FCBARCELONA.CAT

04.04.2010 14:58

Over-time win against Manresa (82-87)

Sònia de Alba

Regal Barça stayed out in front at the top of the Liga ACB with a dramatic victory over Suzuki Manresa in extra time.

The hosts maybe in mid-table but they made things very difficult for their title-chasing guests on Sunday afternoon in the Nou Congost. After battling throughout though the Manresa-based outfit lost focus when it mattered most and Barça were able to take advantage and secure maximum points.

With both clubs showing solidarity in their support for the World Physical Activity Day, that takes place on April 6, the game began at a fast pace and the home team found themselves racing into a 10-3 lead.

Erratic start

FC Barcelona Regal could not settle as they lost the ball an incredible six times in the opening ten minutes and ensured that coach Xavi Pascual changed his players at the first time out.

It was a shrewd move as the Blaugrana embarked on a run of seven unanswered ponts even though they were still lacking some of their usual fluidity. That was to continue to cost them as Jaume Ponsarnau netted to push Manresa 19-15 ahead.

In the second quarter Barça were still unable to overcome their problems and the lack of spontaneity saw the home team’s stars, such as Álex Llorca and Dani López, continue to find the basket and move ten points clear at 28-18. Ukrainian Sergiy Gladyr was in fine fettle and he sank another triple before the half-time as the visitors fell even further behind.

Second half comeback

While Gladyr had stood out in the first half for the home team it was Ricky Rubio that led the Barça side forward and helped them raise their game in order to take all the points.

Patience and an improvement in every area were the keys to the turnaround and in the third quarter the Barça defence was particularly strong. Gladyr was still able to continue to add to his points tally though and Manresa were ahead going into the last period.
Extra time

It was in the fourth quarter that Barça really sprang back into the game and a run of 2-11 meant that they felt that they coujld take something from the encounter. With two minutes remaining the home side were 66-62 ahead, but there was to be a thrilling finale.

With 24 seconds left the scoreline read 69-68 and two free throws from Dani López saw Manresa add two more points. With the ball though Barça were able to push forward and Pete Mickael scored to level matters at 71-71 each with eleven seconds on the clock. There was still time to add two more points to make it 73 each and the game went into extra time.

During that period Mickael was a star while Juan Carlos Navarro also found the basket to push Barça 85-80 ahead and earn the visitors the win and the points.