Barça have lost in Israel in overtime to Maccabi de Tel Aviv (99-94) in a game lost right at the end to a questionable foul called against Mirotic for treading on the line when Maccabi were throwing in. But all it means, hopefully, is that Barça will just have to wait a little longer to certify top spot in the Euroleague regular season.
Maccabi led throughout the first period but never by a huge margin in a period where the defences stood out more than the offences.
But the Israelis continued to command things in the second and clawed into a larger lead, as many as nine points before a Higgins inspired 2-0 streak meant things were back tight in time for the break.
A fabulous Kuric straight after the restart put Barça in front for the first time, and the scoring started to flow from both sides. Further threes from Calathes and Higgins had Barça finally looking at ease, but a strong 8-2 run for Maccabi meant the home side would be leading going into final period.
Barça fought back in the final ten minutes and although a late 2+1 looked like the Israelis had it, they missed the additional and a late score from Higgins sent us into OT.
Barça started well, with Davies on hot form, but things remained tight and once again Higgins levelled up late. 94-94 with 12 seconds to go. Anyone’s game but the controversial technical foul called against Mirotic ended up deciding the game. Maccabi converted the free throw and it was all over in the cruellest of manners.
MATCH STATS
Maccabi Tel Aviv: Wilbekin (10), Jones (4), Caloiaro (12), Bender (16), Zizic (24). Bryant (10), Cline (-), Casspi (11), Dorsey (10), Dibartolomeo (-), Blayzer (2).
Barça: Calathes (9), Abrines (-), Higgins (20), Mirotic (23), Oriola (4). Davies (12), Westermann (2), Hanga (6), Bolmaro (-), Smits (6), Kuric (12).
Periods: 19-14 / 39-38 / 65-59 / 80-80 / 99-94 (OT)
