A loss for the FC Barcelona basketball team at the Palau Blaugrana against UCAM Murcia (78-81). The blaugranes didn't seem at ease after a difficult first half and despite an inspired Shengelia and unwavering support from the fans throughout the game, the comeback fell short.

Unsettled early stages

FC Barcelona started game poorly in both defence and attack, with UCAM Murcia more effective from the off, leading coach Peñarroya to call a time out after three minutes with the score 4-12. Things didn't improve though, and the visitors were a resounding 16-34 up at the end of the quarter.

Barça remained ill at ease in the second quarter and coach Peñarroya ended up receiving a technical foul that UCAM Murcia made the most of to extend their lead. However, play then evened out to some extent, but the blaugranes still had a big difference to make up at halftime (42-56).

Late reaction goes unrewarded

A score of 7-2 after the restart gave some hope, but the side from Murcia kept pressing and dominated the rebounds, albeit Barça still remained in the game at the end of the third quarter (61-73).

A total contrast in the final quarter as an inspired Shengelia got the team and the Palau Blaugrana crowd going, helping the team to a 11-4 partial score. Everyone was starting to believe the comeback was on. Now 72-77, Barça had two chances for triples by Shengelia and Satoransky, and the former could have tied the game with another 50 seconds from the buzzer, but it wasn't to be.

Final score 78-81. Next up a EuroLeague Clásico against Real Madrid at 8.30pm CET on 7 November, again at the Palau Blaugrana.

GAME STATS 

BARÇA 78
UCAM MURCIA 81 

Barça: Satoransky (4), Hernangómez (10), Brizuela (11), Clyburn (2), Parra (7) – starting five – Vesely (2), Shengelia (21), Cale (2), Juani Marcos (5), Punter (10), Fall (4)

UCAM Murcia: Cacok (20), Raieste (11), Dejulius (6), Hicks (11), Ennis (4) - starting five - Forrest (19), Sant-Roos (0), Radebaugh (0), Falk (2), Cate (2), Nakic (6)

Quarters: 16-34, 26-22, 19-17, 17-8 

Referees: Luis Miguel Castillo, Arnau Padrós and Iyán González 

 

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