Joventut 86-93 Barça: Derby win

The Barça basketball team took an important win in the local derby against Joventut de Badalona by 93-89 away from home. Joan Peñarroya's team dominated the encounter but were made to work hard in the final period to take a victory that takes them into fifth place in the ACB league table. 

The success against Joventut was also key to boost confidence ahead of a vital week of fixtures in the Euroleague with a play-off place at stake. 

Keep improving 

Despite all eyes being on European competition, focus on the domestic league was of paramount importance given the local rivalry with Joventut. The game started well for the blaugranes with Jabari Parker racking up 9 points in the opening 10 minutes to give Barça a 22-18 lead at the end of the first quarter. 

In the second quarter Brizuela, Abrines and Parra came into their own as Barça outscored the home side by two to one in the period to take a 50-32 lead at the break. 18 points up at the start of the second half, the blaugranes maintained their intensity in defence to increase their lead by six points going into the final quarter at 77-53. 

Late scare 

With a 24 point lead going into the final quarter, Barça relaxed their intensity and almost paid dear. Joventut stormed back to come within touching distance of an unlikely comeback at 90-86 before the blaugranes sealed the win at 93-86 in the Olímpic de Badalona. 

MATCH STATS 

JOVENTUT, 86
BARÇA, 93

Joventut: Kraag (2), Dotson (13), Ribas (0), Dekker (17), Tomic (17) - starting five - Pustovyi (12), Vives (0), Ruzic (2), Robertson (9), Hanga (14).

Barça: Anderson (7), Sarr (7), Satoransky (11), Fall (8); Parker (14) - starting five - Punter (14), Brizuela (8), Hernangomez (4), Abrines (9), Parra (11).