Maccabi loses 74:58 to Barcelona on the road

Coach Spahija’s starting five: Wilbekin, Kane, Roll, O’Bryant and Tyus. Kane was the first to score at the beginning of the game but Claver and Tomic reacted for the Catalans (4:3). Wilbekin and Cohen capitalized on the offensive end to give Maccabi the 4:7 lead, but this time Singleton giving Barcelona the lead (9:7). Claver scored a transition three to put the hosts ahead 16:11 forcing coach Spahija to call for a timeout. Tyus scored a free throw but Hanga scored both of his to finish the first quarter with the hosts having the 18:12 lead.

Tyus scored at the beginning of the second quarter, Kuric scored from deep but Caloiaro answered right back with a corner three (21:17).  Tyus brought Maccabi to within a striking distance but Barcelona kept their composure en route of a 25:19 lead. O’Bryant and Ray completed a 5:0 run forcing coach Pesic to call for a timeout with the scoreboard showing 25:24. O’Bryant and Kane gave Maccabi the 28:31 lead with just under three minutes remaining in the first half. Claver and Tomic scored for the hosts who took back the 32:31 lead, Tyus scored a high post jumper but Claver had the final say in the first half having the 34:33 edge.

The locals started the third quarter with a 10:2 run (44:35) forcing coach Spahija to call for a timeout. Claver increased Barca’s lead to 48:35, Maccabi tried to comeback but Heurtel and Kuric kept Maccabi at a safety distance as the scoreboard showed 56:40. Kuric made sure Barcelona will finish the third quarter on a high note having the 59:40 lead.

Roll was the first to score at the beginning of the fourth quarter but Seraphin reacted with four points to put the Catalans ahead 63:42 forcing coach Spahija to call for a timeout. Heurtel’s floater was answered with back to back three by Roll and Caloiaro (67:50) with just over five minutes remaining in the game. John-Di scored a corner three pointer to trim Barca’s lead to 69:55 but the locals reacted again as they secured the 74:58 win.