The rabbit strategy isn't working for Barça: ARA's Instant Replay

BarcelonaBarça felt the effects of their two European games and lost at home to Sito Alonso's UCAM Murcia (78-81). The Blaugrana, who trailed by as many as 21 points, failed to execute the famous "rabbit" strategy popularized by Manel Comas. Darío Brizuela missed a three-pointer at the buzzer, and without a final comeback, the Catalan side now has two ACB home defeats. Jan Vesely was ejected after receiving two technical fouls, and Toko Shengelia finished the game injured.

A definitive partial at the Palau Olímpic

Joventut capitalized on a 19-5 run in the final seven minutes to defeat a tenacious Hiopos Lleida at the Palau Olímpic (82-68). Cameron Hunt (24 points) and Ludde Hakanson (20 points) had strong games, while Guillem Vives made five of his eight three-point attempts. "Lleida is on a roll and made things very difficult for us, but we managed to adjust in some situations during the second half," acknowledged Dani Miret. "We couldn't match their defensive intensity," commented Gerard Encuentra.

Anxiety, an unforeseen obstacle

Baxi Manresa secured a hard-fought victory at Nou Congost against Surne Bilbao Basket (79-77). A basket by Hugo González and a free throw by Louis Olinde sealed the win for the home team, as Harald Frey missed a three-pointer on the visitors' final possession. "We came out with too much anxiety, both us and the fans, and that made us uncomfortable," analyzed Diego Ocampo, who celebrated the team's second victory of the season.

A misleading result in Malaga

Baloncesto Girona couldn't pull off an upset at Unicaja (95-71). The Girona team competed well for 35 minutes, trailing by only six points, but their shooting faltered in the final stretch. "We didn't deserve a result like this. The numbers don't do justice to a game in which we fought hard. We were able to match our opponent's physical level, but our poor shooting ultimately demoralized us," said Moncho Fernández.