FC Barcelona Lassa have gone down to defeat in their 10th league game of the season, losing 95-89 in Andalusia against Unicaja Málaga. Despite a fourth quarter comeback, Bartzokas’ team lost in overtime despite 20 points from Koponen and 11 from Tomic who also recorded 11 rebounds.
Barça started well and Tomic scored the first five points for the visitors. However, during the first quarter their intensity on offence dropped and Unicaja reacted to take a 19-15 lead at the end of the opening period.
A three pointer from Koponen began the second period in style for Barça. Perperoglou from the outside also recorded a three pointer to help reduced the deficit as half time approached.
In the second half the blaugranes appeared determined to get back into the game. Rice began to exert his influence and play with more confidence after the break. Slowly but surely, Bartzokas’ team clawed their way back into the contest and with less than a minute to go Barça were only down by three.
With Rice the motor, the visitors managed to take the game into overtime. However, the effort was in vain as Unicaja rallied to claim the win by six points. The blaugranes will have the chance to get back to winning ways next Friday when they welcome Greek side Panathinaikos to the Palau Blaugrana.
