BarcelonaBarça could not extend its streak against the Euroleague champion (72-71). The Blaugrana team, which had one last attack to win, lost at Fenerbahçe, where a controversial refereeing decision 10 seconds from the end helped the locals. The Culer team only made four free kicks in the 40 minutes. Twenty less than the rival.
The good game of Kevin Punter (20 points), Darío Brizuela (19) and Miles Norris (11) did not have a prize at the Ulker Sports and Event Hall. “I’m proud of my players because we had chances to win,” analyzed Xavi Pascual. The Catalan coach had the casualties of Toko Shengelia, Will Clyburn and Juan Núñez against a Fenerbahçe that could not use Scottie Wilbekin, Jilson Bango, Mikael Jantunen or Onuralp Bitim.
“It was a character victory. I would have liked to play better basketball, but we got the victory,” said Sarunas Jasikevicius. “We made an incredible defense in the last action and completed a good job,” Nicolò Melli said.
Barça went through serious difficulties during a first half in which Fenerbhaçe’s defense nullified many of their virtues. The Blaugrana team, which suffered to contain physical outsiders like Tarik Biberovic or Talen Horton-Tucker, ended up losing by 10 points (35-25). Lost balls and missed open throws were a slab for the visitors. The appearance of Kevin Punter, who scored 16 points in a quarter of an hour, helped the team to score an 0-8 run that adjusted the score at halftime (35-33).
Both teams tried to accentuate their defense to dominate the pace of the game. In the thick of it, Barça found an unexpected ally. Miles Norris broke into the game (and the season) with a remarkable hit from the 6.75 meter line. Despite not being able to force many free throws, the Blaugrana team reached the last 10 minutes with an open stage (53-52).
Darío Brizuela appeared at a key moment and had a very intense offensive production. Playing with plenty of confidence, the Basque winger became a headache for Fenerbahçe’s defence, a team that maintains its solidity but has lost its ability to generate play compared to last season. Barça got within five points three minutes from the end (61-66), but the Turkish team reacted in time.
The game was tied in the last 30 seconds (69-69). Two free kicks by Jan Vesely put Barça ahead. A controversial personal foul with 10 seconds left gave Wade Baldwin three free throws, which he didn’t waste (72-71). Well defended, Kevin Punter was unable to score in the last action and the Catalan team was just one step away from a new feat.
