After two defeats in Monaco and ahead of the EuroLeague play-off games at the Palau Blaugrana, Barça needed a reset. Without Vesely out with back pain, Joan Peñarroya's side faced a crucial battle against Unicaja for fourth place in the ACB. They ultimately edged a tight game (83-81), boosting their morale and keeping their hopes alive, now just one win behind Unicaja, despite the Andalusians holding the head-to-head advantage.

The game was fiercely contested from the start, with Barça leading narrowly at half-time (39-37) despite turnovers on both sides. Joel Parra and Parker kept Barça ahead early on, but Unicaja, led by Carter’s three-pointers, stayed in touch.

Serious fightback

The second half remained balanced. Unicaja briefly pulled ahead (41-46), but Barça responded, with Fall and others stepping up. Even so, Carter’s free throw gave Unicaja a slim lead heading into the final quarter (57-58).

Barça showed composure late on. Despite falling behind again (59-64), a strong run turned the game around (72-66). Carter kept Unicaja close, but a crucial basket from Parra and a free throw from Punter sealed the win (83-81), tightening the race for fourth place.

MATCH STATS

BARÇA, 83
UNICAJA, 81

Barça: Osetkowski, Balcerowski, Kalinoski, Alberto Díaz, Tyson Carter, T. Pérez, Taylor, Perry, Kravish, Barreiro, Tillie, Syma. 

Unicaja: Brizuela, Satoransky, Fall, Abrines, Jabari Parker, Punter, Anderson, Willy Hernangómez, Keita, Parra, Villar.

Periods: 24-18, 39-37, 58-58, 83-81.

Referees: Antonio Conde, Arnau Padrós, Roberto Lucas. 

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