Manresa won (95-96) deservedly his duel against Barcelona, but Barça could perfectly do it and it would not have been less fair. Both teams played a huge game, with alternatives on the scoreboard and in the game, that he ended up deciding a Thomasson 3-pointer in overtime. Nnaji dazzled in his Barça debut in the League and Francisco with a superb performance for Manresa, in an encounter with all the ingredients to be remembered for a long time. Especially for Manresa fans.
Barça took 16 minutes to lead the score, after a first quarter where Baxi Manresa was clearly superior. Visitors encountered a perfect match to develop their game, in which they could run as much as they wanted. Barça had many problems to close them from the inside (they conceded 25 points in 10 minutes) and they lacked success in attack. And that the contribution of the youngest, especially of Nnaji, it was remarkable. Playing five, he scored the first Barça baskets, played with confidence and self-confidence and put some plug in defense. A wonderful cover letter for the young player.
But in front they found a toned Baxi Manresa who had in Bako to his best player. He put four blocks in the first quarter, plus a dunk to Mirotic’s face. The key to the comeback, as almost always in Barça, was in defense. Nigel Hayes was decisive, but also the losses that Manresa had. After a 13-2 run, Palau saw their team take the lead. Sanli’s points and Jokubaitis’s leadership carried the game to the 44-37 with which the break was reached. The success in the triple Barça, higher, punished Manresa a lot
Nnaji followed at a very high level in defense, with up to five blocks in total, but loaded with fouls. He sat cheered by the Palau, who recognized his dedication. But the party was by no means decided because Manresa came back with a partial 4-13. Barça failed in attack and allowed in defense, more for the rival’s merit than for its own demerit. The connection between Moneke and Bako continued to work but also the direction of Jokubaitis at Barça. Manresa, however, had full control of the rebound. The last quarter started with a slight advantage for Baxi (59-60).
Francisco continued adding assists in his private account, generating singles points for his team. So much so that Jasikevicius had to stop the game Seven to go with a dangerous handicap (65-72). In addition to the score, unfavorable, the feeling on the floor was also unfavorable. Manresa was much more comfortable, with more intensity and he had more fuel left. But Barça was not yet on the canvas.
With the Palau delivered, and believing in victory, the holders of the Barça tightened the marker a lot. Mirotic, Kuric, Higgins … With them on track the visiting advantage disappeared with a partial 9-0 (79-79) just over two minutes for the end. Mirotic appeared with a triple, but also Francisco. First with a trippy and then with a penetration (with only six seconds on the electronic) to force the extension.
The Manresa player festival continued in overtime, being a constant threat to the Barça defense, putting his team ahead. But the failure from the free kick and a triple by Mirotic returned the advantage momentarily to Barça. Thomasson scored a great triple to put yours ahead and Nigel Hayes, on the last breath, failed the shot that would have given Barça victory.
