The coach who left because he suffered a lot defeats Barça
Xavi Pascual's Dubai Basketball overcomes the blue and garnet team and confirms some forecasts that place it among the aspirants to the 'final four'
BarcelonaThe coach who left Barça because he was suffering a lot defeated the blue and garnet team. Xavi Pascual's Dubai Basketball overcame the Culer side (94-87) and confirmed the predictions that place them among the contenders for the final four. Kevin Punter's good performance (25 points) did not find the complicity of his teammates, who lost concentration during a tragic second quarter. "I wasn't thinking about anything personal, but it was important to secure our second win," said the Catalan coach.
The difference in the number of free throws (28-8) once again penalized an overly inconsistent Barça. "The difference in the second quarter was too big and the game was decided in five minutes. We fought, but we must find a way to go to the free-throw line more often," analyzed Aleksander Sekulic.
Well aware of the rival's virtues, Sekulic opened the game by placing Justin Minaya on Dwayne Bacon. Barça, who took advantage of Dubai Basketball's turnovers, scored 25 points in a first quarter in which they attempted more three-pointers than two-point shots. Joel Parra and Stantley Umude led the blue and garnet team's attack during an optimistic first quarter (23-25).
A 12-0 run gave Dubai Basketball the keys to the game (35-25). Xavi Pascual focused on key defensive aspects to stop the offensive production of a blue and garnet team that could only score 12 points in 10 minutes. Furthermore, the Catalan coach punished the Culer side's interior absences with an inspired Mfiondu Kabengele. The visitors had trouble controlling the rebound and ensuring good shooting percentages. "We lost our concentration," admitted Sekulic (52-37).
The local lead grew to 20 points during a cruel third quarter for Barça (76-56). The intensity of Umoja Gibson and the different scoring records of Kevin Punter were two of the few positive news for a blue and garnet team that took time to react. Without accuracy in outside shooting, the Culer side suffered to play at the rhythm that suited them best (76-62).
The visiting reaction arrived in a final period in which the difference was wiped out (81-73). After three quarters of scoring with ease, Dubai Basketball found greater resistance in the final stretch. The defensive improvement of Barça was notable. Despite the effort, which allowed them to get within six points of distance (90-84), the Catalan team ran out of time to complete the comeback.