FCBARCELONA.CAT

14.11.2009 19:46

Bordering on perfection (100-72)

Sònia de Alba

Regal Barça produced an outstanding display against Caja Laboral to win by a stunning 28 points as they tucked themselves into second place in the Liga ACB behind Real Madrid.

The visitors to the Palau were stunned by the domineering display from the Blaugrana and were unable to mount any kind of comeback throughout the game.

Dusko Ivanovic's side were on the back foot after just four minutes when they found themselves 9-0 behind as Ndong sank four, Juan Carlos Navarro two and Pete Mickeal dunked a triple-pointer.

Tiago Splitter, Oleson and Eliyahu did their best to counter the hosts, but they came up against a defence that was in unbeatable form. Caja Laboral were unable to enjoy any of their familiar flowing play through the middle and their game became limited.

Barça, on the other hand, were at their best going forward and as the minutes ticked on so did the scoreboard as the home team continued to rack up points. From outside the paint Barça equalled DKV Joventut's record of 18 triples in one game, but bettered the percentage as they managed it with 27 efforts to DKV's 31.

At half-time Caja Laboral knew that they were facing an uphil struggle as Barça had recorded 50 points and led by 14.

The pressure did not stop in the third quarter as Ricky Rubio came to the fore as he continued on his way to six rebounds and ten assists to earn a 13 for himself. The fans inside the Palau cheered his every move as the new hero of the Blaugrana impressed once again.

Victor Sada then set up Fran Vazquez to score one of the best baskets of the game to take the score to 84-51 and Mickeal further increased that advantage as he added to his own tally that would eventually reach 16 points. Caja Laboral were struggling under the basket and while Barça reached triple figures, the visitors could only muster 72 points.

It was to be Regal Barça's 17th consecutive win in the Palau and their sixth victory of the Liga ACB season.