That’s more like it, Barça! The team’s seventh EuroLeague win came on one of those big nights at the Palau Blaugrana, capped by a spectacular final quarter at both ends of the court to knock out Virtus Bologna (88–81). Two out of two for new head coach Oscar Orellana, and the team continues to build confidence and results.
A battle from the start
After Wednesday’s agonising win away to Bayern, Virtus’ visit looked like a good chance to keep the European momentum going. But it was clear early on that this would be another very tough contest, one likely to be decided by just a few points, as in Germany.
Punter leads the attack; Cale anchors the defence
After struggling in recent games, Kevin Punter came out firing, leading Barça’s offence in a first half that became a duel with Carsen Edwards and supporting actors like Morgan and Jallow. Orellana started Myles Cale, who raised the team’s defensive level with huge intensity and active hands. Even so, the opening quarter ended almost level (20–19), and the second followed a similar script.
The Italians briefly went six ahead, but Clyburn, Laprovittola and Punter, who drilled a spectacular buzzer-beater, restored parity, and Barça reached the break with a narrow lead (45–43). That triple, however, would be their last until the final quarter: in the third they went ice-cold, missing all eight 3-point attempts.
No rhythm in the third…
Clyburn was Barça’s only reliable threat, dominant inside and keeping them in touch as Virtus took control (61–67) by the end of the third. Diarra’s dunk to open the fourth (61–69) gave the Italians their biggest lead, but it also woke up Barça’s competitive beast. From there, the team erupted, producing a 16–0 run built on ferocious defence and contributions from everyone. What a resurrection!
Unstoppable in the fourth
Three straight triples (one from Brizuela and two from Parra) lit the fuse in the final period, and further scores from Shengelia, Vesely and Satoransky pushed Barça to 77–69. Virtus always stayed in touch, but Barça kept their nerve. At 83–80, Clyburn delivered the killer blow with a three to seal it.
7–4 in Europe
The 88–81 win leaves Barça 7–4 in the EuroLeague record, sitting sixth and level with fourth place. Now they need to carry this good form into the domestic league, starting with Baskonia’s visit to Barcelona this Sunday (7pm CET).
MATCH STATS
Barça: 88
Virtus: 81
Barça: Satoransky (3), Punter (17), Cale (2), Shengelia (10), Vesely (12), Marcos (0), Norris (-), Brizuela (6), Hernangomez (7), Laprovittola (10), Clyburn (13) & Parra (8).
Virtus: Vildoza (6), Edwards (13), Smailagic (5), Alston Jr. (2) i Diouf (11), Pajola (2), Niang (4). Taylor (-), Hackett (3), Morgan (17), Diarra (5) & Jallow (13).
Periods: 20-19, 25-24, 16,24, 27-14.
Referees: Borys Ryzhyk, Sergio Silva & Amit Balak.
