The FC Barcelona basketball team defeated Maccabi Tel Aviv in the Euroleague by 93-83 in a game that was played behind closed doors at the Palau Blaugrana. Despite the unusual atmosphere, the blaugranes put in an excellent first period performance that was the basis for their win. Shengalia's 22 points and Hernángomez's reliable shooting were also contributing factors. 

Whirlwind start

The game started with both sides making mistakes but the blaugranes soon took control. Norris nailed three consecutive three pointers inside 4 minutes and Punter, Cale and Laprovittola also added their talent on offense to give Barça a healthy 32-19 lead at the end of the first quarter. 

Maccabi come back 

The second quarter saw the Israeli side come back in the contest after Barça had led 44-20 at one point. Blatt and Santos forged ahead on offense and Maccabi cut Barça's lead to 56-44 at half time. In the second half Shengelia started to amass points as the blaugranes kept their opponents at a distance. Leading 77-63 going into the final quarter, Xavi Pascual's team could afford to allow Maccabi some leeway to hold on for a 93-83 win in the Euroleague. 

The blaugranes next game is also in Europe against Partizan Belgrade at the Palau on Friday at 8.30pm. 

MATCH STATS 

BARÇA, 93

MACCABI, 83

Barça: Willy Hernangómez (10), Satoransky (9), Norris (11), Kevin Punter (12), Cale (6) – starting five – Juani Marcos (3), Vesely (2), Laprovittola (14), Shengelia (22), Parra (4)

Maccabi: Sorkin (8), Brissett (6), Lundberg (14), Hoard (15), Blatt (17) – starting five – Clark III (2), Santos (10), Rayman (4), Dibartolomeo (-), Leaf (7)

Quarters: 32-19, 24-25 // 21-19, 16-20

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