The Penya falls at home before an upper Athletic Barça in the second half (75-91)
Matchday 13 of the U League brought Joventut back to the Olímpic, where they received Barça Atlètic, whom they faced in the first round with an unfavorable result of 77-69. The visitors arrived in Badalona as second in Group A (only behind Casademont Zaragoza, with 2 more games played) and a record of 9-2.
The match began with a strong start from Barça, who took the lead as soon as it started. Despite this, the first quarter was better for La Penya, who responded well to the Barça’s first moments through great intensity and good success in the offensive phase. Trifón Poch’s team had a great first period to end the first 10 minutes with a favorable result of 16-12.
The start of the second quarter marked an equalization of forces in the game. Barça became more in tune as it went on, but the Penya became strong and an exchange of blows began that lasted until the last moments of the first half. Álvaro Salinas’ men, especially successful from the triple, were more successful in the outcome and were ahead at halftime (37-40).
The Blaugranas came out of the locker room more in tune and managed to distance themselves on the scoreboard throughout the first five minutes of the third quarter. Despite this, Trifón Poch’s team did not give up and continued to row to reduce the +10 point gap that the visitors had established in the Olímpic. Barça’s streak continued and, despite Penya’s attempts to close the gap, the third quarter came to an end with a score of 58-75.
With the last period already started and Joventut 17 points away, the game continued to develop under a script similar to that of the previous minutes. Time was running out and the comeback options continued to fade. With the duel already decided heading into the final moments, the game ended with a final score of 75-91.
Some of the most outstanding players on Trifón Poch’s team were Matej Buben (18 points), Adrián Torres (15 points) and Ferran Mauri (13 points).
Penya’s next match in the U League will be next Monday, December 29, against Real Madrid. The match will be played at the Olímpic Arena at 6:00 p.m.
