Real Madrid Opens 2-0 lead in semifinal

Real Madrid made home advantage count in Game 2 of the ACB Liga Endesa semifinal series against Unicaja Malaga. The defending champs hit full stride in the Spanish capital and claimed a 101 – 74 victory. With the success, Los Blancos took a 2-0 series lead and is on course for the finals.

However, the series now moves to Malaga and with home advantage in the next two games, unicaja malaga will be looking to extend the series. If the south cost club is to progress, it needs to win the remaining three games. The reigning EuroCup champs have an uphill task even with a win in Game 3.

On Friday, Real Madrid looked sensational in the first half, starting with 27 points in the first quarter. During the opening, Malaga mostly kept pace but trailed by four points at the first split. In the second period, Madrids heavy offense continued and the visitors crumbled under the pressure. A magnificent 30-10 run handed Los Blanocs a a healthy 57-33 lead through halftime.

With 24 points between the teams, the game was done by halftime and Malaga was left playing for pride. However, the Madrid onslaught continued in the third act, withers the hosts claimed a 22-16 frame to extend to 79-49 through thirty minutes. The fourth quarter was a formality, although the guests edged it 22-23 to stop Madrid winning each frame.

Jaycee Carroll was in top form and drained 29 points for the winners. Sergio Llull added 13 points, while Anthony Randolph and Luka Doncic scored 11 points apiece.

Kyle Fogg claimed 12 points in the losing effort, followed by Oliver Layefette with 10 points