FCBARCELONA.CAT

03.03.2010 20:52

Qualified for the quarters (58-85)

Sònia de Alba

Regal Barça have won on the road at Maroussi by 30 points and that fourth win in the Euroleague means Pascual’s side is guaranteed a place in the last eight.

Barça are the first side to win away to OAKA Maroussi in a game that was tight in the first half but that saw the Catalans run away with it in the second. The win sees Regal Barça mathematically through to the quarter finals, although they have not guaranteed first place in the group. The final match against Partizan at the Palau will decide whether they get home court advantage in that round.

As well as the win, there was also great news in the return to action of Lubos Barton. The Czech star played the last four minutes and contributed four points.

Even first half

Maroussi didn’t make it easy, and soon made amends for a strong Barça start with three pointers from Morris and Navarro. The Greek outfit didn’t exactly play flowing or dynamic basketball, but managed a 7-0 streak to go 20-18 at the end of the first period.

Bolstered by 2,000 fans, the home side then went on a stunning 11-0 run that was finally broken by Fran Vázquez (24-20). But Navarro then took the reigns and guided Barça calmly out of a difficult spot.

Georgios Bartzokas’ side was losing gas. Homan, Mavroeidis and Lucas kept them in it, but the final three minutes of the half saw Ricky Rubio bounce into action, and by the break FCB had a comfortable lead at 35-42.

3-17 streak decides the game

It was very soon game over. Billy Keys scored his fourth three but this was a false dawn and proved to be Maroussi’s only score of the quarter.

Barça smothered the home side and the period score of 3-17 left the win in very little doubt.

With a 21 point deficit it was bad enough for the Greeks, but rather than narrow the gap, they soon fell away to -29. Jordi Trias made the most of his time on court, as did Lubos Barton. The latter performed well in the last four minutes, while tight defending was also to thank for the final score of 58-85. Terence Morris led the evaluation, with 12 points and 8 rebounds to total 20. Close behind was Pete Mickeal (10 rebounds and 17 evaluation) and Erazem Lorbek (14 points and also valued at 17). Navarro ended with 13 points and an evaluation of 16.