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    Real Madrid rally to defeat Toronto Raptors 104-103


    AP, MADRID
    Saturday, Oct 13, 2007, Page 19

    Louis Bullock and Charles Smith combined for 45 points and Real Madrid rallied for a 104-103 win over the Toronto Raptors on Thursday in the finale of the NBA's three-game exhibition tour in Spain.

    Bullock converted four free throws over the final nine seconds to finish with a game-high 27 points, while Smith hit a critical late three-pointer to help seal the victory.

    "It was a nice game for the Spanish public. It was a good show," Bullock said.

    The game marked the return of Jose Calderon and Jorge Garbajosa to their native Spain since joining the Raptors. Garbajosa scored 15 points as the Raptors completed their European tour with a 1-2 record. Andrea Bargnani led Toronto with 23 points.

    "The team has spent time together, I've had a chance to show my teammates around ... that's been important. The team won't be worried about the results of this trip," Calderon said.

    Bullock, a US athlete who has played in Europe since 1999, didn't see the victory as evidence of a trend.

    "I don't think those guys are in form or have their team formation set yet," Bullock said.

    Raptors head coach Sam Mitchell said that the loss hopefully would awaken his team.

    "We haven't set our starting rotation yet and we need guys to chip in and do the dirty work," Mitchell said.

    Earlier, Mike Conley scored 17 points and Pau Gasol added 10 as the Memphis Grizzlies pulled away in the first period to beat Estudiantes 98-73, the NBA's only victory on its Spanish tour.

    Gasol, also playing his native country, was 4-of-6 from the field with eight rebounds and three blocks in less than 20 minutes of playing time.

    "We're in good shape even if these games are a little different than regular ones, this is preseason where you're trying to find your rhythm," Gasol said. "Now we'll see how it goes for the rest of the season."

    Emilio Jasen led Estudiantes with 17 points, while center Larry Lewis -- one of 38 US players in the Spanish league -- had 14.

    Estudiantes, which finished ninth in the 18-team league last season, finished with 33 percent shooting from the floor, a figure that improved after the pace dropped off going into the fourth with Memphis holding an 80-52 lead.

    The Grizzlies, coming off a 102-99 loss against Unicaja Malaga on Tuesday, outrebounded the Spanish team 49-39 and had 10 blocks.

    Memphis center Darko Milicic was jeered with every touch of the ball after insulting officiating staff in Madrid during the European Championship.
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