Real puts Virtus away late for 79-96 win

Real Madrid delivered a major blow to Virtus Segafredo Bologna’s playoffs hopes with a 79-96 road victory. Mario Hezonja drained 6 of a career-high 8 three-pointers in the fourth quarter to help Real improve to 21-9. Hezonja finished with 26 points, Guerschon Yabusele evened his career-high of 24 points and Gabriel Deck chipped in 11 points. Virtus has now lost four of five games for a 13-17 record and really need a miraculous finish to reach the playoffs. Marco Belinelli poured in 26 points with 6 three-pointers and Semi Ojeleye had 18 points in the loss.
Game Videos
Yabusele drained 2 corner threes and Real grabbed 5 offensive rebounds for 8 second-chance points in building a 6-23 advantage midway through the first quarter. Ojeleye stopped a 0-13 Real run with a three-pointer for Virtus and added another triple for a 12-26 scoreboard after 10 minutes. Belinelli came out and hit 3 free throws and back-to-back triples to pull Virtus within 23-32. Hezonja answered with 2 three-pointers and the gap was 23-38. Belinelli followed with 3 more free throws and another triple and Virtus closed within 31-38. Real got its offense going again to lead 33-50 at halftime on Yabusele's buzzer-beater from the opposite foul line.
Belinelli inspired his team to get within 43-52, but Yabusele and Deck helped Real weather the storm and make it 43-58. Toko Shengelia and Belinelli got Virtus as close as 55-62. Real pushed the lead to 58-68 after 30 minutes. Hezonja started the final frame with 4 three-pointers in the first 3 minutes for a 61-80 lead. Hezonja added 2 more triples and the advantage was 71-94 with 2 minutes left to finish the game, ending any suspense.