By Eurohoops team/ info@eurohoops.net
After the road defeat by Olympiacos at the start of Top16, FC Barcelona Lassa needed a big 87-70 win in order to bounce back and got it by victimizing Khimki Moscow Region.
Juan Carlos Navarro and Pau Ribas led the winners with 14 points, Tomas Satoransky (13 p.), Ante Tomic (12 p.), Justin Doellman (10 p.) and Shane Lawal (10 p.) also scored in double digits, while Samardo Samuels added 9 points.
The energy and concentration of Barcelona was obvious from the get go, after a 23-16 lead at the first quarter and a 49-29 advantage at half time. Navarro led the balanced offense of the hosts with 10 points, but once again defense was dictating the pace. Khimki is team leaded with offensive talent, but was kept in just 13 points in the second period with Tyrese Rice being the top scorer in the first 20 minutes with 8 points.
The guests tried to come back in the game, but couldn’t. They cut the lead of Barcelona to 12 points twice (76-64, 78-66) and that was the best they could do as Tomas Satoransky answered with a three (81-66) with 2.16′ left. Tyrese Rice had 14 points for the losing side, Alexey Shved added 13 and James Augustin had 11 points. Khimki shot just 3/23 three pointers.