Cruel defeat for Barça in the Euroleague at Valencia Basket with Saras Jasikevicius' team going down to a 84-83 defeat. The blaugranes came from behind in the contest thanks to Laprovittola's 28 point display but were unable to overhaul the home side in the fourth quarter.
Tight contest
Barça had the better of the opening minutes and soon led by six points at 14-8 with Laprovittola and Vesely outstanding early on. Nevertheless, the home side fought back and levelled things up at 20-20 at the end of the first quarter.
Valencia continued to get the better of Barça in the second quarter and at one point the home side led 41-34. Saras' side fought back and reduced the deficit to three points at 41-38 at half time.
In the second half Laprovittola continued to lead from the front and helped Barça back in front. However, the Valencians recovered to lead 62-59 with a quarter still to play.
Fourth quarter decides
Valencia took the initiative in the final period and built a 10 point lead at 79-69 with just three minutes to go. The game appeared won but Laprovittola led a comeback from the visitors to bring Barça within a point at 81-80. Unfortunately, it was not enough for the blaugranes to take the win as they went down 84-83.
Next up is a league game on Wednesday against Casademont Zaragoza.
MATCH STATS
Valencia Basket, 84
Barça, 83
València Basket: Chris Jones (9), Radebaugh (6), Víctor Claver (2), James Webb III (9), Dubljevic (14) -starting five-, Jasiel Rivero (16), Prepelic (9), Harper (11), Xabi López-Arostegui (3), Kyle Alexander (-), Pradilla (5), Josep Puerto (-).
Barça: Satoransky (6), Laprovittola (28), Kalinic (4), Mirotic (11), Vesely (14) -starting five-, Rokas Jokubaitis (1), Oscar da Silva (3), Higgins (2), Tobey (4), Kuric (10), Abrines (-), Nnaji (-).
