Barcelona secured a hard-fought victory on the ALBA Berlin court, with a final score of 85-99 that doesn’t entirely reflect the intensity of the game. This win allows them to stay in the running for the EuroLeague Play-In spots. The German team, currently at the bottom of the standings with a 4-24 record, had only won one of their last 14 games and seemed like easy prey, but they put up quite a fight, keeping the game neck and neck until the final quarter, with the score at 67-68 after 31 minutes.
The Catalan team was without several key players, including Laprovittola, Vesely, Punter, and Núñez, but managed to pull through thanks to the exceptional direction of Satoransky, who finished with 9 points, 5 rebounds, and 12 assists, and Brizuela, who contributed 13 points, 4 rebounds, and 6 assists. Fall’s dominant performance in the first half, with 13 points and 6 rebounds, and Willy’s strong second half, with 15 points and 4 rebounds, were also crucial. Additionally, Jabari Parker’s 21 points, 3 rebounds, and 2 assists after the break, and Metu’s 11 points and 7 rebounds at the start of the final act, ultimately broke the German team’s resistance.
A Fearless Start by the Germans
The ALBA Berlin team started the game with a lot of aggressiveness, trying to impose a fast pace. They were successful in doing so at times, with Procida and Thomas leading the offense, while Anderson, Parker, and Fall kept the rhythm for Barcelona, with the score at 20-18 after 10 minutes.
As the game progressed, the ALBA team, led by Thomas, Bean, and Hermannsson, managed to stay ahead, but Sarr and Brizuela kept the game close for Barcelona, with the score at 37-31 after 17 minutes.
A 2-10 Run Led by Satoransky
Satoransky and Fall then led a 2-10 run, which put Barcelona ahead 39-41 at halftime. The Catalan team dominated the rebound, with a 13-23 advantage, and made the most of their free throws, with 22 attempts to the ALBA’s 2. However, their 11 turnovers proved costly.
In the second half, the game remained intense, with both teams exchanging baskets and triples. The ALBA team reacted with a 12-2 run, led by Spagnolo’s 8 points, to take the lead 62-61 after 29 minutes. But Barcelona responded with a 2+1 by Willy and a basket by Satoransky, allowing them to stay ahead 64-66 after 30 minutes.
A Decisive 3-10 Run
The turning point came when Metu and Willy led a 3-10 run, with 8 points and two three-pointers from Metu, and a basket from Willy, to put Barcelona ahead 67-76 after 33 minutes. Brizuela then sealed the deal with a 3+1, making it 69-80 after 34 minutes, a decisive blow for the German team. The final minutes of the game allowed Satoransky, Brizuela, and Willy to shine, ultimately leading to a 85-99 victory for Barcelona.