Nikola Mirotic's big night fuels Barcelona win over Crvena Zvezda / News - Basketnews.com

Credit: Rodolfo Molina/Euroleague Basketball via Getty Images Credit Rodolfo Molina/Euroleague Basketball via Getty Images

Top of the league side Barcelona (19-5) got another home win and defeated Serbian club Crvena Zvezda (11-13) with great performances from Nikola Mirotic and Dante Exum. The final scorer was 82-70 (22-15, 25-17, 18-19, 17-19).

Free throws this season

73%12,6Points made:12,6Accuracy:72,6%Place in standings:8Record max:21Record min:4Most made FTs:Nikola KalinicTeamEuroLeagueStatisticsSchedule

In the end, Barcelona's defense got the job done and the Catalan side extended the lead to twelve points to win the game (82-70).

Zvezda started the fourth quarter on an 8-2 run and cut the deficit to eight points (53-65), Nikola Ivanovic was impressive in the final quarter, scoring 11 points and becoming Zvezda's main offensive threat.

On the other hand, Barca relied more and more on Dante Exum, who replied with 11 points on his own, constantly driving to the basket and putting pressure on Zvezda's defense.

Rolands Smits scored 8 points early in the third quarter but after that quick spark, Barcelona struggled a bit offensively, while Zvezda started to climb back a little to make the game more interesting. With some precious baskets made by Stefan Markovic and Aaron White, the Serbian side finished the third period down by 14 (51-65).

Brandon Davies was the one to step up in the second quarter with 10 points, often fed by Rokas Jokubaitis, who had 4 assists in the second period. Ognjen Dobric and Luka Mitrovic tried to keep their team alive despite Barcelona's excellent offensive night. Coach Jasikevicius' side were leading by 15 at the half (47-32).

In the first quarter, Nikola Mirotic was virtually unstoppable for Crvena Zvezda's defense. The former NBA player didn't miss a single shot and finished the first 10 minutes with 13 points. Nick Calathes added four points and three assists in the first quarter. The Catalan side were leading by 7 at the end of the first period (22-15).

Nikola Mirotic was the top scorer for Barcelona with 19 points (7/7 2PT, 1/3 3PT, 2/2 FT), 4 rebounds, 1 assist, and 20 PIR.

For Crvena Zvezda, the top scorer was Ognjen Dobric with 17 points (3/6 2PT, 2/4 3PT, 5/6 FT), 2 assists, 1 rebound, and 16 PIR.

Barcelona: Nikola Mirotic 19, Dante Exum 13, Brandon Davies 12, Rokas Jokubaitis 10 (5 AST).

Crvena Zvezda: Ognjen Dobric 17, Nikola Ivanovic 13.

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