Paris Basketball surrendered against Real Madrid in the Euroleague despite a top performance from Maodo Lo and Nadir Hifi. The Parisian club can be proud of its match in its new stadium at the Adidas Arena…
The poster was tempting this Tuesday evening at the Adidas Arena in Paris. The surprise leader of the Euroleague, Paris Basketball, hosted the prestigious Real Madrid for the 16th day. Despite the absence of its American star leader TJ Shorts, the Parisian club delivered a performance full of self-sacrifice and courage. But that was not enough against the Madrid armada, which ultimately won 96 to 85.
An attractive Paris Basketball despite the setback
Coach Will Weaver’s men have nothing to be ashamed of for this defeat. Quite the contrary. Carried by an exceptional Maodo Lo, author of 30 points, and a Nadir Hifi on fire with 21 points on the clock, they made the Madrilenians doubt for a large part of the meeting. The sold-out crowd at the Adidas Arena pushed behind their team until the end.
This kind of difficult moment can happen. We’re not looking for excuses. We came up against a great team tonight.
Nadir Hifi, back of Paris Basketball
Campazzo and Hezonja made the difference
On the Real Madrid side, it was the Argentinian leader Facundo Campazzo who sounded the revolt in the second half. With 19 points and constant activity, he allowed his team to take back the lead in the score. His Croatian teammate Mario Hezonja also weighed in with 17 points, including several important baskets in the money time.
Paris remains in the lead despite the defeat
This defeat in no way tarnishes Paris Basketball’s superb start to the European season. For its first participation in the Euroleague, the most prestigious club competition in Europe, the Parisian club is still at the top of the ranking. An unexpected position at the start of the season that Moaddo Lo’s teammates will try to consolidate on Thursday against Fenerbahçe, still at the Adidas Arena.
Paris Basketball has proven that it has the weapons to compete with the best teams on the continent. His fast and spectacular play is wreaking havoc this season in the Euroleague. What is there to dream of a historic qualification for the playoffs? Response in the coming weeks. One thing is certain, this encouraging setback against Real Madrid should not undermine the confidence and determination of this talented young team.