FCBARCELONA.CAT

28.11.2007 22:30

First win on the road (65-74)

Sònia de Alba

AXA FC Barcelona, coached by Dusko Ivanovic, have taken their first away win in the Euroleague against Lottomatica.

The victory means that AXA Barça continue in the leading places in Group C of the Euroleague. The win, the fourth in the six rounds played so far, is the first away from the Palau Blaugrana. However, Lottomatica put up plenty of resistance.

Excellent first period

Barça stated their intentions right from the beginning and, with Mario Kasun prowling without serious opposition, controlled the game. Gianluca Basile was lethal in the opening 20 minutes and with statistics of 4/7 in field throws and 2/3 in three-pointers was a decisive element for Barça. After 10 minutes, Barça led 9-22.

Roman reaction

Meanwhile, the Italians focussed their game on the perimeter line. Roko Leni Ukic kept possession in order to pass it on to the bigger men as first Gregor Fucka then Lorbek led Lottomatica back in contention. Barça resisted the reaction but saw their lead cut to 31-37 at the halfway mark.

Dominance on the scoreboard

The third period was equally well contested by Barça with plenty of drive though lacking in fluid movement. Roger Grimau helped to pile up the pressure on Lottomatica and Barça began to widen the gap once more. Kasun, accompanied at many moments by Trias, chalked up the points (the Croat was the maximum points taker of the game) while Lakovic, despite some shoddy passing, managed to sink three three-pointers to further boost Barça’s lead.

The final period started with the scoreboard registering a 10-point lead (50-60) and Barça were able to settle back and protect their lead. The game ended with a comfortable 9-point advantage for the visitors (65-74).