03.02.2011 22:06

On good course for quarters (80-56)

Anna Segura

Regal Barça have continued their good form in Europe and won their Top-16 game three at the Palau Blaugrana against Lottomatica Rome. Xavi Pascual’s side won the game with an excellent second half display.

At first glance, Lottomatica, coached by Saso Flipovski, looked the easiest of the opponents in this Euroleague group, having gone 0-2 in their first outings. But despite the difference of 24 points at the end of the game, most of it was actually extremely tight.

Cold start

Regal Barça struggled to get going, and some foolish losses of possession meant the Italians were able to keep the scores reasonably level early on. But Alan Anderson soon found his touch, and Navarro was as inspired as ever to score a three to give the Catalans a four-point lead after the first period.

Better pace

The next period saw Navarro and Anderson continue their form, joined by an excellent Perovic. 42 of the night’s points were divided between these three, and Barça ended the half with an 11-0 streak that suddenly saw them well in command at 45-36

Change of chip

But the second half saw a real surge in the Regal Barça play. The difference between the sides was extended to the extent that it became clear that the final period was going to be a mere formality. Lottomatica saw Washington, Traore and Gordic all miss chances, and by this stage there was only one team on court.

Ingles regains confidence

In the final period, some of the bench players were given their moment, including Joe Ingles, who has been suffering from a los of form. The 9 points he scored tonight will go a long way to reviving some of his confidence. Lottomatica looked to have given up by this point, and in the final period it took them 4 minutes to score their first point.

This result leaves Regal Barça 3-0 in the Top-16, and top of their group, but now it’s time to put the Euroleague behind them and concentrate on Thursday’s Copa del Rey match against Madrid.