For a team that is used to keeping the ball, losing possession 18 times in a game really is too much – as is conceding 81 points, but Cajasol deserve full praise from enforcing their game, after being 0-8 down early on.

Hosts make poor start

The Municipal de San Pablo court was packed for the visit of the league champions and following their defeat of Meridiano Alacant, Joan Plaza’s team were clearly confident about their chances and despite going down 0-8 at the start of the game, they ended the first quarter 22-25.

As the hosts improved, so Barça began to lose possession –giving away 11 balls before half time and their attack was also failing to work well and Urtasun did what Navarro has so often done and began to pile up the points.

Fightback cut short

Things didn’t change after the break and Urtasan continued to score freely to help take his team into a 14 point lead (60-46) into the final quarter.

Navarro and CJ Wallace managed to cut the gap with points from the 6.75 metre line, aided by Chuck Eidson (the only Barça player to get into double figures, ending with 19 points) and a very active Xavi Rabaseda.

It looked as if a reaction was still on the cards, but Plaza had insisted on his players keeping their patience and although Barça managed to get within 5 points within 32 seconds of the end (76-71), the hosts kept their cool and ran out 81-75 winners.