Photo: Barça Basket/X

FC Barcelona maintained their second position in the Turkish Airlines EuroLeague standings with a hard-fought 86-81 victory over Crvena Zvezda Meridianbet in Palau Blaugrana.

Jan Vesely sealed the win with a game-winning 2+1 play with 1:23 remaining.

Jabari Parker and Willy Hernangomez played pivotal roles, with Parker scoring a team-high 20 points and securing a crucial five-point lead in crunch time.

Parker’s overseas performance was exceptional, making 10/12 from the field in his best showing so far.

“They exploited our weaknesses all game. Well-coached, well-operated. Hats go off to the opposing team,” he reacted to the tough win with praise to the team coached by Giannis Sfairopoulos.

“I am only as good as my teammates. They help me every day. They have been patient with me,” added the veteran of eight NBA seasons and newcomer to EuroLeague. “I am happy that I am here.”