Maccabi hand Barcelona first defeat in basketball's Euro League

JERUSALEM, Oct. 28 (Xinhua) -- Israeli champions Maccabi Tel Aviv notched an impressive 85-68 home win over Spanish champions FC Barcelona in the seventh round of basketball's Euro League on Thursday evening.

It was Barcelona's first loss in the tournament after six straight wins, while Maccabi now have five wins in seven games.

Maccabi dominated the first quarter, which ended 31-18, thanks to points by Derrick Williams, Scottie Wilbekin and Jalen Reynolds.

James Nunnally and Keenan Evans lifted the home team 45-24 ahead in the 26th minute and ended the half 56-36 up.

Nicola Mirotic led Barcelona to an 8-0 run early in the third quarter, and later the gap was cut to 65-54 at the end of the quarter with key points by Cory Higgins.

A strong team defense and significant offensive contribution by Wilbekin raised Maccabi to 74-58, and the Israeli side held on for a comfortable win.

Nunnally scored a team-high 17 points for Maccabi, with Wilbekin adding 16 more.

Higgins led the Barcelona scorers with a game-high 20 points. Mirotic added 17 points.

Barcelona will play their next game in Italy against Olimpia Milano on November 4, while Maccabi will face Saski Baskonia in Spain the following evening.