By Eurohoops team / info@eurohoops.net
Nicolas Laprovittola hit the game-winning 3-pointer from deep with five seconds to play as Barcelona defeated Maccabi Tel Aviv 92 – 89 to secure a spot in the EuroLeague playoffs. Thanks to this result, Panathinaikos Athens and Fenerbahce BEKO also mathematically clinched a position in the Top 6.
“It’s not about the last shot but the whole game,” Laprovittola said. The Argentinian guard finished with 15 points and nine assists. “We played with amazing energy at home against a team that plays very very good. A huge win for us.”
“We have to control what we can control and keep playing our game. If we do that I think we’ll have chances,” Laprovittola added regarding Barca’s pursuit for a Top 4 spot.
Making the shots that matter
After pacing Maccabi with 22 points, including the jumper that tied the score at 88, Wade Baldwin missed in his attempt to win the game from downtown at the buzzer. The Yellows will finish seventh regardless of other results, and participate in the Play-In tournament with homecourt advantage.
Jan Vesely notched 17 points and seven rebounds. Alex Abrines pitched in 17 points of his own, six over the last eight minutes.
Following a comeback from a 25 – 35 deficit in the second period, Barca went up 69 – 59 near the end of the third quarter. Maccabi made an 0 – 8 run to grab a 75 – 78 advantage and led 80 – 85 with 4:28 to play.
Barca answered with the same currency and seven unanswered points before the thrilling finale.
“We are facing a really good team,” Barca coach Roger Grimau said. “In the second half and after ups and downs we found the tough shots to make. Every game will be like tough like this. You have to keep your head up, knowning that your team is going to make it.”
Josh Nebo had 14 points plus nine rebounds for Maccabi. John Dibartolomeo scored 12.
Maccabi coach Oded Kattash tipped his hat off to Laprovittola. “As you saw, it came to a big play by a big player,” he said before also commending his guys. “We had our chances. we came back to the game multiple times we different lineups. im proud of players for the way they played. we have to learn from this experience.”