Fenerbahçe have designed a much more physical team than other seasons and Barça noticed this very early on, as they were only able to score two points in the first five minutes of a start dominated by Jan Vesely. The Czech pivot points propelled the options of a local set that built a ten-point lead (12-2). The visiting reaction came during a second period full of rigor, hard work and discipline. The Euroleague runner-up took advantage of a 0-10 run to reach the break with optimism (29-35).
Barça were able to build an eight-point lead during a third period in which they showed concentration (31-39), but Fenerbahçe never gave up and were able to reach the final stretch with an even result. . Vesely, who ended up scoring 24 points, dominated the inside game. The Catalan team clung to Higgins ‘triples and Davies’ struggle not to lose momentum on a track where few rivals will win. A smash from Devin Booker tied the score at 6.2 seconds from the end. The Turkish team did not count on the fact that Mirotic, who had missed seven of the eight field goals he had scored, scored an unlikely basket on the horn.
Great night of the Baxi Manresa
The Baxi Manresa, which this Wednesday celebrates the 90th anniversary of its creation, once again showed a very serious version and prevailed on the complicated court of the Turkish Pinar Karsiyaka, current runner-up in the Basketball Champions League (67-72). Luke Maye, who played one of his best matches, and Elias Valtonen, who appeared in the key moments, were the most prominent men.
