HOME·News Archive· Maccabi let it slip in 86-88 loss to Barcelona
Maccabi Playtika Tel Aviv suffered a heartbreaking loss on Thurday, giving away a 16-point lead and losing 86-88 against Barcelona in Aleksandar Nikolic Hall in Belgrade. The yellows fell to a 4-10 record in the EuroLeague, with the Tel Aviv Derby awaiting on Sunday.
For many minutes, Oded Kattash's team looked on its way to a big result. Maccabi brought energy, gave a great effort, and frustrated the Catalans. After a shaky start, that energy led to a 12-0 run that propelled the Maccabees to a half time lead.
The yellows kept going after the interval with another 9-0 run, and at one point even outscored Barca 27-4 between the second and third quarters. But led by stars Kevin Punter and Jabari Parker, who each scored 18 points, and a career night by Justin Anderson, Barcelona roared back and held on in the closing seconds.
Jaylen Hoard had another marvelous performance with 20 points, while Tamir Blatt contributed a 14-points, 10-assists double-double. Levi Randolph chipped in with 12 points.