By Eurohoops team/ info@eurohoops.net
Two weeks ago Barcelona seemed en route to another disappointing EuroLeague season after a five-game losing streak and a 4 – 9 record. It didn’t look well at all and the white handkerchiefs had once again made an appearance at Palau Blaugrana.
But the Catalans have vastly improved since then and tonight, they grabbed convincing 85 – 72 victory over top-seeded CSKA Moscow, in a manner easier than what the final score shows.
The hosts were up even by 20, 75 – 55, three minutes into the fourth quarter, after forcing the best offensive team in EuroLeague to just 13 minutes after the break and following a balanced (47 – 42) first half.
Coach Sito Alonso couldn’t be more pleased after seeing five of his players scoring in double figures. Thomas Heurtel had 12 points plus 8 assists, Petteri Koponen 13 points and Pierre Oriola 11.
Captain Juan Carlos Navarro dropped 10 points as many as Adam Hanga who contributed in many ways with 5 points plus 4 assists helping the Blaugrana improve to 6 – 10.
Most CSKA players had subpar performances, with the grand exception of Nando De Colo (23 points, 6 assists, 31 PIR) and Kyle Hines (10 points, 6 assists).
The Army Men are now 12 – 4 and will look to recover next week vs Olimpia Milano in Italy, while Barcelona faces Panathinaikos on the road.