Barcelona beats Hapoel 93-90 in Sofia to extend its EuroLeague winning streak to four games, with Dario Brizuela leading the visitors with 22 points.
The Catalan side improved to 7-3 after another important road victory, overcoming an early double-digit deficit and surviving a late comeback attempt. Justin Robinson added 20 points and six assists, while Josh Nebo recorded a double-double with 12 points and 10 rebounds.
Brizuela delivered his biggest contribution in the third quarter, scoring 12 points as Barcelona turned a nine-point deficit into a commanding lead. The visitors produced a decisive 20-2 run to take control after Hapoel had dictated much of the opening half.
Hapoel started strongly, with Vasilije Micic helping the hosts build a 10-point advantage after just over five minutes. Barcelona missed all eight of its three-point attempts in the opening quarter but stayed close by collecting eight offensive rebounds.
Robinson helped Barcelona erase the deficit in the second period, scoring 10 points and hitting a three-pointer at the buzzer. The teams went into halftime tied at 46 before Hapoel rebuilt a nine-point lead in the third quarter.
Brizuela then sparked Barcelona’s response, helping the visitors establish a double-digit advantage heading into the final period.
Hapoel refused to go away, making a late push after trailing by nine points with 90 seconds remaining. Micic hit a crucial three-pointer and Elijah Bryant added two free throws, bringing the hosts within reach.
Bryant finished with 25 points, while Micic recorded 24 points and seven assists. Dan Oturu added 11 points, seven rebounds and five steals, but Micic’s final three-point attempt rimmed out as Barcelona held on.
Kevin Punter had an unusually quiet night, scoring nine points on 2-of-12 shooting, but Barcelona received enough production elsewhere. Tosan Evbuomwan contributed eight points, seven rebounds and four assists as the visitors improved to 7-3.
Barcelona visits Panathinaikos on Friday, November 13, while Hapoel faces city rival Maccabi Tel Aviv on Thursday, November 12.
