Top-seeded Real Madrid is on the brink of elimination after a dramatic 98-97 loss to Tenerife in Game 1 of their ACB quarterfinal series.
Madrid led by seven points with 53 seconds remaining, but Tenerife completed a stunning comeback behind three late three-pointers, including the game-winner from Jaime Fernandez.
“We’re down 0-1 in a series where we need two wins, and there’s not much more to say. We just have to try to win the next game,” head coach Sergio Scariolo said.
Scariolo pointed to Madrid’s defensive performance as the main issue and stressed the need for a better showing in Game 2.
“We weren’t at the level required for a playoff game today. We have to be better in the next one.”
Despite the setback, the veteran coach remains focused on Thursday’s must-win matchup.
“I’m not thinking about losing on Thursday,” he said. “I’m thinking about preparing tomorrow, figuring out what we can do better, and going to Tenerife to win.”
Fernandez led Tenerife with 17 points, hitting all four of his three-pointers in the fourth quarter, including the decisive basket.
Sergio Scariolo reacted after his team threw away victory in the final 53 seconds: https://t.co/GR91XXpNYW
— BasketNews (@BasketNews_com) June 3, 2026
