JERUSALEM, Jan. 30 (Xinhua) -- Real Madrid beat Israeli champions Maccabi Tel Aviv 81-77 in the 22nd round of Euroleague basketball on Thursday evening.
It is the first time for the Israeli side to lose at home this season.
The Spanish visitors achieved their 16th victory so far, while Maccabi remained with 14 wins in 22 games.
In front of 11,000 fans, at the Menorah Mivtachim Arena in the coastal city of Tel Aviv, the two teams held a tribute in memory of NBA legend Kobe Bryant, who died in a helicopter accident on Sunday.
Thus, Maccabi held the ball for 24 seconds without trying to shoot, while Real performed an intentional 8-second violation, returning the ball to the home team.
The visiting team led 21-19 at the end of the first quarter, thanks to strong defense, as well as points and rebounds by Anthony Randolph.
Maccabi took control in the second quarter, leading 31-23 in the 15th minute, and 38-36 at halftime, including the first-ever Euroleague points by former NBA star Amare Stoudemire, who recently joined the Israeli team.
Lack of organization in Maccabi's offense and points by Fabien Causeur gave the visitors a 54-44 lead in the 28th minute, on the way to a 57-49 lead at the end of the third quarter.
Maccabi managed to reduce the deficit to just two points, but crucial points by Facundo Campazzo secured the Spanish victory.
Randolph scored a team-high 19 points. His teammates Causeur and Trey Thompkins added 12 points each.
Scottie Wilbekin led Maccabi scorers with 21 points.
Real will play their next game at home against Spain's Baskonia on February 4, while Maccabi will host Khimki Moscow the next evening. Enditem
