By Eurohoops team/ info@eurohoops.net
Jan Vesely knows what to do in big games, Nikola Kalinic did it with him back in the day in Fenerbahce and together with Nikola Laprovittola who made a key three in the closing minutes to secure the 83-78 win.
Vesely scored in total 27 points on 12/18 FG plus four rebounds and three blocks, Kalinic had 13 including key baskets on a 12-0 run at the start of the last period, and the Argentinian guard added 14 points. Jabari Parker also scored in double digits with 10 points.
“We know how to play, we have to fight and stay mentally focused”, said Vesely as his team is trying to forget a month in which they lost seven out of 10 games. “We have to stay this way and forget our bad December”.
Dzanan Musa with 19 points and Mario Hezonja with 16 were the top of Madrid, which couldn’t complete a comeback in the end.
Despite the defeat, Real Madrid remains on top of the standings with a 16-2 record, while Barcelona improved to 12-6, keeping the third position all alone.
A fourth quarter to remember for the hosts
Real Madrid had the advantage in the first half, leading early by eight twice (22-14, 30-22), however, Barcelona had the answers and thanks to a buzzer-beating three by Dario Brizuela trimmed the lead to two (47-45) at halftime.
Musa completed the first 20 minutes of action with 13 points and Vesely had 12.
The Czech forward continued his rise being the anchor on a 9-3 run at the start of the second half that gave Barcelona a 54-50 lead. Still after a three by Sergio Rodriguez, Real Madrid got the 60-58 lead and finished the third period up by two (62-60).
That set the stage for the 12-0 run of Barcelona which practically decided the game, giving the hosts a 72-62 advantage at the start of the fourth quarter with Vesely and Kalinic being unstoppable.
“We defended well, we were very aggressive, we had the support of our fans, and in the offense, we had good options”, said coach Roger Grimau.
Madrid trimmed the lead to six (74-68) and five (80-75), however, Madrid managed to keep their distance until the end with “Lapro” answering back with a three (83-75).
As Real Madrid coach Chus Matteo admitted: “They played much tougher than us, probably with bigger desire and they deserved this victory”.