Cory Higgins returns, hits big shot to hand Barcelona first seed in ACB playoffs / News - Basketnews.com

Credit: Zuma Press- Scanpix Credit Zuma Press- Scanpix

FC Barcelona (25-7) saw Cory Higgins return to action after three months andRio Breogan (16-16) lead by 18 (48-30) in the first half and 22 in the third quarter, but everything changed in the second half and especially in the fourth period.

Barca kept the hosts scoreless for the last four minutes of the game, taking a precious 74-72 (15-26, 15-22, 22-18, 22-6) win that secures them the first place in the ACB regular season and the home-court advantage in the playoffs.

Barcelona made a big comeback in the second half, behind a combined 13 points from Brandon Davies and Rokas Jokubaitis. Breogan managed to keep the lead, despite scoring only six points over nine minutes.

32-year-old Higgins was rehabbing after a chronic plantar fasciitis surgery he had on February 14. Nevertheless, not only did he score 8 points in his return, but he was also the man making the jump shot that gave the guests their first essential lead (73-72) with 44 seconds left and after Sergi Quintela had wasted a couple of free-throws.

However, Kalinoski stole the ball and Rahad Mahalbasic had the chance to probably hand his team the win, but his lay-up missed the target.

Barca had to capitalize on the free-throws that Nicolas Laprovittola and Brandon Davies earned. The two made only one out of four, which was still enough for Barca to come out victorious.

On a bad night for Sarunas Jasikevicius' guards, as only Jokubaitis managed to stay afloat, the Lithuanian's team struggled for the most part of the clash.

Tyler Kalinoski made sure that Barca wouldn't enjoy a night off in the first quarter. The American sniper scored 9 points in eight minutes for leading Breogan (20-14). Sergi Quintela made it 26-16 for the hosts at the buzzer, creating more problems for Saras.

Everything went smoothly for Breogan in the first half and up until the beginning of the fourth quarter, it seemed like the hosts were in for a treat. However, the Blaugrana picked up in the fourth quarter, forcingVeljko Mrsic's players to 2/16 from the field, 2/6 free-throws and 5 turnovers.

Alex Abrines scored 12 points and Brandon Davies added another 11 for the winners, while Rahad Mahalbasic and Sergi Quintela were effective only in the first 30 minutes.

Rio Breogan: Rahad Mahalbasic 11 (4/11 FG, 2/3 FT, 6 REB), Sergi Quintela 11 (3/11 FG, 4/6 FT, 5 REB, 3 AST), Tyler Kalinoski 9 (0/7 2PT SHOTS, 3/5 3PT SHOTS), Cruz 9.

FC Barcelona: Alex Abrines 12 (4/6 FG, 1/2 FT, 3 REB), Brandon Davies 11 (3/6 FG, 5/8 FT, 8 REB), Cory Higgins 8 (2/8 FG, 4/5 FT, 4 REB), Rokas Jokubaitis 8 (3/8 FG, 3 AST), Nick Calathes 7 (2/8 FG, 2/2 FT, 6 REB, 1 AST, 4 TO).

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