FCBARCELONA.CAT

14.03.2010 14:24

Hard won win (79-72)

Roger Bogunyà

Barca extended their run of wins at the Palau with a 79-72 win over Granada, thanks in large part to decisive performances from Mickeal and Lorbek in the final quarter.

Regal Barca have lost just two ACB games this season, won the Cup and taken a place in the European quarter finals and there were times this lunchtime when all that physical and mental effort seemed to be taking its toll as the team showed an unusual amount of imprecision in their game. Those difficulties maybe make the win even more important, as even when Navarro, Basile or Grimau are not having the best of days and the team lack some of their usual brilliance, they can count on players such as Mickeal, Vázquez and Lorbek to step up the mark as they did this lunchtime to conserve their unbeaten home record in the ACB this season.

Close first quarter

Neither team were capable of stretching a lead at the start of the game, as Barac looked to their team game and quick counter, whilst the visitors kept in touch despite losing Gianella with a recurrence of his injury and saw their most decisive player, Hendrix, collect two personals early on. The first quarter ended with a slight 17-14 advantage to Barca.

Vázquez and Gutiérrez dominate

Both teams seemed to lack the intensity needed to grab the game back the scruff of the neck and scoring was low with Lakovic getting Barca’s first three pointer on 15 minutes. Only Vázquez was up to the normal level, intimidating Granada at both ends, whilst Lorbek, with three fouls, was off the court too early. Gutiérrez kept the points ticking over for the visitors and Barca took a narrow 34-33 lead in at half time.

Out of synch

Barca started the third quarter looking out of synch and Granada were soon 38-42 up, but Xavi Pascual urged hs players on and with Pete Mikeal, maybe the team’s most regular player, and Ricky Rubio, who got the team’s second three-pointer, they pulled themselves back into the game, though the powerful Hendrix ensured Granada went into the final quarter 54-55 ahead.

Lorbek stamps his mark

In the final quarter, it was Lorbek who stamped his mark on the game, chalking up 12 points almost consecutively in the final quarter, as Granada’s power began to wane and Barca’s strength in depth began to pay dividends as they rounded off a successful week with yet another ACB triumph.