Win streak stays alive: Miraculous comeback lifts Barca over UNICS in OT drama / News - Basketnews.com

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

After being down by as many as 20 points and an incredible comeback in the fourth quarter, the shorthanded FC Barcelona (15-2) edged out UNICS Kazan (10-7) in overtime, extending their winning streak at the Turkish Airlines EuroLeague to nine, winning 111-109 (27-28, 10-18, 20-28, 37-20, 17-15).

Player of the Game EFF 26 Nikola Mirotic Points 28 Accuracy 6-13 Rebounds 3 Assists 1

Five straight points by Rokas Jokubaitis and a 3-pointer by Nikola Mirotic cut Barca's deficit to 12 (69-81). Isaiah Canaan responded with a three of his own, shushing the Catalan crowd (84-69). After Canaan's gesture, the fans were electric, sparking an 11-0 Barcelona run, as UNICS' lead was down to four (84-88).

Lorenzo Brown missed a 3-pointer but made up for it by picking Nicolas Laprovittola's pocket and slamming the ball in transition (90-84). Jokubaitis made a layup on the other end, Mirotic converted two free throws, and Barca came within two (88-90).

John Brown hit two free throws for UNICS, but Kyle Kuric answered with a 3-pointer (91-92). Lorenzo Brown converted both shots at the charity stripe to give his team a three-point cushion with 25 seconds to go (94-91). But Mirotic drew a foul while attempting a 3-pointer, making all three free throws and tying the game at 94, sending it to overtime.

Mario Hezonja was awarded his fifth foul in overtime. However, UNICS held a two-point lead (102-100). Mirotic fouled out shortly afterward, but Barcelona went up by one as the final minute approached (105-104).

Sertac Sanli missed the second free throw in crunch time, but Rolands Smits grabbed an offensive rebound, leading to a layup by Jokubaitis (108-106). After the timeout, Isaiah Canaan drew a foul while shooting a three but missed the first two free throws and made the third with 14 seconds to go (107-108).

Jokubaitis made both free throws on the other end, but Lorenzo Brown answered likewise with 6.1 seconds remaining (109-110). Kyle Kuric missed the first free throw for Barca but made the second (111-109). Lorenzo Brown had a chance to win it for UNICS, but his last-second 3-pointer was off, as Barcelona celebrated an incredible victory.

FC Barcelona / Schedule

Panathinaikos Athens FC Barcelona82-85 FC Barcelona UNIKS Kazan111-109

In addition to winning their fourth overtime game this season, Barcelona achieved their all-time single-game scoring record in the EuroLeague. Their previous highest score was 107, recorded in the 2015-16, and 2017-18 seasons.

Barca also tied two EuroLeague records tonight. They converted 42 free throws, which was last achieved more than 13 years ago. Panathinaikos OPAP Athens hit the same number of free throws at the 2006-07 season, the same as Cibona Zagreb (2006-07 season) and Maccabi Tel Aviv (2003-04 season).

With 15 wins and 2 losses, Barca tied the best first-round start since the new format was introduced in the EuroLeague. Only Fenerbahce Istanbul were able to win as many games in the 2018-19 season.

"First of all, I didn't see it [coming], if you want to ask me," Jasikevicius said post-game. "You are just trying to put a little bit of doubt in the team's minds in this type of situation and hopefully something happens. And it did happen for us. It is a small win that you try to get during the season and I am glad we had it."

After having a solid first-half performance, UNICS continued to dominate after halftime, as Barcelona committed turnover after turnover to start the third quarter. UNICS capitalized, with Lorenzo Brown nailing a 3-pointer and increasing his team's lead to new heights (60-43). Hezonja piled on another deep shot to extend their lead to 20 (71-51).

Barcelona played without Cory Higgins, Alex Abrines, Nick Calathes, Nigel Hayes-Davis, and Sergi Martinez tonight.

Nikola Mirotic led Barcelona once again, finishing with 28 points (3/6 2PT, 3/7 3PT, 13/13 FT), 3 rebounds, 1 assist, 1 steal, 2 turnovers, 5 fouls, and 26 PIR.

He was ecstatic after the game: "Such an amazing win! We have been down all the game but in the end, we came with some amazing stops, our crowd helped us a lot, so it is a huge win before a little Christmas break. We struggled all season with injuries and everything, but this team is fighting and everybody is stepping up."

Lorenzo Brown was stellar for UNICS. He ended with 27 points (4/9 2PT, 4/10 3PT, 7/8 FT), 9 assists, 7 rebounds, 2 steals, 4 turnovers, and a career-high 33 PIR.

Barcelona: Nikola Mirotic 28, Kyle Kuric 24 (5 REB), Rokas Jokubaitis 15, Dante Exum 13, Nicolas Laprovittola 12 (8 AST), Rolands Smits 8 (6 REB), Sertac Sanli 5 (6 REB).

UNICS: Lorenzo Brown 27 (9 AST, 7 REB), John Brown 21 (5 REB), Isaiah Canaan 20, Mario Hezonja 18, Tonye Jekiri 10 (6 REB), O.J. Mayo 6.

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