Barcelona took back home court advantage following an 80-64 road victory over Valencia to take a 2-1 lead in their semi-final series.
After a closely contested first ten minutes, the visitors stepped up a gear in the second as Valencia struggled to match the form that got them a deserved game two win in Catalunya. Barcelona were ruthless, and determined to gain revenge on the Eurocup finalists.
They took the second period 24-13, as Barca went to the half-time break up 40-30 to the good. It was straight sailing from there. The visitors stole Valencia’s tactic from game two by attacking the basket, something they seemed nervous about doing in their previous encounter.
In playing just 11 minutes, Juan Carlos Navarro hit 15 points to lead Barcelona, supported by 13 points from Brazilian Marcelinho Huertas.
Fellow Brazilian Vitor Faverani led Valencia with 14 points in a losing effort. Nando De Colo got 13 but struggled elsewhere around the court as they were totally outplayed.
Both teams will meet again tomorrow night.
