Four veterans with criteria boost Barça

BarcelonaA fiercely offensive Barça defeated Valencia Basket in the Euroleague opener at the Palau Blaugrana (108-102). The Catalan team corrected their mistakes from Sunday and adopted a game plan more favorable to their interests. The Catalans took advantage of their excellent shooting percentages to thwart Pedro Martínez's plans.

Kevin Punter (27 points), Will Clyburn (19), Toko Shengelia (12), and Tomás Satoransky, four discerning veterans, led the home team's victory. Joan Peñarroya was without Nico Laprovittola and Juan Núñez, a circumstance that forced him to use Darío Brizuela as the point guard for certain periods of the night.

Barça took advantage of a good early rhythm to start the game with a ten-point lead (19-9). Their ball circulation was effective, which made the visiting team's strategy difficult. Valencia Basket knew how to improve their outside shooting, punish the Blaugrana team's interior defense, and take advantage of Brancou Badio's production to regain the lead and go into halftime with an open scenario (48-49).

Barça had a spectacular start to the third quarter. The Palau Blaugrana celebrated when Will Clyburn and Kevin Punter fired in the home team's scoring (69-59). The Blaugrana team lost effectiveness with their rotations, and their lead narrowed as the minutes passed (78-75).

An unexpected supporting character

Myles Cale's energy was instrumental in reviving a Barça team in need of supporting players. Furthermore, Valencia Basket was without Badio, eliminated due to personal fouls, heading into the final five minutes. Punter's experience was key in a final stretch in which both teams exchanged numerous baskets.