FCBARCELONA.CAT

17.12.2008 22:30

Lethal symphony (87-61)

Carles Cascante

If Regal Barça were excellent against Panathinaikos on Wednesday at the Palau they were just as spectacular as they ripped apart one of the co-leaders of their Euroleague group, Siena.

Playing as a team, with the utmost concentration, putting on pressure in defence and breaking onto rapid counter attacks, Regal Barça played in lethal symphony on Wednesday evening in front of an almost packed Palau as they prepare for basketball’s equivalent of the clásico against Real Madrid on Saturday. Regal FC Barcelona are now the outright leaders of Group B.

Navarro from the start

Although he was a last-minute doubt, ‘La Bomba’ passed his fitness test before the game with the Italians and was on from the start. And what a start it was. They flew to an amazing 15-0, with Santiago simply stunning, and the game was half won before it had barely started. And we say only half-won because Siena are never a side to count out, and one that is always strong when they are playing catch-up. But Regal Barça kept their heads, and the first period ended on an Incredible 25-3, with a Lavrinovic three pointer being all the visitors could muster.

Keeping control

Following that, it was just a case of maintaining the lead, and although Domercant started making his presence felt, there were no major problems. Constant rotations and some great contributions from David Andersen, who is looking more and more settled as each game goes by, kept Barça ahead (36-13, min. 16), although a score by former Barça man Romain Sato meant the visitors actually had the edge in the second period.

No limits

Regal Barça continued playing with the same conviction after the break, urged on all the way by a vociferous crowd. Two three pointers from Navarro set the standard, the latter stretching the lead to 24 (55-31), but that was just the start of it, for the lead was extended further as the period wore on, ending +30 (71-41).

Basile and Trias provide a show

In the final period, after some great play by all the players, and with special mention for some that play less frequently, like Lubos Barton, the limelight was taken by Gianluca Basile and Jordi Trias. Both played in spectacular style, the Italian, as he had promised before the game, showed his eagerness to overcome his compatriots and scored two terrific three pointers to add to another in the first half, and had the Palau crowd on their feet. Meanwhile, Jordi Trias was also strong, providing fresh legs just when they were needed.