By Johnny Askounis/ info@eurohoops.net
FC Barcelona defeated MoraBanc Andorra, 81-72, in the preseason opener for both sides, held Thursday at Encamp, Andorra.
The first starting five of the 2021-22 season for the visitors was made out by Rokas Jokubaitis, Kyle Kuric, Sergi Martinez, Nikola Mirotic, and Barca B center Ibou Dianko Badji. Nicolas Laprovittola and Alex Abrines were sidelined.
Nigel Hayes poured 15 points and Nikola Mirotic added 12 points. Drew Crawford headed the losing side with a game-high 20 points.
Barca led most of the way and distanced itself in double-digits late. A 14-3 run to end the third period got them back in charge after trailing by six points earlier in the quarter.
The team coached by Sarunas Jasikevicius is set to extend preseason training at Andorra until Tuesday, 31 August. The next friendly fixture is against Limoges CSP on Monday.
In other prep game action on Thursday, Herbalife Gran Canaria edged Lenovo Tenerife, 70-68, with A.J. Slaughter making the deciding bucket.
Photo Credit: Barca Basket on Twitter