FCBARCELONA.CAT

25.03.2007 19:02

Winterthur into third (68-76)

Winterthur FC Barcelona eased to victory over Bruesa GBC with strong performances from Juan Carlos Navarro and Jaka Lakovic. The Blaugrana moved up to third in the ACB League as they recorded their 11th win in 12 matches.

Dusko Ivanovic’s side showed why they have enjoyed such a rich run of form in recent weeks as they defeated their hosts in San Sebastian. Despite not being at their absolute best, Barça won by eight points with Navarro collecting 27 points and Lakovic recording 16. A strong opening set the tone of the encounter the visitors scored 15 unanswered points in the early stages.

Navarro stands out

The Blaugrana dominated the first few minutes with Navarro, who went on to sink all five of his triple-point attempts, helped push his team into a 14-19 lead at the end of the first quarter. Bruesa’s defence looked shaken as they failed to cope with Barça’s attacking play, which came both through the centre and down the sides, and Navarro ended the opening period with 13 points to his name. The second quarter saw some reaction form the home team as they actually took over the lead and went in to the half-time break 39-38 in front.

Attacking from the front

In stark contrast to earlier in the campaign, Winterthur FCB were powerful in the third quarter as they netted the 15 points without reply to move 50-57 in to the lead. Bruesa’s rearguard looked shell-shocked as Lakovic led his side forward and carried Ivanovic’s instructions to the letter. The Basque Country outfit attempted to pull themselves back into the game with several three-point throws, but it was Navarro who was the outstanding player at this stage as he took charge and led Barça through the final stages to victory. The 68-76 final score moved Barça up to third in the ACB League and saw them record another victory to make it just one defeat in their previous 12 games.