FC Barcelona went down to a last gasp 73-71 defeat against Olympiacos in the third game of their European playoff series, which the Greek side now lead 2-1, leaving Xavi Pascual’s men obliged to win the next two games if they are to make the Final Four in Madrid. After a finely balanced 40 minutes, the defeat came in a desperate last few seconds, with Abrines just missing with a final throw that would have taken the game into extra time.
Tight first half
There was little to choose between the two teams in the first period, with the hosts taking a 23-18 lead on 9 minutes, before Barça hit back through Doellman who put them 26-23 up at the end of the quarter.
It was the same story in the second quarter, with neither team able to build a lead. First, Printezis put Olympiacos 33-27 up, then Navarro and Satoransky cut the lead to a point, before Sloukas, Spanoulis and Petway gave the Greek side a 44-36 lead at the break.
Nervy finale
Barça hit back in the third quarter and with Lampe getting 6 points and Navarro 4, they took a narrow 59-60 advantage into the final 10 minutes. It was a nervy final quarter, as Navarro took the score to 70-69 with a minute to go, only for Oleson to miss a three-pointer and Satoransky to commit a personal foul on Spanoulis. Even so, Abrines had the chance to take the game into overtime with the last throw of the game, but it wasn’t to be and Barça now know only a win will do in the next game.
