Barça 89-85 Baskonia: A win from the heart

Just 48 hours after the win against Real Madrid in the Clásico the blaugranes pulled off another important victory in the Euroleague with a 89-85 victory over Baskonia. The blaugranes pulled back an 11 point deficit in the final quarter to claim the win with Vesely scoring 23 points and Parker and Parra making vital contributions in the final minutes. 

Early parity Palau

Baskonia struck first in the contest but Barça had the better of the early exchanges with Grimau's side 11-5 up after four minutes. Nevertheless, the Basque side reacted quickly and pulled back the deficit to 17-16 and then 24-23, going into the second quarter just a point behind Barça. 

In the second period the blaugranes began to get on top and Willy Hernangómez played an important role under the boards. The centre's score made it 34-25 after 14 minutes and it appeared that the blaugranes were well on the way to a healthy half time lead. However, the team coached by former Barça boss Dusko Ivanovic fought back before the break with Sedekerskis, Moneke and Howard all contributing to being it back to 47-42 at the break. 

Baskonia take control 

The visitors maintained the momentum from the end of the first half into the third quarter, taking the lead at 53-51 thanks to a dunk from Miller-McIntyre. Barça kept in touch and did well to maintain just a six point deficit going into the fourth quarter at 68-62. 

Baskonia pressed home their lead at the start of the fourth quarter and lifted their lead to 11 points at 73-62 with just seven minutes to go. 

Decisive response 

With their backs against the wall, Grimau's side showed great character to drag themselves back into the game. A run of six point from Joel Parra brought them to within a point of the visitors at 77-76. Vesely was the key figure in the final minutes as the Czech, along with some great defence, hauled Barça back in front at 84-82. 

The Basques' shooting failed at the wrong moment and Vesely's points from the free throw line to make it 86-82 were decisive. A three pointer from Baskonia's Howard made for a nervous finish but the blaugranes held firm to take a 89-85 win. 

MATCH STATS

BARÇA, 89

BASKONIA, 85

Barça: Vesely (23), Brizuela (2), Kalinic (8), Satoransky (10), Parker (17) -starting five- Paulí, Hernangomez (16), Laprovittola, Parra (13).

Baskonia: Howard (21), Raieste, Sedekerskis (14), Miller-McIntyre (10), Costello (11) -starting five- Chiozza (2), Marinkovic (7), Dani Diez (2), Diop (2), Kotsar (7), Moneke (9).