ATHENS, Greece. – Dominican Andrés Feliz shined this Friday from the bench to lead Real Madrid Baloncesto to a 105-90 victory over Valencia Basket and secure their ticket to the EuroLeague final.
The Dominican point guard was key to the merengue's triumph, recording 15 points, eight rebounds and three assists in just 20 minutes of action, providing energy and control in the second half to consolidate the Madrid team's lead.
On the other hand, Jean Montero also had an outstanding performance in Valencia's farewell to the continental tournament. The young point guard finished with 15 points, nine assists, and three steals, confirming the great level he has shown throughout the European season.
Intense and offensive match
The match began with a high offensive pace and constant exchanges of leadership. Real Madrid took an early lead, but Valencia reacted by taking advantage of the absences of the injured Edy Tavares and Alex Len in the Madrid paint.
The Valencian team found offensive answers in Kameron Taylor, while the white team responded with the experience and effectiveness of Mario Hezonja.
The first quarter ended 28-26 in favor of Valencia, although Madrid quickly changed the course of the game in the second period with an explosive offensive production of 36 points.
The effectiveness from the three-point line and the fast transitions allowed those led by Sergio Scariolo to go into halftime with a 62-56 lead in a historic first half, as both teams combined for 118 points, the highest figure recorded in a Euroleague Final Four semifinal this century.
Happy and Campazzo made a difference
In the second half, Facundo Campazzo's leadership and the decisive contribution of Andrés Feliz helped Madrid control the pace of the game.
The white team dominated the offensive rebounds and widened the gap to reach 13 points at the end of the third quarter, leaving Valencia obliged to row against the current.
Although Valencia tried to react in the last quarter, spurred on by Montero, Madrid held on thanks to their experience and Hezonja's great game, top scorer of the match with 23 points.
The negative note for the merengues was Usman Garuba's injury, who left the court with visible gestures of pain, increasing the team's concerns in the interior zone ahead of the final.
With the triumph, Real Madrid will seek to expand its European legacy and conquer a new continental title in Athens. 
Spanish
