Wolverines Men's Basketball in Spain: Day Three
8/20/2018 4:57:00 PM | Men's Basketball
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The University of Michigan basketball program is on a nine-day trip to Spain (Aug. 17-26) with stops in Madrid and Barcelona. Follow the Wolverines on social media (#VamosAzul) and with a daily travel log on MGoBlue.com. Additionally, follow The Athletic's (@TheAthleticDET) Brendan Quinn (@BFQuinn) and MLive's Andrew Kahn (@AndrewKahn) as they have made the trek with the team and will file daily reporting of the trip and games.
After the surprise from the coaching staff Sunday night (Aug. 19) before of attending a Real Madrid game, the Wolverines were able to revisit Santiago Bernabeu Stadium on Monday morning (Aug. 20), this time taking a tour of the famed stadium from top to bottom.
The home of Real Madrid, the tour took the U-M group all the way from the top of the stadium seating and its panoramic views all the way down through several levels of history and trophy rooms, the lower stands, the field and team area locker rooms and finally press room.
Closing the tour with a stop at the stadium store, the Wolverines returned to the hotel where they ate lunch on their own in preparation for the first exhibition game against the Madrid All-Stars.
As part of the tour of Santiago Bernabeu Stadium, fans can view the 13 European Cups the Premier League team has won.
The history of the Real Madrid is showcased on several levels inside Bernabeu Stadium.
A view of the Real Madrid field from the team area.
Just one of the fantastic views from atop Bernabeu Stadium.
It is Gameday! Arriving at the Pabellon Amaya Veladmoro to face the Madrid Generals, U-M would get off to a slow start before using a strong second half surge to take the lead and go on to an 82-72 victory. The Wolverines were led by freshman Ignas Brazdeikis' 17 points, while senior Charles Matthews added 13 -- including a pair of highlight-reel dunks.
Sophomore Jordan Poole scored 10 of his 12 points in the first half, while junior Austin Davis came off the bench and was strong down low with his rebounding and 12-point night. Freshman Brandon Johns Jr. added eight off the bench, while junior Jon Teske scored six points of his own.
The Maize and Blue found itself down 8-2 early in the first half, as turnovers and fouls hampered the Wolverine offense. With Davis coming off the bench, U-M started its comeback, tying the game at 8. After the Generals re-took the lead by attacking the inside, the Wolverines were able to stay within striking distance, but trailed, 21-18, after the first quarter
The Wolverines defeated the Madrid Generals, 82-72, in their opening exhibition game at the Pabellon Amaya Valdemoro.
A view of the opening-game venue -- the Pabellon Amaya Valdemoro -- named after one of Spain's most revered women's basketball players.
U-M outscored the Madrid Generals, 23-12, in the third quarter and record its first win in Spain.
Exchanging baskets as the second quarter began, U-M took its first lead, 31-30, halfway through the period. Despite 10 points from Poole and eight from Brazdeikis, the first half came to a close with the game all square at 39.
A quick jumper from Poole and a bucket from Matthews gave U-M a quick four points out of the gate in the second half as the Maize and Blue regained the lead and kept it for good as it outscored the Generals, 23-12, in the third quarter to lead 62-51 heading to the final period.
Despite dropping the fourth quarter, 21-20, to the Generals, the Wolverines relied on Brazdiekis' driving and Davis' tough play down low to finish the game with an 82-72 victory.
Be sure to check in with the Athletic's Brendan Quinn as well as MLive's Andrew Kahn for further game information and recaps.
Until then … #VamosAzul
