Barcelona Recovers Best Form in Murcia, Moves Closer to Semifinals (68-91)

MURCIA. Just two days after suffering a tough loss to Valencia Basket at Palau Blaugrana, Barcelona responded with authority in the opening game of the ACB League quarterfinals. The blaugrana side defeated UCAM Murcia 68-91, regained home-court advantage, and will have the opportunity to close out the series this Thursday in front of their fans.

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Xavi Pascual's team built their victory from defense. After conceding 102 points in their last league game, the blaugrana offered a completely different image at the Palacio de los Deportes in Murcia, limiting Sito Alonso's side to just 30 points during the first half.

UCAM started the game better and enjoyed a small advantage in the opening minutes (10-5), but Barcelona reacted quickly. Juani Marcos and Jan Vesely helped balance the game and allowed the visitors to close the first quarter ahead (14-16).

The major turning point came in the second quarter. Darío Brizuela took on the offensive load and delivered a spectacular scoring run that changed the course of the game. The blaugrana shooting guard scored 16 points in the second quarter and led Barcelona's breakaway, reaching halftime with a solid 30-46 advantage.

After the break, the Catalan side maintained control of the game. The lead reached 19 points at the start of the second half and, although UCAM Murcia tried to react spurred on by their home crowd, they never managed to significantly reduce the gap.

The Murcia side managed to get within twelve points in the final stretch of the third quarter, but their poor shooting from beyond the arc ultimately limited any comeback attempt. Barcelona responded calmly during one of the most delicate moments of the game and once again extended their lead thanks to several plays from Juani Marcos, Joel Parra, and Will Clyburn.

With the game already decided, the blaugrana side managed their efforts during the final minutes and ended up extending the margin to the final 68-91. The victory allows Barcelona to regain home-court advantage in the series and face the second game with the possibility of sealing their passage to the semifinals in front of their fans.