Laprovittola's long-distance recital topples Baskonia, brings Barcelona to the ACB top / News - Basketnews.com

Credit: Zuma Press - Scanpix Credit Zuma Press - Scanpix

EuroLeague leaders FC Barcelona (18-4) reached the ACB League top as well, thanks to a resounding 96-77 (22-16, 20-15, 25-21, 29-15) triumph over Bitci Baskonia (12-11) in Vitoria.

FC Barcelona / Schedule

FC Barcelona Coosur Real Betis Seville83-63 Bitci Baskonia Vitoria-Gasteiz FC Barcelona77-96 FC Barcelona Herbalife Gran Canaria Las PalmasSun17:30

The Blaugrana are now over Real Madrid in the standings, as Pablo Laso's team present an 18-5 balance. Baskonia, who decided not to sign after Peters' injury and Nnoko's departure from the team, played without Jayson Granger, which didn't allow them to be competitive in the long run.

The Catalans managed to avenge their 91-78 home loss to Neven Spahija's team in the first round. Nicolas Laprovittola was the game's ultimate star, as the Argentinean guard went for 24 points and 8/11 on three-point shots.

Nick Calathes distributed 13 assists in 21 minutes of play and already had 9 at halftime. The Greek guard scored only two points but grabbed 7 rebounds.

In sharp contrast, Wade Baldwin was held down to only one point, as the American guard went 0/4 from the field in 17 minutes, while dishing out 4 assists.Laprovittola's great start with four three-pointers gave Barca an 18-6 lead, although Baskonia immediately cut down the deficit (16-22). However, from the second quarter onwards it was all Barcelona, as the visitors kept scoring from the perimeter and found open looks from every point and angle on the court.Rolands Smits took good advantage of his minutes, scoring 12 points and adding 5 rebounds, while Brandon Davies and Nikola Mirotic also scored in double figures for the Catalan side.

Laprovittola was retired only after his eighth dagger in the game, which signaled a new personal record for the 32-year-old guard. In appreciation of his player's performance, Sarunas Jasikevicius took a bow in front of him, before shaking his hand.

FC Barcelona: Nicolas Laprovittola 24 (8/11 3PT SHOTS), Brandon Davies 15 (6/8 FG, 3/3 FT), Nikola Mirotic 14 (6/11 FG), Rolands Smits 12 (5/8 FG, 5 REB).

Bitci Baskonia: Simone Fontecchio 19 (8/15 FG, 2/2 FT, 5 REB), Matt Costello 16 (6/10 FG, 3/3 FT, 4 REB), Alec Peters 11 (4/8 FG, 4 REB), Steven Enoch 10 (9 REB).

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