The Barça basketball team recorded a vital victory at Gran Canaria by 77-74 in a must win game for Joan Peñarroya's team regarding their hopes of qualifying for the Copa del Rey. Another win against Bilbao at home in the Palau Blaugrana would allow them a place in the knockout competition. In the Canary Islands, Kevin Punter with 22 points and Metu with 18 were the main contributors on offense.
Early parity
In the Gran Canaria Arena, the home side started well and after minutes Gran Canaria led by six at 16-10. However, Barça upped their game before half time with Metu helping himself to 13 points in the opening two quarters. After ending the first period all square at 18-18, the blaugranes took control of the contest to lead 39-32 at half time.
At the start of the third quarter more points from Punter put Barça 12 points ahead at 48-36. Nevertheless, the home side refused to throw in the towel and after pulling it back to 53-50 Barça's lead was cut to five points at 61-56 going into the final quarter.
Vital win
A Gran Canaria side coached by former blaugrana Jaka Lakovic leveled the scores at 64-64 before taking the lead at 67-65. Two three pointers from Punter helped Barça back in front at 72-67 before Parker extended it to 75-67.
A three points from the home side with 11 seconds left saw the lead reduced to one point a 75-74 but Punter came up with the goods again to hand victory to Barça at 77-74.
MATCH STATS
DREAMLAND GRAN CANARIA, 74
BARÇA, 77
Gran Canaria: Albicy, Brussino, Shurna, Tobey, Thomasson -starting five- Conditt, Homesley, Salvó, Alocén, Pelos.
Barça: Punter, Anderson, Vesely, Satoransky, Parker -starting five- Brizuela, Metu, Núñez, Abrines, Parra, Fall.
