FC Barcelona – Rio Natura Monbus: Second half dominance for the win (79-57)

FC Barcelona have recorded a comfortable victory against Rio Natura Monbus Obradoiro at the Palau Blaugrana in the first of two game at home this week for Xavi Pascual’s team. The objective was to consolidate their third place in the table and maintain their form ahead of the Endesa League play offs. After a tight first half, the blaugranes showed their quality in the third quarter to claim a 20th victory of the season.

A slow start

The home side started sluggishly and Obradoiro opened up an early 7-0 lead with the blaugranes having difficulty getting themselves into gear. The visitors maintained their early push and at the end of the first quarter they were still ahead at 18-14. Early in the second quarter Obradoiro maintained their advantage at 23-17 until Barça finally started to find their form, generating more pace in transition and upping their game on defence. A three pointer from Nachbar saw Pascual’s side ahead for the very first time at 24-23. Scores from Thomas, Jackson and Tomic saw Barça go in 34-30 up at the break.

Different team in the second half

The blaugranes were a different side after the break. Two three pointers from Oleson started to take the game away from Obradoiro and a counter from Thomas saw the home side take a 42-30 lead. Barça twisted the knife with Satoransky and Thomas again exerting their influence to stretch their advantage to 50-32. Barça’s superiority on the boards and their high percentage from the field allowed them to close the game out with relative ease. Xavi Pascual used his bench in the final quarter with Abrines, Doelmann and Pleiss, the latter ending with 10 points and 10 rebound, all important in the 79-57 win.