The Barça-Penya match this Sunday was special as it was reminiscent of epic games from the past. Joventut Badalona’s attacking approach was a good test for a Barça team that were forced to play their best basketball. The final score was 88 to 79, and the impressions the game left on the Palau Blaugrana faithful were overwhelmingly positive in a week that also saw Barça win in the Euroleague.
Joventut take early lead
In the first 20 minutes Joventut were devastating from the perimeter. They went to the break after netting nine three pointers, and from the beginning they showed their intent to not give Barça more than an inch. They jumped to a 0-11 run, giving them an 8-point lead (7-15), but the Blaugrana edged within four points of Joventut’s lead just before the break (43-47).
Barça’s experience wins out
The second half was even more intense than the first. Barça scored with ease, but Joventut didn’t back off their aggressive approach. But something had changed. Álex Abrines put Barça ahead for the first time with a three pointer, and from there the home team dominated for the rest of the quarter, which ended in 69 to 66.
The last quarter started off with a 3+1 from Bard Oleson, which gave Barça a nine-point lead. But the visiting team hit back with shots from the perimeter, and came within three points of Barça (75-74, min 35). The final minutes of the match saw Barça surge ahead thanks to Lorbek and Navarro. The game came to an end with 88 to 79.
