The first Liga Endesa defeat comes in Granada (85-79)

Valencia Basket suffered its first defeat in the Liga Endesa after falling on the court of Covirán Granada by 85-79 in a game where the Andalusian team’s defense prevented the taronja squad from finding their offensive rhythm, while they also struggled with poor shooting accuracy in all areas. The taronja side was overwhelmed early on by a home team that rode the hot hand of Lluís Costa from beyond the arc to build a 15-0 run and take a 16-point lead, making eleven of their twelve field goals in the first quarter. Valencia managed to reduce Granada’s efficiency and, through second-chance opportunities, minimized their shooting struggles to close the gap thanks to an offensive surge from Xabi López-Arostegui, heading into halftime trailing by seven. Covirán Granada held onto its lead with accurate shooting and high defensive intensity, making it very difficult for Valencia to execute on offense and entering the final quarter with a comfortable margin. They managed to protect that lead despite Valencia finding some rhythm from three-point range in the closing minutes.

Declas Pedro Martínez

 “Congratulations to Granada for how they played. They played much better than us and clearly deserved to win the match for everything. Tactics, energy, defensive agressivity, they are the rightful winners.