Joventut de Badalona 77-83 Barça: Solid win to regain home advantage

A solid win to regain home advantage. Barça won the third Liga Endesa play-off game against Joventut de Badalona (77-83) after a professional performance in which they remained in front throughout. The home side were always kept at bay and this Friday will be the first chance for Barça to reach the final.

Good start

Barça started the game well, taking control through an accurate Brandon Davies (0-6). The home side were failing in attack and Barça took advantage to open up almost a 10 point lead (14-23).

Joventut de Badalona came out stronger for the second quarter and cut the lead to 25-28, but Kuric, Mirotic, and notably Higgins, led the Barça attack to go in 10 points up at the break (36-46).

Home side respond

Joventut de Badalona were more effective after the break despite many stop-starts for fouls. Former Barça player Tomic made it 45-48, but Higgins, Mirotic and Laprovittola, with a three pointer, meant Barça ended the third quarter with a slight lead (56-61).

Joventut pressed towards the end in attempt to wrestle control of the game, even closing to five points (65-70), but Barça remained ahead throughout and when Calathes scored a three-pointer it was virtually game over. Final score: 77-83.

Game stats:

Joventut de Badalona, 77
Barça, 83

Joventut de Badalona: Feliz (2), Robas (10), Parra (4), Willis (17), Birgander (2) - starters - Busquets (0), Ventura (0), Vives (13), Bassas (8), Tomic (21).

Barça: Calathes (5, Hayes (9), Higgins (13), Mirotic (18), Davies (9) - starters -, Sanli (4). Martínez (3), Smits (4), Laprovittola (10), Abrines (0), Kuric (8).

Quarters: 14-23 / 22-23 / 20-15 / 21-22

Referees: Miguel Ángel Pérez Pérez, Martín Caballero, Rafael Serrano.