Barcelona needed every second to overcome Sharjah and claim the inaugural Dubai International Basketball Junior Championship, earning a thrilling 72-70 victory in the final on Monday night at American University in Dubai.
Following a clutch 3-pointer by Sharjah to even the score at 70 apiece with 8.9 seconds left in regulation, the stage was set for Barcelona’s game-winner.
Isaac Mayo seized the opportunity, delivering a baseline drive for a layup with 0.8 seconds remaining to beat the clock and the local side for the title.
“First of all, we had to get the ball in,” Barcelona coach Xavi Pardina said, explaining the final play he drew up. “Then, one of the two point guards had to attack the rim and if the defence closed, pass.
“We passed it in the corner and the player in the corner attacked and made the basket. It turned out to be just perfect.”
Barcelona needed the full 40 minutes to put away Sharjah, who were ahead after each of the first three quarters.
– Baskteball: Pacquiao to feature for Mahindra Enforcers in Dubai
– Boxing: What is next for Floyd Mayweather and Andre Berto?
– Vuelta: Degenkolb wins final stage as Fabio Aru seals overall title
Barcelona’s first lead didn’t come until late in the fourth quarter, when they pushed ahead 60-58 with fewer than five minutes remaining on the clock.
To contest Sharjah’s size advantage, the international squad utilised a half-court press to force turnovers, leading to quick baskets in transition.
While Sharjah’s offence ran through Abdealrahem Mohamed, who scored a game-high 23 points, Barcelona’s balanced scoring saw 11 players register points.
The young team from Spain also defeated international side Partizan from Serbia in the semi-finals 85-82 earlier in the day and will return home improved from their Dubai experience.
“For us, it’s a perfect tournament because we had to play hard every match,” Pardina said.
“It’s very good we were here because when we go back to Catalonia, we play against players at the same level and we improved more.”
