Demanding test for Valencia Basket on Bàsquet Girona’s court 

Valencia Basket men’s team faces its third consecutive away game as they visit Bàsquet Girona’s court (Sunday the 19th, 18:00, Fontajau, DAZN) in a matchup corresponding to Round 27 of the Liga Endesa. 

After securing second place in the EuroLeague on Friday with a win over Dubai Basketball, the “taronja” side puts its strong run of results on the line against a team that has been solid at home (holding the best home record among teams in the bottom half of the standings) and that, in its last game at Fontajau, seriously challenged league leaders Real Madrid.

Pedro Martínez’s players will try to recover as much energy as possible for a game between two teams that play at a very high pace, are the top two in three-pointers made in the competition, and also lead in assists. 

Although the head-to-head record slightly favors Valencia Basket, games in this new era in Girona have always been close, with none decided by more than six points. In the first-round meeting at the Roig Arena, Valencia won 98–72.

Although he is already training with the rest of the team, Sergio De Larrea has not yet returned to the squad after the Bosnia game but could do so tomorrow, for which Xabi López-Arostegui is the only confirmed absence. 

Valencia Basket begins this round in second place with a 20–6 record.

Matt Costello pre-game quotes:

Playing in Girona is always very, very difficult. Especially, they're in a good moment right now where they've... I think they're going for the record in ACB for number of wins with like 8 rounds left. So, they're a very good team. And we have to come prepared and ready for a battle. They play a similar style to us where it's up and down a lot. And we have to match their energy. Otherwise, it's going to be difficult for us. We've done pretty well this year, trying to stay consistent. I think that gives credit to coach. But also, having a roster of guys that are all capable to play at any moment. So, going on Sunday, tomorrow. I think we're going to be prepared mentally and physically for this game.

Rosters

ÁRBITROS: Rafael Serrano - Javier Torres - Ariadna Chueca