By Eurohoops team/ info@eurohoops.net
A lay-up by Adam Hanga with 10 seconds left that made it a two-possession affair followed by a defense that forced his opponents to a turnover sealed Barcelona’s 87 – 82 victory over Baskonia in the premiere of the 2017-2018 Spanish League.
Before the Hungarian’s basket, Barcelona newcomer Thomas Heurtel (23 points, 9 assists) had guided his team’s offense beautifully, assisted by the feats of Sasa Vezenkov (19 points, 7 rebounds).
In his return to Europe and Liga Endesa, a vintage-quality Marcelinho Huertas scored a team-high 19 points for Baskonia while also posting 6 assists and 5 rebounds. Janis Timma dropped 15 points in his Spanish league debut.
Their efforts didn’t cut it for Baskonia that gave up an 11-point lead (56-67) as their hosts assumed took control thanks to a 21-4 partial score in the first seven minutes of the fourth period for the 80 – 74 with 2:22 remaining.
The Basques fought back and once again came close to shooting range with Matt Janning’s (11 points) triple for the 82 – 80. Yet Hanga’s plays on both ends shut them down.
Hanga also contributed 11 points plus 6 rebounds, while Pau Ribas also added 11 points in his return to action after almost one year.