Laprovittola, Mirotic fuel dominant Barca past ASVEL / News - Basketnews.com

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

FC Barcelona (17-5) got back to the winning path when they hosted LDCL ASVEL Villeurbanne (9-13) on Thursday night. The Catalans cruised past ASVEL 84-71 (28-17, 17-13, 23-20, 16-21) at Palau Blaugrana in front of Tony Parker and Pep Guardiola.

Player of the Game EFF 20 Nikola Mirotic Points 16 Accuracy 5-11 Rebounds 7 Assists 0

Barca came strong from the first minute, arranging a 10-2 spurt. Nikola Mirotic and Nicolas Laprovittola scored 5 points apiece.

Even though ASVEL cut their deficit to 4 points in the mid-first period (13-17), Sarunas Jasikevicius' men answered with a 9-0 push on their own to create a 13-point lead (26-13). Rokas Jokubaitis initiated the run.

Balanced team effort-led Barcelona maintained their solid advantage throughout the whole second quarter and both clubs went into the break, while Catalans were in front by 15 points (45-30).

Nikola Mirotic and Nicolas Laprovittola continued Barca's domination in the third period, building the lead up to 23 points (68-45). The last 10 minutes were a mere formality.

Nicolas Laprovittola was the top scorer for Catalans, posting 20 points (4/5 2PT, 4/7 3PT), 1 assist, 1 steal, 1 turnover, and 16 PIR.

"We know ASVEL is a team that fights very well for the whole game, so we expected some reaction. But we were solid in the third quarter. We controlled the game. We controlled their best players and I think we played a very good game. I am feeling great now with this team, with my teammates, with this coach," spoke the Argentinian guard.

Nikola Mirotic added 16 points (3/5 2PT, 2/6 3PT, 4/4 FT), 7 rebounds, 1 steal, 1 block, 2 turnovers, and 20 PIR.

"We're happy to win. It's not easy. We're coming off an emotional win. It was important not to have a letdown. I thought the guys took it seriously. We tried to rotate everybody. I think it hurt a little bit our rhythm, but overall we have to be happy. I think players look better and better every day. I hope they can keep improving," said Sarunas Jasikevicius post-game.

Youssoupha Fall was the bright spot for ASVEL, recording 20 points (8/10 2PT, 4/4 FT), 7 rebounds, 1 steal, and 30 PIR.

"Tough game. Like I said in the beginning, this is a really good team. Our team fought today and they showed a good image at the end of the game," commented Tony Parker.

Barcelona:Nicolas Laprovittola 20, Nikola Mirotic 16 (7 REB), Brandon Davies 11 (3 REB, 3 AST), Dante Exum 9.

ASVEL: Youssoupha Fall 20 (7 REB), Elie Okobo 17 (8 AST), Kostas Antetokounmpo 9.

Highlights

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