BADALONA. Joventut Badalona took another step toward the Liga Endesa Playoffs with a dominant 101-79 victory over MoraBanc Andorra at the Olímpic. The green-and-black squad delivered an outstanding offensive performance led by a brilliant Ricky Rubio, who finished with a 18 rating and came just two points short of matching his all-time scoring record in a Joventut uniform.
The game started evenly with both teams trading baskets. MoraBanc Andorra managed to compete in the opening minutes and kept the score tight at 26-25.
However, Joventut Badalona's best offensive version soon emerged. The squad coached by Dani Miret elevated the pace and began punishing from beyond the arc with remarkable accuracy.
The Penya's three-pointers completely shifted the momentum and sparked a devastating 21-3 run that pushed the home team's lead to 49-29. Ricky Rubio took control of the game, creating constant advantages and leading a far superior Joventut for much of the first half.
Just when the game seemed destined to get out of hand before halftime, MoraBanc Andorra responded. The visitors capitalized on a dip in intensity from the green-and-black squad and put together an 11-0 run that momentarily brought them back into contention.
The Andorran team cut the deficit to 49-40 and headed into halftime still with a chance after the 51-40 score at the break.
But any visiting hopes evaporated after the halftime break. Joventut Badalona regained complete control of the game's tempo and didn't allow MoraBanc Andorra to close the gap again.
The Penya maintained excellent offensive flow throughout the second half and managed a lead that kept growing, closing out the game with a convincing 101-79 final score.
Ricky Rubio once again showed flashes of tremendous quality and came just two points short of matching his best scoring performance in a green-and-black jersey, set in 2007 against Girona.
With this victory, Joventut Badalona continues strengthening its Playoff aspirations in the Liga Endesa and will now face a demanding trip to Real Madrid. For MoraBanc Andorra, the loss in Badalona was a tough one, keeping them in the uncomfortable position of the relegation zone.