FCBARCELONA.CAT

29.10.2009 22:38

Debut win at the Palau (81-59)

Sònia de Alba

Regal Barca made their 09-10 European home debut beating Cibona 81-59 in a game that was all sewed up by half time. Terence Morris and Juan Carlos Navarro led the team to a win that leaves them 2-0 in the Euroleague.

It's always important to get off to a winning start at home and the 22 point victory over Cibona Zagreb was a clear intention of Barca's European intentions this season. Terence Morris and Juan Carlos Navarro with 17 and 20 points respectively, were the stars of this second win in the first phase of the Euroleague.

0-6 start

The Croatians began strongly, with an early 0-6 lead as Barca seemed to struggle with a late change in line up. The referees confusion over the official starting line up meant Xavi Pascual was forced to swap Pete Mickeal for Erazem Lorbek and that appeared to create an air of confusion in the team as the visitors ran up a six point gap in the first 45 seconds.

Things were soon back to normal though, as Barca tightened up at the back and Morris, who scored 7 successive points, and Navarro imposed themselves in attack.

Barca impose their rhythm

The visitors zonal defence was troubling the hosts though, and Barca saw their rhythm slowed down by the Croats tactics, although Zagreb were unable to take advantage of possession when they got the ball themselves and Fran Vazquez was blocking well under the basket. Gradually Barca imposed their faster pace, with Navarro claiming 7 points before the break and went in 39-27 up at half time.

More fluid in attack

Pascual's team played their best basketball after the break and on several occasions brought the home crowd – which included loyal fans Gerard Piqué and Carles Puyol, to their feet.

Cibona had no answer to Barca's speed and when Basile scored two typical three-pointers, Ricky Rubio robbed and scored and Grimau made a great assist for Vazquez the difference grew to 25 points(66-41), the maximum distance between the two teams on the night.

The positive vibes from the team, who seem to be getting better with every win, continued when Lakovic came onto score and leave the game at 75-50.Cibona were finally unable to break the 60 points mark - a clear indication of Barca's solid defending.