FCBARCELONA.CAT

01.10.2008 23:26

Prestigious victory (76-81)

www.fcbarcelona.cat

Regal Barça secured a prestigious victory over Fortitudo Bologna in the last pre-season friendly before the start of their first ACB League game at the weekend against DKV Joventud. The encounter was a testimonial match for Barça’s Basile.

Despite not making a consistent start, with several imprecise passes and with a defence that did start to function later in the game, Xavi Pascual’s side have shown just how good they could be this season in a game that saw Fortitudo presented to their own fans ahead of the new campaign. The game was also a tribute to Basile, who was the captain the last time the Italian side won the league in 2004/05. The strong Blaugrana defence was the key to victory as well as André Barrett being on form from free-throw line as he netted six times before the end from there.

Basile was honoured by both clubs as the president of the home team went down to the court and had his photo taken with him while a local supporters’ group, Fossi di Leoni, joined them to hand over some gifts to the Barça star. In the hours leading up to the game former Blaugrana player, Gregor Fucka visited the Catalan team’s hotel where he met up with various members of the squad and staff that he knew during his time there.

Slow start

After the first quarter a win for Barça looked some way off as the home side took advantage of their opponents mistakes and imprecision and were able to chalk up a healthy lead. At the first break Fortitudo led 24-15.

Little-by-little though, Regal Barça began to function, thanks mainly to their defence raising their game, and they were able to build on that and produce a performance that will serve them well during the season.

Great Defence

Dedovic and Xavi Rey came on and Barça improved even further and, while they continued to dominate the rebound, the Italians began to misjudge their passes and shots and that would prove to be decisive. In the third quarter, Regal FC Barceolna gained their biggest advantage when they went eleven points in front thanks to a triple from Dedovic.

Fortitudo did not give up though and bounce back in the final period only to find a Barça defence in fine form and they withstood almost everything that came there way. Barrett in particular was in good form as he continued to net points at the other end and to drive the Blaugrana on towards victory.