FCBARCELONA.CAT

16.12.2007 14:23

Victory in overtime (89-85)

Sònia de Alba

AXA Barça beat TAU Ceràmica 89-85 in a vibrant encounter that went into overtime. Barça reacted brilliantly in the closing stages of a game that takes Dusko Ivanovic’s side to the top of the ACB League.

TAU Ceràmica offered a huge test to an improving Barça side. Barça approached the game well, but Neven Spahija’s side held its own despite the missing Igor Rakovic. Mirsad Teletovic and Pete Mickeal set the visitors off to a good start with the former bagging two three pointers in the first four minutes (4-11).

Barça adjusted in defence and Acker and Basile turned the game around to 14-13, the former converting following an unsportsmanlike conduct foul against Thiago Splitter. Acker converted both and the period ended 18-15.

Barça set the pace

The next ten minutes saw the best of Barcelona. Trias latched onto a Pepe Sánchez assist to make it 24-19 and a Marconato block was then followed by a 2+1 for Mario Kasun (although he missed the extra throw) and dunk by the Vroat made it 28-21, and things were looking very positive for the home side.

Control by TAU

But TAU had a response. By the break it was 38-35, with the Vitorians catching Barça cold. The Basques were soon into a commanding lead following a Sergi Vidal three (44-51).
Denis Marconato, Jordi Trias and Pepe Sánchez all scored to bring matters closer, but there were still six points in it going into the final period (51-57).

Centres mark difference

That was when Mario Kasun returned to the court and held on despite having three fouls to his name. A 10-5 streak for Barça including eight for Kasun obliged Spahija to call a time out. Denis Marconato replaced Mario, who had been fouled out, and in the Italian’s 100th game in the ACB he led in rebounds, on eight, a tally shared with Mickeal.

Barça lost some key ball and were lucky not to pay a bigger price. But a disallowed basket against Alex Acker could have sealed things long before they were. Because it took two successful free throws from Lakovic on the buzzer to make it 71-71 and take the game into overtime.

Intensity in overtime

Barça were the better side in added time, Jaka Lakovic especially with a three pointer and steal to make it 78-71. Some excellent defending by Vázquez and also by Marconato meant Barça looked to be cruising it, although Tau still had something in the bag. Splitter and Mickeal (who led the scoring on 25) narrowed affairs but there was no time to cause any major concern.

Barça’s win and DKV Joventut’s loss to Real Madrid mean things are now a whole lot tighter at the top of the ACB League. All three teams are now tied on 10-2.