By Alex Molina / info@eurohoops.net
The clash between Barça and Partizan was special.
And in the end, logic prevailed, and the home team got the victory and a 14-7 record, which resulted in a three-way tie in second spot of the EuroLeague standings with Valencia and Monaco.
Barça had no problems defeating the Serbian side 88-70 in what was the return of Joan Peñarroya, Jabari Parker, and Nick Calathes to Palau Blaugrana, which gave a very warm welcome to them.
Having his best game after returning from his injury, Jan Vesely finished the game as Barça’s second top scorer: his 14 were only bested by Willy Hernangómez’s 16. Toko Shengelia also had a great game with 13 points.
Only Duane Washington (18) finished in double digits for the away team, who have yet to show signs of improvement after Obradovic’s departure, dropping to 6-15.
And all this despite an excellent start from Partizan. After finishing the first quarter leading 20-13, it looked like the “Grobaris” were down for a fight… but it was all an illusion.
Barça proved why it’s one of the best teams in Europe, and by halftime, Xavi Pascual’s team was already ahead (41-35).
Things didn’t change much after the break, as the local lead kept getting bigger and bigger.
Starting the fourth quarter with a 12-point advantage (62-50) was all Barça needed, as the home team kept things under control until the end.