By Eurohoops team / info@eurohoops.net
Barcelona lost in the previous to EuroLeague rounds, but on the road. At Palau Blaugrana it’s a completely different story.
After consecutive losses to Anadolu Efes and Olimpia Milano, Roger Grimau’s side got back to winning ways after dominating Virtus Bologna 84-57 for a fifth straight home win in the competition.
Willy Hernangomez led Barcelona it’s 16th win of the season with 17 points and six rebounds for a PIR of 20. Nicolas Laprovittola followed with 16 points, while Dario Brizuela and Jabari Parker added 11 points each. Jan Vesely was on the verge of a double-double with nine points and game-high 13 rebounds, for a PIR of 19.
“Leaving a team like Virtus to 57 points is a very good job at the back. It is the most important thing, because things work out for us in attack because we have a lot of talent. If we focus on defending and rebounding, it will allow us to play games like this,” Brizuela said after the match.
Virtus Bologna only had two players in double digits, with Isaia Cordinier scoring 12 and Iffe Lundberg 11 points.
Grimau was, of course, pleased after a big win. His team took the lead late in the first quarter and never looked back, constantly improving the lead until the maximum advantage of 27 points in the very end.
“We played a very well-rounded and consistent game,” said Grimau. “It may have been difficult for us in the first quarter, but we soon gained the good physical tone and energy necessary against this rival. We controlled Bellinelli very well, including his transitions, suffered with the offensive rebound, but in the end, we were able to break the game and find a very important victory for us.”
Luca Banchi took his hat off to the opponent.
“Great victory for Barcelona. On our side, we regret the game; we lacked aggression. We scored only 17 points in just two periods; we couldn’t overcome that. The second quarter cost us; they controlled the rebound, the second chance. We weren’t consistent as a team in rebounding; we missed the opportunity to play with consistency, physicality, and aggression.”
The abscense of Tornike Shengelia was definitelly big for Virtus in Barcelona, but he could soon return to the court. Banchi hopes Toko will be able to help the team already against Partizan (02/02).
“We had many injuries that affected our preparations. Tonight, Ognjen Dobrić had his first minutes, and we expect Tornike Shengelia to return. He needs to regain form, just like Dobrić. It’s something you have to face. This is the format, the reality. There’s no time to rest; you just travel and play games. We have to find a way to rehabilitate players. I believe Toko will be available. We only trained yesterday, and now it’s tough because he wants to come back to help. On the other hand, we have to be cautious. It’s the story of every team.”