The Barça resigns to the leadership

Barça will not end the regular phase of the Euroleague as leader. The defeat against Milan, in a mediocre game, leaves Jasikevicius’ men without options before the last day, where it remains to be determined who will be the blaugrana’s rival in the quarterfinal tie. And what might seem like bad news is actually not so much: As the competition is today, no one can guarantee that being first, second or third is an advantage. A sensation that was transmitted throughout a gray meeting in which only Kuric stood out. Barça failed a lot, they allowed too much and, in general terms, they lacked the competitive level of someone who is really playing for something.

In an electric start, Barça had a hard time containing the Italian attack. It wasn’t any drama, but Milan looked a little more comfortable. The azulgranas abused the triples, doubling many balls after penetration, hitting enough to command the score. Kuric once again showed that he has arrived on time for the key stretch of the season and Vesely that he is always a reliable shooter from medium distance.

Milan scored with very little. Simply changing the ball to one side, without great strategies, allowing a good run (9-1) in the middle of the second quarter. Quite the opposite of Barça, who had a much harder time. The options of three disappeared without Mirotic or Kuric on track and the usual substitutes suffered to hurt the Italians. The control of the rebound, clear in the first quarter, was diluted in the second. Laprovittola, the only one who found solutions in attack. Melli, who added the points for Milan. (30-26)

The outside success distanced Milan (47-41) already in the second part. A marker that remained stuck during too many possessions, the result of poor shooting success and mastery of the defensive rebound. By both teams. In fact, the azulgranas shot two triples that could perfectly be considered ‘stoned’. They didn’t touch a ring.

Barça’s lack of concentration was evident for a few minutes. Nothing exaggerated, but small details of those that Jasikevicius does not like at all. The Catalans weren’t the ones on the big occasions, but they didn’t need it much either. Still, with Higgins’ inspiration, they stayed close in electronics (49-45). It was not enough. The Catalans continued to fail and distance themselves from Milan (58-48).

Paulí came on to bother Pangos, the best player after the break, but the good attitude of the former Andorra player was of little use. Armani Milan was better especially after the break and for a moment it seemed that the defeat was going to be heavier than it deserved.