By Eurohoops team/ info@eurohoops.net
Bilbao pulled off one of the biggest upsets this season in the Spanish ACB League by defeating Barcelona 94 – 92 on the road in overtime. Thanks to this win, the Basque side improved its record to 10 – 7 captured a spot in the upcoming Copa del Rey.
Jonathan Rousselle was the one to hit what was proven to be the win-sealing basket for Bilbao. With 20 seconds left on the clock, the French guard made one highly difficult step-back jumper for the 88 – 92 to put his team up by a crucial two-possession distance.
Malcolm Delaney answered with a 3-pointer and then Rafa Martinez made both of his free throws for the 91 – 94. Delaney then hit 1/3 from the line after he was fouled on a 3-point shot. Barcelona renewed its possession yet Cory Higgins’ game-winning attempt didn’t go in and the team lost for a second game in a row at home following Friday’s EuroLeague defeat to Anadolu Efes.
Ben Lammers had previously forced the overtime for Bilbao with a putback basket with two seconds left in regulation. Barca was up 84 – 80 with 50 seconds to play before Axel Bouteille scored for the 84 – 82 and then Lammers made the game-tier.
Bouteille and Lammers led Bilbao in scoring with 20 and 18 points apiece while Jaylon Brown added 13 points. For Barcelona, that is now 13-4, Nikola Mirotic dropped 24 points and grabbed nine rebounds, Delaney scored 15 and Cory Higgins 14.