Barça earned a hard-fought 97-102 win away to La Laguna Tenerife in a hugely demanding contest. Xavi Pascual’s side weathered the hosts’ late push to come away with an impressive victory on the road.

Strong start

The Catalans produced an excellent first half, taking control early thanks to sharp shooting from outside and intense defence. Shengelia starred in the opening quarter, while Willy Hernangómez dominated in the paint as the visitors surged into a 16-29 lead after ten minutes.

Barça maintained control in the second quarter through strong collective play, finding scoring options all across the court and punishing Tenerife both from long and close range. Miles Norris impressed with key contributions at both ends, while Juan Núñez added energy in possession. Tenerife responded late in the half through Marcelinho Huertas and a few Barça errors, but the visitors led into the break at 43-56.

Holding firm

After the restart, Barça continued to protect their advantage. But Tenerife gradually cut the gap by capitalising on fouls and a few lapses from the visitors, but the blaugranes still held a 71-75 lead heading into the final period.

The hosts raised the intensity in the closing quarter, with Fitipaldo and Huertas leading a fierce comeback that brought the islanders right back into the game. But Barça responded at the right time, with a vital three from Punter and important free throws from Juani Marcos helping secure a hard-earned victory.

MATCH STATS

LA LAGUNA TENERIFE, 97
BARÇA, 102

La Laguna Tenerife: Fitipaldo (19), Huertas (20), Scrubb (-), Abromaitis (16), Guerra (14), Fernández (5), Van Beck (6), Sastre (-), Shermadini (2), Alderete (-), Mills (15).

Barça: Punter (16), Marcos (18), Fall (13), Shengelia (13), Parra (4), Cale (9), Norris (8), Brizuela (9), Hernangomez (8), Nuñez (4).

Periods: 16-29, 27-29 // 28-17, 26/-27

Referees: Antonio Conde, Alfonso Olivares, Fabio Fernández

Força Barça