Badalona, Ante Tomic strike great comeback win vs. Barcelona in the Catalan derby / News - Basketnews.com

Joventut Badalona came up big in the fourth quarter to grab a big win over Catalan rivals FC Barcelona.

Credit: ACB Credit ACB

Joventut Badalona were trailing for the most part, but ultimately managed to bend FC Barcelona 82-79 (20-26, 18-21, 24-19, 20-13) and improve their ACB record to 4-4.

On the other hand, the guests dropped to 6-2, suffering an unexpected loss, especially in the way the game was unfolding for them.

Although Barca ended up winning last season's semi-final series 3-1, Joventut gave them a run for their money, racking up wins in both regular season games. The scenario repeated itself on Sunday night, when Barca appeared without Nikola Mirotic, Sergi Martínez, Kyle Kuric and Mike Tobey.

At half-time, Barcelona were up by nine (47-38) behind 12 points from Jan Vesely. As time passed, La Penya endured Barca's pressure to stay within reach.

Guillem Vives sank two free throws to put his team up by five (81-76). Laprovittola missed the three-point shot that could have brought Barca closer, but Ante Tomic did the same with two free throws. Cory Higgins failed to score from distance, but Laprovittola was there to take advantage of Joel Parra's turnover and make a huge dagger with some help from the glass (81-79).

Vives couldn't hold the ball on the court after Badalona had inbounded it. Barcelona got a new life, but Higgins missed again from distance in what could have been a game-winning shot.

Pau Ribas and Ante Tomic put up 16 points apiece for Carles Duran's team.

The Catalan guard went 5/8 from the field and 5/5 FT, while adding 3 rebounds and as many assists. The Crotian center also registered 7 rebounds and 3 dimes. Joel Parra logged another 14 points for Joventut (5/5 2PT SHOTS), while Kyle Guy and Andres Feliz chipped in with 10 points each.

Nicolas Laprovittola amassed 19 points on 5/8 from the field and 6/6 from the charity stripe. Jan Vesely finished with 14 points (6/9 FG, 2/2 FT) and 4 turnovers, while Oscar da Silva added 12 (4/4 FG, 2/2 FT).

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