FCBARCELONA.CAT

05.02.2009 21:33

Spectacular display (85-65)

Carles Cascante

Regal Barça have recorded their first victory in the TOP 16 afer an impressive display against Maccabi as Fran Vázquez stood out with his hard work at one end and creative ability at the other.

It was a vital triumph for the Blaugrana and reignited the tema's belief against one of Europe's best teams meaning that the defeat against Real Madrid the week before has not been completely forgotten. The second half performance from the hosts was particularly impressive after the work that they had put in already during the first two quarters to give themselves a healthy lead with Vázquez, Ilyasova and Basile all playing decisive roles.

Barton starting

Xavi Paschal named a starting team that included Sada, Navarro, Barton, Ilyasova and Santiago and it was clear early on that this was going to be an exciting game when Fisher netted the first basket for the visitors. That first two points for Maccabi though proved to be the only time during the game that they led because from then on Barça were in control throughout. The first two-and-a-half minutes saw the Blaugrana hone their shooting skills from outside the paint as triples from Navarro and Ilyasova gave them an 8-4 lead. Pini Gherson's team do have a star in Casspi though and he showed what he is capable of by trying to lead the away side forward at every opportunity, but he was unable to stop Barça going in 21-16 at the first interval.

Sada, Grimau and Basile

The second quarter saw Sada, Grimau and Basile stand out as Barça began to put their foot on the pedal and to edge even further clear on the scoreboard (25-18) after a triple. The bad news, however, was that numerous balls were lost as the hosts had given it up seven times with eight minutes still to go before teh half-time break.

Despite this and even with Charles Gaines on the court, Maccabi were uable to to much when Vázquez was in such fine form on the rebounds. The Barça star was playing very well and even found to sink a basket that put his team ten points ahead overall (31-21). Three minutes later and Barrett ensured that the margin remain the same (36-26) and in the last few minutes of the second period Maccabi showed that they still had something to offer when Carlos Arroyo helped his team to six without reply to go in at the break just 39-33 behind.

Maintaining the rhythm

Although Maccabi tried to slow down the pace of the game, Regal FC Barcelona ensured that they maintained their rhythm, and were able to keep pushing forward. A triple from Roger Grimau extended the lead back to 44-37 and it was shooting from that range that saw Pashcal's side cause their guests the quite a few problems. Ilyasova controled the Maccabi centres, while Vázquez continued his impressive display under the hoops and the pair ensured that as the baskets kept flowing, Barça went in at the end of the third quarter 61-47 ahead.

No relaxation

Even with that lead though, the Blaugrana could not relax and Paschal told his players to keep playing at their best to ensure that there wre no surprises in the fourth period. Andersen's shooting and Basile's triples meant that was not likely to happen as Maccabi were not given any chance to mount a comeback and went on to lose by 20 points.