He Barcelona took a match Prince Philip of Zaragoza that cost him a world to win (86-92). He did it because he had an inspired man on the field Kevin Punter who had two explosive moments to launch his team, to Toko Shengeliabest rating with 21 and author of 13 points, and because he knew how to play and endure the last minutes. He Casademont Zaragoza He never felt inferior and looked his rival in the eyes to push him to the limit. You need a dose of confidence like this.
The bosses came into this match with a bad balance of 1-10 in the last 11 games (now, 1-11 in 12) in full free fall and with doubts of all kinds while they look down in panic. But he came out stronger despite the defeat, especially two players, Santi Yustaimmense, with 32 points, his personal high for the season, and Bojan Dubljevicauthor of 18 points, equaling his best score this year.
Pointer appears… twice
However, for many minutes the talent of Kevin Punter. The guard had a moment of lucidity when the score was 31-38 with five minutes left before halftime. From there, 10 of the 12 points of the Barça They were his. At half-time, 39-50, Pointer I was already at 13 points and Dubljevic He had signed 16.
Without the effect Pointerafter the break, the Casademont He cut it to 54-56 in the Uruguayan’s best moments Joaquin Rodriguez. But it appeared again Pointer to achieve 8 points in a row, he finished with 22, and allowed his team to face the last act with an advantage, 66-78.
Yusta and Shengelia’s turn
But the exhibition arrived Santi Yusta which put Zaragoza ahead with two minutes played in the last quarter, 73-72. Barça’s response with Shengelia at the head was 0-6 and that was the advantage that those of Xavi Pascual They managed to defend until the end. Without excessive shine, but solid. At 80-83, a triple Vine 1:20 to go left victory very within reach of the Barça who achieves his 17th victory to remain fifth in the standings.
The Blaugrana, who face a week with a double day in Euroleague which is decisive (Panathinaikos and Monacodirect rivals), played in Saragossa without Tomas Satoransky and that’s why Juani Marcos He played 27 minutes, his most time on the court of the entire season. PaschalIn the end, he did not make it clear if he will be able to count on the Czech for Tuesday’s match against the PAO.
Technical sheet
86 – Casademont Zaragoza: (25+14+27+20): Mario Spissu (3), Justin Wright-Foreman (7), Santi Yusta (32), Jaime Fernández (2), Bojan Dubljevic (18) -starting five- Robinson (7), González (8), Rodríguez (9).
92 – Barcelona: (32+18+22+20): Juani Marcos (9), Myles Cale (5), Miles Norris (10), Willy Hernangómez (12), Joel Parra (9) -starting five- Punter (22), Brizuela (4), Fall (4), Shengelia (13), Kusturica (4).
Referees: Rafael Serrano, Juan de Dios Oyón and Raúl Zamorano.
