Barça 82-70 Zalgiris: Another vital win in Europe

Joan Peñarroya's team pulled off another important win in the Palau Blaugrana with a 82-70 victory over Zalgiris Kaunas in the Euroleague. Dario Brizuela contributed 20 points and intense defense helped them to a win that keeps the blaugranes in a play off position with a 17-13 record with four games of the regular season to come. 

Level start 

After the teams exchanged baskets early on, it was the Lithuanians who edged in front in the first quarter with Sylvain Francisco leading Zalgiris to a 20-16 lead at the end of the first quarter. The blaugranes were quick to react in the second quarter and five points from Joel Parra helped Barça back in front at 23-20. The intensity from Peñarroya's team in defense began to make its mark and Barça were able to take a five point lead in at the break at 36-31. 

Victory stays in Barcelona 

In the third quarter Zalgiris pulled back to within three at 45-42 but a resolute Barça put together a crucial run of 10 unanswered points to make it 57-47. Anderson and Brizuela led the team offensively and Peñarroya's men took a 59-51 lead into the fourth quarter. 

Brizuela scored two three pointers in a run of eight points in the opening minutes of the final quarter to take Barça 13 points clear at 71-58. Punter and Metu also made significant contributions to keep the Lithuanians at arm's length and close out a 82-70 win in the Palau. Barça's next game comes in the league at home to Casademont Zaragoza on Sunday at 5pm CET. 

MATCH STATS 

BARÇA, 82
ZALGIRIS, 70
 
Barça: Satoransky (6), Abrines (-), Anderson (16), Jabari Parker (3), Fall (2) -starting five- Punter (14), Brizuela (20), Metu (12), Hernangomez (2), Parra (7).

Zalgiris: Francisco (13), Brazdeikis (13), Birutis (2), Smailagic (8), Butkevicius (-) -starting five- Wong (4), Giedraitis (2), Mitchell (-), Dunston (7), Sirvydis (13), Ulanovas (8).