By Eurohoops Team/ info@eurohoops.net
Unable to keep a comfortable lead, FC Barcelona required a solid finish to pick up the win, 88-78, against Surne Bilbao Sunday.
Nicolas Laprovittola registered 20 points and five assists. Keeping his side in control, Rokas Jokubaitis put in ten of his own 14 points in the fourth period. Promising project James Nnaji matched his senior career-high 16 points with 12 points in the third quarter. Also, Spain’s Liga Endesa Regular Season Round 17 featured 16-year-old Dame Sarr in a brief showing marking his senior debut. Cory Higgins (back), Jan Vesely (illness), and Sergi Martinez (left knee surgery) were sidelined alongside healthy scratch Mike Tobey.
The team guided by Lithuanian tactician Sarunas Jasikevicius went up to an ACB-high 14-3. Jaume Ponsarnau’s side fell to 8-9 ahead of Gameday 1 of the Basketball Champions League Round of 16.
Kassius Robertson takes down Baskonia
Previously sharing the lead in the standings of Spain’s top-flight division, Cazoo Baskonia lost, 91-86, to Monbus Obradoiro and dropped to 13-4. Both Tadas Sedekerskis (left leg discomfort) and Pierria Henry (calf) were ruled out by the team coached by Joan Penarroya. Canadian guard Kassius Robertson scoring a game-high 25 points powered the hosts to 9-8.
Elsewhere, Kameron Taylor tallied 13 points in the fourth quarter and matched his personal best for the 2022-23 season at 22 points becoming the top performer for Girona in the away win, 92-78, against Coviran Granada. Veteran center Marc Gasol chipped in four points, five assists, and five rebounds in 26 minutes. Riding a four-game winning streak, Girona jumped to 7-10 forcing the hosts down to 5-12.
Photo Credit: Barca Basket Twitter