Despite trailing and having scored just 25 points at half time, Barcelona kept their perfect record in the Top16 phase, by winning 65-74.
In the first half Barcelona picked up where they left in Copa ACB anf with Anderson firing away, took a fast 4-8 lead. Home team reacted and with a 7-2 run took the lead, 11-10. The first quarter ended with a 14-14 tie.
Neither of the teams couldn’t find their way to the opponent’s basket, wit Barcelona needing more than three minutes into the second quarter to score. With another run Roma started pulling away, 25-21. The difference grew even larger, but Barcelona players kept it close, with 27-25 being the final score of half time.
Two minutes into the second half and Roma pulled away by eight points, forcing Pascual to ask for a time-out. Barcelona players were still unable to score while the Italians were building on the difference, 43-30. With two back-to-back threepointers by Rubio and Navarro Barcelona came closer, 43-36. Barcelona tried everything to contain Roma and turn the game around, including run and gun and zone defense, but with little result as Roma kept the lead 51-46 after thirty minutes.
Barcelona went all in in the last quarter, fielding their best offensive players. After tying the game at 53 all, the away team never looked back. The difference kept growing in Barcelona’ favour and reached seven points, 58-65. Euroleague champions went up with as much as double digit difference, before the final score, 65-74.
After Week 4 of Euroleague Top16, both Barcelona and Maccabi Tel Aviv are mathematically in the play-offs.
Roma: Gigli 4, Smith 6, Washington 6, Crosariol 7, Datome 15, Djedovic 5, Gordic 12, Dasic 10
Barcelona: Sada 2, Rubio 9, Lakovic 7, Navarro 19, Perovic 5, Vazquez 2, Ingles, Ndong 9, Morris, Lorbek 6, Anderson 15, Grimau
