FCBARCELONA.CAT

26.09.2008 21:00

Barça suffer late defeat (73-70)

Roger Bogunyà

Regal Barça came so close to victory in the semi-final of the Supercopa ACB, but in the fourth quarter only managed to score four points and that saw them succumb to defeat.

Going into the last period there was still everything to play for after the Blaugrana had come back from a 12 point deficit in the second quarter. Nerves were the key in the closing minutes and it was TAU that were triumphant. Despite that, there were positives to be taken with Regal Barça impressing with their overall display and have shown that they have what it takes to challenge and beat any team at the start of the season.

TAU make good start

Despite Barça taking an early lead (6-8), the Basque Country outfit quickly bounced back and gained an advantage. McDonald did a lot of the damage in the paint as he netted seven of his team’s first ten points. Vázquez, decisive in attack, made the visitors defence have to work hard. The American’s good play allied with Rakocevic’s performance, as he netted the first triples, saw TAU take a 12 point lead over their visitors (21-9).

Triples fly in from sides

The Blaugrana bounced back in the second quarter. While Dusko Ivanovic’s side controlled the rhythm of the game, Regal Barça responded well from around the three point line. Ilyasova and Navarro were the main protagonists of the reversal of the Catalan team’s comeback (27 points in the second period) and consequent quest for victory. Pascual added points for TAU towards the end to keep them two in front at half-time (43-41).

Exchange of baskets excites the supporters

In the third quarter things were very even, very intense and very exciting. The fans inside the arena in Zaragoza thoroughly enjoyed themselves as the two teams continued to exchange points. TAU showed that they are very strong with triple throws (eight from the first 13 attempts), while Xavi Pascual’s side produced some scintillating basketball and showed how strong they can be in every area of the court. Despite the number of baskets scored, the defences also played very well and did not make things easy at all for the forwards. The scoreboard continued to move upwards and at the end of the third quarter things were deadlocked at 66-66.

Few points in fourth quarter

Things changed dramatically in the fourth quarter. Regal Barça began the strongest and, while things remained tight, the visitors were showing that they were pushing for the victory by taking a 67-70 lead. A triple drew TAU level and then a foul on McDonald saw them take a two-point lead that Barça were unable to respond to and that meant that they were facing defeat. There was one final chance on the break, but the Blaugrana could not take it and TAU claimed the win.