Late loss in Zaragoza. Barça were unable to beat Casademont Zaragoza (76-71), despite Abrines' best efforts (26 points and 7/8 three-pointers). The home side proved clinical in the final quarter to close out what was a very even game up to that point.
Barça start well
The lead for the away side was 1-7 after just 4 minutes, before the home side had even scored their first basket. A combination of Barça's defence and an Abrines on fire meant the score after the first quarter was 11-16.
Barça were in control throughout the second quarter but couldn't quite put real distance between them and Zaragoza (20-28, min. 16), who gradually clawed back the score to 30-35 at the break.
Lead slips away
Personal fouls saw the score at 45-56 after 28 minutes and things were looking positive. However, the scoreline was slowly whittled down and there was only one point in it going into the final minute (70-71). The home side proved more decisive in the time left and the final score was 76-71, Barça's second loss in a row in the domestic league.
Game stats:
Casademont Zaragoza, 76
Barça, 71
Casademont Zaragoza: Rodrigo San Miguel (2), Jordan Bone, Santi Yusta (7), Dino Radoncic (2), Tryggvi Hlinason (11) - starters -, Sean Kilpatrick (5), Christian Mekowulu (17), Frankie Ferrari (16), Omar Cook (-), Deon Thompson, Adam Waczynski (16).
Barça: Nick Calathes (-), Nico Laprovittola (5), Dante Exum (4), Nikola Mirotic (12), Brandon Davies (4) - starters -, Àlex Abrines (26), Sertaç Sanli (8), Nigel Hayes (4), Rolands Smits (1), Kyle Kuric (5), Rokas Jokubaitis (2).
Quarters: 11-16 / 19-19 / 21-23 / 25-13
Referees: Jordi Aliaga, Javier Torres and Joaquín García.
