for Real Madrid with three steals and solid defensive presence, but his four fouls limited his impact in crucial moments.

Fourth Quarter Drama and Free Throw Heroics

The fourth quarter was a tense affair with both teams trading baskets and defensive stops. Sergio Llull came off the bench to provide Madrid with a scoring spark, converting 4-of-8 three-point attempts for 12 points, but his missed three-pointer in the game's final seconds sealed Madrid's fate. The veteran guard's experience nearly carried Madrid to victory, but Baskonia's composure in the closing moments proved decisive.

With the game on the line, Simmons was fouled with just one second remaining and Baskonia clinging to a one-point lead. The American guard calmly sank both free throws to extend the lead to 98-96, giving Madrid one final possession. Following a timeout, Madrid's desperation three-point attempt from Llull fell short, securing Baskonia's first victory since their March 27th win over Hapoel Tel Aviv.

Supporting Cast Contributions

Walter Tavares was a force in the paint for Real Madrid, recording a double-double with 10 points and 11 rebounds while shooting a perfect 5-of-5 from the field. The Cape Verdean center also contributed three blocks and controlled the defensive glass for extended stretches. However, his three turnovers and four fouls limited his effectiveness in crunch time.

For Baskonia, Matteo Spagnolo provided steady play with seven points and quality floor leadership, while Eugene Omoruyi added 15 points despite shooting struggles, converting four free throws and hitting three crucial three-pointers. The Canadian forward's offensive rebounding and hustle plays energized the home crowd during critical stretches.

Implications and Looking Ahead

This victory is crucial for Baskonia's playoff aspirations, as they had been in danger of falling too far behind in the standings during their seven-game losing streak. The triumph demonstrates their ability to compete with EuroLeague elite teams when their offense is clicking and their defensive effort matches their talent level. The combination of Simmons and Luwawu-Cabarrot in the backcourt, supported by Diakite's floor spacing, provides a formula for success moving forward.

Real Madrid, despite the loss, remains in strong position in the standings thanks to their impressive recent run. However, this defeat highlights their vulnerability in close games on the road, particularly when their three-point shooting cools down in crucial moments. The visitors will look to bounce back quickly and regain their winning momentum.

The narrow margin of victory underscores the competitive balance in the EuroLeague this season, where any team can defeat any opponent on a given night. Baskonia's ability to execute in the clutch, particularly from the free-throw line, proved to be the decisive factor in this memorable contest at Buesa Arena.