Barcelona hold off determined Belgrade for 76-65 EuroLeague win

Barcelona held off a late surge from Crvena Zvezda MTS Belgrade to prevail 76-65 in their EuroLeague match in Barcelona on Friday.

The hosts dominated from the outset, with Nikola Mirotic muscling under the basket and helping Barcelona to a 19-6 lead at the first break.

He finished the night with 23 points, while Pierre Oriola added 12 and Nick Calathes had 10.

The match was all but won by the final break, but as Barcelona switched off, Belgrade renewed their efforts and drew within nine points, before the hosts dropped a couple of simple baskets to ensure the win.

The victory sees Barcelona consolidate top spot on the EuroLeague table, still with only one loss this season, while Belgrade are 12th with a 4-6 record.

(Image Credit: AP)