Baskonia 110-98 FC Barcelona: Defeat in Vitoria

Barça fell 110–98 at Baskonia in a key clash for the all-important fifth playoff spot. Peñarroya’s men started well, but a dominant second quarter from the home side, highlighted by Howard’s 19 first-half points and perfect 5/4 in 3-point attempts, blew the game open, sending the teams into halftime at 57–44.

The first quarter had been swinging to and fro, with Brizuela putting Barça up 23–19 only for the team to struggled in the second, hitting just one three-pointer to Baskonia’s seven. They never fully recovered the momentum from then on.

Sterile reaction

Barcelona rallied early in the third with a 3–14 run to pull within two (60–58), but Brizuela’s muscle injury stalled the comeback. Baskonia steadied themselves and led 83–75 going into the fourth.

Two games left

Barça trimmed the gap to three in the final period, yet Baskonia, powered by Howard’s 34-point night, roared back to secure a 12-point victory.

With two regular-season games left (against Girona and Bilbao) Barça still have a chance to clinch fifth place. Next up: Bàsquet Girona visit the Palau Blaugrana this Sunday at 5pm CEST.

MATCH STATS

Baskonia, 110
Barça, 98

Baskonia: Sedekerskis (6), Luwawu-Cabarrot (17), Forrest (19), Diop (8), Moneke (8), Howard (34), Hall (10), Baldwin (4) & Samanic (4)

Barça: Punter (18), Anderson (2), Fall (4) Parker (21), Villar (4), Hernangómez (16), Brizuela (15), Parra (11) & Abrines (7).

Periods: 19-23, 57-44, 83-75, 110-98.

Referees: Benjamín Jiménez & Jorge Martínez.