Kevin Punter despairs at Zeljko Obradovic
The American guard leads Barça to victory over Partizan.
BarcelonaKevin Punter's return changed Barça's mood. The American guard's performance, which included 25 points in 22 minutes on 5-of-9 three-pointers, boosted a Barça team that dispatched Partizan (87-80). The Catalans recovered from a 10-point deficit against an opponent that couldn't find the formula to stop the Barça star.
"We struggled to control the rebound, but we played solidly in the crucial moments," analyzed Joan Peñarroya. The Egarense coach was again without Nico Laprovittola, Juan Núñez, and Jan Vesely. Chimezie Metu, who added 16 points and 6 rebounds, was one of the home team's heroes.
The match was marked by the large turnout of Partizan fans, who could be heard in the Palau Blaugrana. The precedent of the first half of the season was favorable to Barça, who won in Belgrade, but teams coached by Zeljko Obradovic always hide tactical difficulties.
Barça didn't get off to a good start and soon found themselves 10 points down against a Partizan side that started the night with very clear ideas (3-13). The Blaugrana team conceded 32 points in a first quarter that generated concern among the Barça fans. The reaction was sensational. Buoyed by Punter's accuracy, the Barça team recorded a 29-9 run that turned the score around (54-41).
The home team took advantage of their good percentages to maintain the initiative on the scoreboard during a second half in which Partizan showed more desire than continuity.
A relentless schedule
For another week, Barça will have less than 48 hours to prepare for their Endesa League match. The Blaugrana team visits MoraBanc Andorra on Sunday. Baloncesto Girona, Joventut, and Baxi Manresa play this Saturday against UCAM Murcia, Valencia Basket, and Dreamland Gran Canaria, respectively. Hiopos Lleida will compete on Sunday at Coviran Granada.