Turkish Airlines EuroLeague: Real Madrid moves fourth

Round 26 of the Turkish Airlines EuroLeague got underway with an early-week game on Tuesday. Real Madrid visited Italian champs Milan with a chance to claim sole possession of fourth place, at least until the rest of the round plays out. That will happen on Thursday and Friday as the normal Turkish Airlines EuroLeague happens.

Milan vs. Real Madrid, 77-88

Real Madrid looked comfortable in collecting a home win in the Turkish Airlines EuroLeague on Tuesday, overcoming Milan thanks to a consistent display. The Spanish giant moves to 16-10 in fourth place, although Zalgiris Kaunas can reclaim the spot with a win on Thursday. As for Milan, the team dropped to 9-17 and can no longer qualify for the Play-Offs and is left playing for pride over the last four rounds.

The visitors looked good straight from tip off and dominated the first quarter to lead 17-25 after 10 minutes. In the second frame, Real Madrid continued to have the momentum and took a 19-24 period to lead 36-49 through the long break. Milan imporved in the third act as Madrid sought to control the game. Even so, the guests claimed an 18-19 frame to extend to 54-68 through thirty minutes. With the game lost, the hosts took the fourth quarter 23-20, but it was too little too late.

Gustavo Ayon led the win with 15 points, while Facundo Campazzo secured a double-double of 14 points and 11 assists.

Curtis Jerrells stood out for Milan as he gathered a game-high 18 points in the losing effort.