Sarunas Jasikevicius' side won away at Fuenlabrada to start the new year on a good footing, and continue at the top of the table with 14 wins and 3 losses so far this season. The match was far from easy, especially in the first half, but the third quarter was decisive for the visitors.
Initial equality
Both defences remained tight and hard to beat in an even, tough and combative first period. Barça were ahead for most of the time but Fuenlabrada were always within striking distance. The result at the end of the opening 10 minutes (15-16) and also at the end of the second period (27-30) reflected the trend. Trimble, with 8 points, was Fuenlabrada's danger man, while Higgins, also with 8 points, was Barça's top scorer in a first half in which only 1 triple was scored.
Barça take off
The script changed at the beginning of the third quarter, as Barça put their feet on the accelerator to surge ahead (47-63, min 30), thanks to a more fluid offensive game and triples from Abrines as well as baskets from Orihuela and Higgins. Fuenlabrada never gave up, but Barça were able to relax in the final quarter and ease to victory.
MATCH DETAILS
URBAS FUENLABRADA, 67
BARÇA, 83
Fuenlabrada: Trimble (12), Meindl (9), Marc Garcia (2), Eyenga (17), Alexander (6) –starters- Emegano (8), González (4), Urtasun (5), Samar (4), Thompson (-), Macoha (-), Sikiras (-).
Barça: Calathes (15), Higgins (19), Abrines (11), Smits (6), Pustovyi (6) –starters- Oriola (12), Hanga (2), Bolmaro (2), Sergi Martínez (6), Badio (4), Badji (-).
Periods: 15-16, 27-30, 47-63, 67-83.
Officials: Jordi Aliaga, Raúl Zamorano, Roberto Lucas.
