Maccabi Elite Tel Aviv suffered this evening their 4th loss in the Euroleague Regular Season, 79-81 in Barcelona. But in spite of this loss they still finish top of Group B.
In a night when Anthony Parker scores only 6 pts (1-9 FG), Maccabi makes 2-12 in three pointers and Barcelona pull down 22 offensive rebounds, it was almost impossible to expect Maccabi to win. But it was very close.
Maccabi played brilliantly in the first period (25-13). The second was bad and Barcelona won it 22-9 and led 35-34 at half time. At the end of the third Barcelona held a 57-55 lead.
Three minutes and 10 seconds from time the hosts were 73-66 up. But then Saras connected with Maccabi's first three pointer and Deon Thomas added two free throws and made the score 73-72. Grimau 75-72 and Baston 75-74. Saras fouled out with 2:10 to go. Fucka made one free throw and Thomas evened the score (76-76) with two free throws with 53 seconds from time. Bodiroga was left open and with 36 seconds left he connected with a three pointer 79-76.
Sharp tried a three pointer but missed. Bodiroga brought the ball up the court when Sharp came from behind with a great steal. The ball got to Tal Burstein and with 8 seconds to go he made it 79-79. But Barcelona had the final say. De la Puente missed his shot but Fucka tipped it in with a second on the clock to ensure Barcelona second place.
Maccabi were victims of some bad calls by the referees in a game marred by hostile atmosphere including the apperance on court of a spectator waving the Palestinian flag.
Maccabi made only 50% in 2 pts FG and 17% in 3 pts. Barcelona dominated the rebound 49-32.