By Eurohoops Team/ info@eurohoops.net
Connecting a clutch three-point shot off a crazy sequence, Alex Abrines was the decider for FC Barcelona emerging victorious versus Valencia.
Storming back from a double-digit deficit, the team coached by Sarunas Jasikevicius won, 81-75, Sunday.
The home side trailed in double-digits for most of the first half and early in the second half. Nikola Mirotic tallying all his 13 points in the third period fueled the comeback but Abrines picking up possession and immediately firing in the clutch triple finally provided breathing space, specifically four points with 26.3 seconds on the clock. Also, his only points in the Liga Endesa Regular Season Round 19 affair.
Nicolas Laprovittola combined a game-high 19 points with five assists and three rebounds. Rokas Jokubaitis had 13 points and a game-high six assists. Besides injured Sergi Martinez (left knee), both Cory Higgins and Mike Tobey were healthy scratches.
Jasiel Rivero packing 18 points and Kyle Alexander improving his personal best for the 2022-23 season to 16 points stood out in the losing effort. Bojan Dubljevic (right ankle), Martin Hermannsson (left knee), Sam Van Rossom (right knee), and Millan Jimenez (left ankle) were expectedly left out of Alex Mumbru’s squad with Jared Harper ruled out as well.
Barca improved to 16-3 and awaits Real Madrid playing host to Lenovo Tenerife later today (18:30 CET) to find out whether there will be company on top of the ACB table. The Oranges were forced down to 9-10.
Marc Gasol out
More early Sunday action saw Rio Breogan pull away for the win, 92-70, over Girona. Ethan Happ posted a 20-point, 10-rebound double-double with his side going up to 10-9. Ruling out Marc Gasol with foot discomfort before tipoff, Girona dropped to 7-12.
Photo Credit: ACB.com