Barça regain self-esteem against champions (82-77)
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BarcelonaThe match between the Euroleague leader and last season’s champion did not disappoint anyone. Barça defeated Anadolu Efes for the second time this season and regained the victory (82-77). Rokas Jokubaitis, who scored 16 points, had a decisive performance in a very even final stretch in which the Turkish rival could not complete the comeback. “We needed this victory and we knew how to suffer and fight,” said the Lithuanian base.
Barça’s collective game, which distributed 18 assists, was won by Anadolu Efes. “The match has been tough, but we have competed well against a very difficult opponent. We had not lost confidence, but it is an important victory after three defeats,” said Sarunas Jasikevicius. The coach recovered Dante Exum, but had the casualties of Nick Calathes, Alex Abrines and Pierre Oriola.
Aware of the importance of reuniting with the victory after the defeats against Bitci Baskonia, Baxi Manresa and Olimpia in Milan, Cory Higgins and Nikola Mirotic started the match with a lot of concentration. Between the two players they scored 15 of the 19 points that Barça scored during a very interesting first quarter in terms of tactics. The Barça team used their contribution to build an eight-point difference against a rival that did not take long to react. Anadolu Efes took advantage of a 3-12 run to seize the initiative on the scoreboard (20-21). Micic and Davies’ third personal fouls conditioned the strategy of the two coaches, who made many changes during a second quarter with many free throws. Jasikevicius, who continues to give minutes to young James Nnaji, punished the Turkish defense with Sanli’s offensive output, but dominance in the visiting rebound was key during the first half (40-41).
Ergim Ataman was shown a yellow card for standing over the ball and blocking an opponent’s quick free kick after 80 minutes. The coach went to the locker room to provoke the Catalan fans, who kept calm. Barça took advantage of the visiting distraction to get a difference of eight points (51-32) and have the pan by the handle in the final stretch. The reaction of the reigning champion served to justify the score, but a basket of Jokubaitis ended the excitement.
Sunday, in Valencia
Barça will close a three-match week this Sunday by visiting Valencia Basket in La Fonteta. The team coached by Joan Peñarroya took the victory in the Endesa League match in the first round.
