Barça’s greater squad depth and an inspired Navarro allowed the team to power past Caja Laboral and win by 23 points for their 20th successive win and their second in just 14 days against the Basque team, who they beat in the Spanish Cup semi final. Navarro led the side throughout and a sparkling second half was rounded off by four three pointers in the fourth quarter from Lakovic.

Huertas takes on Barça

Both teams started well and, as expected, the scores were close through the first quarter which ended 21-19. With San Emerterio well policed by the the Barça defence, Marcelinho Huertas (12 points and a valuation of 17 in the first ten minutes) was Caja Laboral’s main threat, whilst two quick three pointers from Navarro gave early warning of what was to come.

Navarro and Barac star

Navarro continued to score the majority of Regal’s points in the second quarter, but the visitors, with Barac especially effective under the basket, never allowed them to stretch their lead out and it took a moment of magic from Sada at the end of the quarter to establish the 40-38 lead at the break.

Whirlwind start

Barça made a whirlwind start to the second half with 14 points in 4 minutes to sew up a 54-44 lead, before a five minute point drought and some Caja Laboral in attacking rebounds brought them back into the game and the quarter finished 61-54.

Lakovic finishes the game off

That 7 point lead was soon up to 13 as Lakovic hit four quick three pointers in the final quarter as the team put in a brilliant final 10 minutes to ensure the win – astonishingly, their 20th on the run.