Barça shakes off its ghosts in time

BarcelonaBarça reacted in time on the court of the Euroleague's bottom team. A Barça team with four players out ended a streak of four losses in the last five games and added a victory against Alba Berlin (85-99). The victory, which everyone took for granted before time, needed more preparation than expected. The Catalan team, far superior in rebounding, distributed 24 assists.

"We improved in the second half, when we played with more patience to find better solutions and reduce losses," analyzed Joan Peñarroya. The coach from Egar kept the bet on the young Dame Sarr, who played 8:44 minutes. "I don't think about the injuries, I concentrate on fighting every game," added the coach.

Barça, aware that they absolutely needed to win, rushed into the first half, in which Alba Berlin built up a six-point lead (37-31). The German team knew how to move the ball well to ensure good shooting positions and their two-point shooting percentages were very reliable. The Blaugrana team, which lost too many balls, exploited Youssoupha Fall's long range and free throws to turn the score around (39-41).

Jabari Parker scored 10 points during the first minutes of a third quarter in which Barça tried to impose their game plan (49-55), but Alba Berlin used the inspiration of Matteo Spagnolo, a former Real Madrid prospect, to regain the initiative (62-61). Despite the unexpected scenario, the Catalans kept their cool.

The best version of the Catalan team came at the beginning of the fourth period, when the visiting team opened a significant gap. Chimezie Metu's aim, Willy Hernangómez's finishing and Tomás Satoransky's good reading were insurmountable obstacles for the too resigned locals.