MURCIA. Barcelona stumbled again in the Liga Endesa and confirmed it is going through its most difficult moment of the season. The 84-83 loss to UCAM Murcia at the Palacio de los Deportes marks the third defeat in just eight days for a team that, after a promising start under Xavi Pascual, has lost solidity both physically and tactically.
Barcelona suffered again against a well-coached UCAM Murcia side under Sito Alonso, who punished every Barcelona lapse.
The loss was especially painful in how it unfolded. Barcelona led the scoreboard for 39 minutes and 47 seconds, but a three-pointer by Nakic gave the hosts their first—and decisive—lead (84-83) on the final scoring play of the game. On Barcelona's final possession, the visitors came up empty again: Kevin Punter's three-point attempt missed.
Beyond that final shot, there were crucial details. Jan Vesely missed two crucial free throws and Barcelona finished the game shooting 12 of 21 from the line, a burden too heavy to compete confidently in such a tight finish.
Neither controlling the game for long stretches nor individual talent was enough to sustain Barcelona, which continues to show problems closing out games.
Xavi Pascual's team is going through a complex moment and is beginning to pay the price for a lack of consistency in its play, especially in tight finishes.