Xavi Pascual's Barça already has personality
The Blaugrana team breaks Red Star's winning streak
BarcelonaBarça snapped Red Star Belgrade's seven-game home winning streak with a resounding victory in Belgrade (79-89). Xavi Pascual found the formula to neutralize one of the EuroLeague's hottest teams. The Catalan side delivered a very solid performance and overcame difficult moments. "We maintained a good defensive level throughout the game and corrected our turnovers. We're on the right track, but we still have a lot to improve. We need a month to reach the level I want," analyzed Pascual, who was without Nico Laprovittola and Juan Núñez, but still had some positive contributions. "We're playing with confidence and everyone has added positive things," said Will Clyburn, who scored 20 of his 22 points in the first half. Toko Shengelia did a remarkable job on a night when players like Miles Norris and Juani Marcos felt useful.
Barça's performance was excellent, especially on defense. Red Star managed only 4 points in the first six minutes, during which Barça's lead grew to 11 points (4-15). The home team didn't lose focus and used their improved defense to tie the game at the start of the second quarter (21-21). The emergence of Wil Clyburn, who scored 20 points in the first 20 minutes, was crucial in allowing Barça to regain the lead. The forward made four of his five three-point attempts before halftime (39-46).
Red Star took advantage of Barça's poor shooting to put the Catalan team in trouble (52-52). Barça capitalized on the productivity of Darío Brizuela, who scored 9 points in a flash, to regain their momentum (57-63). The final quarter featured some unexpected protagonists, such as Miles Norris, who smiled for the first time in a Barça jersey. Far from shrinking, Barça's lead grew to 15 points (65-80), effectively sealing the game.
On Sunday, at the Palau
Barça will return to action on Sunday, hosting MoraBanc Andorra at the Palau Blaugrana. Meanwhile, Joventut and Baxi Manresa will play at the Palau Olímpic in Badalona. This Saturday features two games with Catalan teams: Hiopos Lleida hosts Unicaja at Barris Nord (7 pm) and Baloncesto Girona plays Río Breogán at Fontajau (9 pm).
