The FC Barcelona basketball were unable to end 2024 on a high in the Euroleague away from home as they went down to a 86-81 defeat in Italy against Virtus Bologna. Jabari Parker was the star man for the blauganes but even his performance was not enough to save Joan Peñarroya's side from their eight defeat of the season in the competition.
Playing catch up
Barça did not get off to the best of starts. The Italians took control early on and come the end of the first quarter Bologna had an eight point lead at 25-13. Nevertheless, the blaugranes came in the second quarter with Willy Hernangómez the catalyst, fuelling an excellent end to the half that saw Barça go in at half time just a point behind at 35-34.
Blaugrana comeback
Abrines' three pointer opened the third quarter before the Italians took control again at 49-42. Hernangómez again inspired Barça to comeback and going into the fourth quarter the game was all square at 65-65.
The two sides exchanges baskets for what seemed an eternity as the game remained tight going into the final minutes. Jabari Parker nailed a three pointer with less than a minute to go to give Barça an 81-80 lead. However, it was not to be as the Italians racked up six points in the final minute to take the win.
Barça are next in action on Sunday against Andorra in the league before facing Crvena Zvezda away in the Euroleague and Real Madrid away in the league to close out 2024.
MATCH STATS
Virtus Segafredo Bologna, 86
Barça, 81
Virtus Segafredo Bologna: Cordinier (24), Clyburn (6), Hackett (3), Grazulis (3) and Zizic (12) -starting five- Belinelli (6), Pajola (9), Morgan (10), Polonara (5) and Diouf (8)
Barça: Anderson (7), Punter (17), Vesely (8), Satoransky (-) and Parker (21) -starting five- Brizuela (5), Hernangómez (14), Núñez (-), Fall (4), Abrines (5) and Parra (-)
