Barcelona reel in Milan for Euroleague win

BarcelonaBarcelona survived a scare against EA7 Armani Milan at home, but eventually maintained its unbeaten record in this season’s Euroleague. The Spanish giant was made to work hard for the win and had to recover from a losing first half to get the job done against a dogged effort from the Italian guests.

Nevertheless, Barcelona retained its unblemished start to the continental campaign with a 7-0 record at the top of Group C, the Catalan club had already booked its place in the Top 16. As for Milan, they still have plenty to do, but do occupy fourth place despite a pretty dismal 2-5 losing record.

Barcelona vs. EA7 Milan, 84-80
The hosts started the game well, taking an early 8-4 lead and then holding the advantage to pace to a 12-7 lead during the middle of the first quarter. Milan started to get tighter in defence and the change in tactic had an effect for the Italians as they started to shut down Barca. The Spanish team offered just 4 points in the final 4:41 minutes of the period, while Milan’s 12 point charge handed them the lead at 16-19.

The visitors picked up their momentum right where they left it and rattled Barcelona through the start of the second to put together a 15-0 run that spanned Q1 and Q2. In the middle of the second stanza Milan were in total control of the hardwood with the scoreboard pointing towards a big away lead (18-32). The Italian contingent maintained their four point cushion for the next minute, but Barcelona woke up at the right moment to close the gap to 36-42 at the halftime buzzer.

After the long break Barcelona regained the lead only for Milan to once again find buckets with ease to charge ahead once more. The visitors carved out 43-54 and were really putting Barcelona to the sword, but it was soon to change. Whether Milan crumbled or Barca went up a gear is unknown (probably both), but the hosts flew back into the game with an 11-2 run to end the third frame. Through thirty minutes the scoreboard read 57-56 and Barca had a one point cushion.

The teams traded the lead throughout the opening minutes of the final act, but it was becoming clear that Barcelona was gaining traction. However, Milan never let up and held a 79-80 lead with seconds of the game left. The Spanish hosts responded with the last five points of the game to snatch the win, but make no mistake this was a big test for Barcelona.

Ante Tomic secured 18 points and 7 rebounds in the victory, while Mario Hezonja added 13 points, Alex Abrines 11, and Brad Oleson 10.

Daniel Hackett led the Milan charge with 21 points, 5 rebounds, and 5 assists. He was followed by Samardo Samuels with 16 points and Marshon Brooks with 11 points.

Barcelona head coach Xavi Pascual was delighted with the victory, especially the manner in which his players came back in a very tricky contest.

“First of all, congratulations to our fans, thanking them for their support. This win is for them. They helped us a lot and read the game really well, knowing that we started the game not at our best level. We missed a lot of open three-point shots and were 15 down late in the second quarter. Milan had a run, which was our most difficult moment in this game, allowing a lot of points in a short period of time. We let them get in the game and have chances to win. It was a difficult situation but thanks to our fans and hard work, we managed to change the game’s dynamic, which was completely against us. This is one of these wins that makes me happy, because it is difficult and my team deserves a lot of credit. Mario Hezonja was the first to change our scoring dynamics through his speed and outside shooting. We played a very good team and I am happy for him. Brad (Oleson) and Alex (Abrines) were able to get in the game in the second half, Ante (Tomic) played well and the hard work of everyone allowed us to win.”

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