Another one in the bag. FC Barcelona claimed yet another win under Xavi Pascual, who has clearly found the right formula. That makes it nine in a row, after seeing off a stubborn Joventut Badalona side that refused to go quietly. An inspired Punter, backed up by strong performances from Satoransky and Cale, lifted a packed Palau, with Barça’s post-interval response proving decisive in the derby.

Strong start, wobble before the break

Barça began sharply, pressing well and playing with confidence. Punter picked up where he left off, draining two early three-pointers, while the home side’s defensive intensity and flawless early shooting helped open up a nine-point lead (26–17). Norris also impressed with a pair of fine individual plays.

Joventut hit back in the second quarter, however, exploiting Barça’s attacking struggles. With the hosts managing just 10 points in the period and shooting poorly, the visitors went into the break ahead (34–40).

Barça turn the tide

The momentum swung again after half-time. A dominant 14–2 run put Barça back in control, with Punter continuing his superb form and Laprovittola finally finding his range late in the third quarter to make it 65–55.

Any hopes of a Joventut comeback were quickly snuffed out in the final period. With Cale outstanding and Punter unstoppable, Barça closed out a mature performance to seal a 90–80 victory and a ninth consecutive win.

Barça are back in action on Tuesday 23rd, away to Fenerbahçe in the EuroLeague (6.45pm CET).

MATCH STATS  

BARÇA, 90 
JOVENTUT DE BADALONA, 80 

Barça: Satoransky (16), Myles Cale (11), Kevin Punter (20), Willy Hernangómez (13), Norris (6), Parra (8), Laprovittola (8), Juani Marcos (-), Keita (-), Brizuela (4), Vesely (4) 

Juventut Badalona: Kraag (12), Hakanson (10), Ruzic (2), Hunt (18), Tomic (19), Ricky (7), Allen (-), Hanga (5), Birgander (4), Drell (3), Vives (-) 

Periods: 26-17, 8-23 // 31-15, 25-25 

Referees: Rafael Serrano, Joaquín García, Ariadna Chueca 

Força Barça