FCBARCELONA.CAT

08.06.2007 23:50

Navarro and Winterthur a step closer to the semifinals 2-1

Sònia de Alba

Juan Carlos Navarro on the buzzer to win the match up. ‘La Bomba’ scored the winner at the death to move Winterthuir FC Barcelona a step closer to the semifinals.

Staying cool at the right moment was decisive in Barça’s win over TAU Ceramica right at the end. In a game short of their best, Barça proved their worth when called upon. Navarro scored 12 of his 22 points in the final period; 6 in the last minute. The luck of a champion, the skill of a star and the hard work of a professional. Juan Carlos Navarro produced what was expected at the time of asking. A three pointer on the buzzer gave Barça the victory and they now lead the series 2-1.

Battle of the Titans

TAU made Barça work hard following their defeat by Barça at home. TAU took the early lead (4-6), however, the tie was an even affair in the first period. Vazquez brought the scores level following an Alley-hoop. The score was 19-20 after 10 minutes. In the second period it was Barça who stretched the lead a little following great work from Denis Marconato (29-24). However, Erdogen and Scola brought TAU back into the match up to go into the half time break (41-43).

Defence and Rebounds

Following the restart, Dusko Ivanovic’s team suffered a few tense moments. Despite this, the game continued to be an even contest with TAU opening up a 7 point gap. A three pointer from Pablo Prigioni, invoked a time out from Barça (53-60). Barça upped their defence game “We didn’t defend badly, we were just not very effective in attack” explained Dusko. Barça won the rebounds; collecting 34 to TAU’s 30 – this being one of Barça’s main strength during this season’s campaign.

Thanks to great conviction in defence lead by Fran Vasquez (13 rebounds), with support from Trias and Marconato, Winterthur FC Barcelona began to take charge and took the lead (71-65). However, offensive errors lead to TAU levelling the scores on 74 with five minutes remaining. Now was when Juan Carlos Navarro made the difference between the two teams; he did what was expected and won the match in the last second.

It is back to training tomorrow as Sunday at 12:30 they play the fourth match up of the series.

Perfect Palau

Winterthuir FC Barcelona have two chances of reaching the final, one of them will be at home in Palau. The level of support in Palau has been incredible in its support for the team. With the 7,200 shirts given out to the supporters, the crowd was always behind the team.

“I have no words to describe the atmosphere in Palau. It’s been a while since this has happened,” revelled Dusko Ivanovic after the game. The teams meet again on Sunday where Winterthur FC Barcelona are a step closer to the final of the ACB.

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