Barça have moved above .500 in the league after securing their third victory in five games, defeating Casademont Zaragoza 99-81. Led by an outstanding Juan Núñez, who delivered his best performance in a Barça jersey with 23 points, Sekulic’s team claimed their second consecutive win and regained confidence.
After returning to winning ways in the EuroLeague in Milan, the Blaugrana came back home determined to give the Palau crowd something to celebrate. However, Zaragoza controlled the opening minutes thanks to the combination of Vives at point guard and Birutis in the paint (7-13). Barça responded through the contributions of their second unit.
Juan Núñez, who saw increased playing time with Robinson resting, and a returning Darío Brizuela, who had missed the previous games, combined for 15 points during a strong stretch for the home side, allowing Barça to finish the first quarter ahead (24-21).
After a low-scoring start to the second quarter, Juan Núñez produced another outstanding stretch. The point guard excelled offensively, including from beyond the arc, showing confidence in his shot and knocking down two consecutive three-pointers as the defense gave him space (30-24), taking his tally to 13 points.
Nkamhoua joined the party with five consecutive points, while three-pointers from Minaya and Brizuela helped Barça finish the first half strongly (48-40).
The Blaugrana were even better coming out of the locker room. Two three-pointers from Gibson and four points from Nebo sparked a 14-0 run, extending the lead to 62-40 and seemingly putting Barcelona on course for a comfortable victory.
However, Zaragoza refused to surrender so early. The visitors managed to reduce the deficit by the end of the third quarter (72-57), although Barça still held a comfortable advantage.
Perhaps that was why Barcelona started the final quarter so poorly. The Blaugrana switched off, believing the game was already won when it was far from over.
Zaragoza went on a 17-2 run, cutting the deficit to just five points (74-69). Sekulic turned once again to Juan Núñez, who restored stability and composure to the team at a crucial moment.
Led by Núñez, who set career highs in both points (23) and performance index rating (22), both with Barça and in his Liga Endesa career, Barcelona managed to regain control of the game.
The point guard was the Blaugrana’s standout performer, alongside Nkamhoua and an impressive Minaya, whose two three-pointers helped restore a double-digit lead.
Brizuela continued to regain his rhythm and confidence following his injury, while Barça were able to celebrate an important victory in front of their home fans.
Box score
Barça 99-81 Zaragoza
Barça: Gibson 8, Punter 6, Martin 2, Evbuomwan 4, Balcerowski 2 (starting five); Umude 2, Brizuela 14, Ubal 3, Nkamhoua 14, Núñez 23, Minaya 9, Nebo 12.
Zaragoza: Vives 9, Jaworski 6, Blumbergs 11, Miguel González 5, Birutis 12 (starting five); Olaseni 18, Javi García 0, Homesley 0, Brussino 15, Jaime Fernández 0, Sergi Garcia 5, Alías 0.
Quarter scores: 24-21, 24-19, 24-17, 27-24.
Referees: Luis Miguel Castillo, Vicente Martínez, Igor Esteve.
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