By Eurohoops team/ info@eurohoops.net
Barcelona beat shorthanded Baskonia 77 – 67 at home to register its third straight EuroLeague win and improve its record to 14-9. That was Barcelona’s first win at home over Baskonia after the 2012-2013 season four defeats.
This loss dropped Baskonia to 11-12 and out of the playoffs zone in the current standings. Coach Velimir Perasovic’s team was overwhelmed by the hosts early and never recovered sufficiently to pose any serious threat.
Powered with momentum from capturing the back-to-back Copa Del Rey title, Barcelona entered the game vs. Baskonia in a dominant fashion on both ends. 16 minutes into the match, the “Blaugrana” had a 25-point lead, 44 – 19. Kevin Seraphin inflicted great damage in that stretch, during which he scored all of his 15 points. Pau Ribas also dropped nine out of his 15 overall during that period, forming a power duo with Thomas Heurtel (11 points, nine assists, five rebounds).
Baskonia reacted in the third quarter and even made it a 10-point game, 54 – 44. Barcelona rallied to increase its lead once more and never allowed the margin dropped below double figures though for the remainder of the match.
Shavon Shields (18 points) and Darrun Hilliard (12 points, five rebounds) stood out for Baskonia.