Orange whirlwind in the second half to overpower FC Bayern Munich (90–64)

Valencia Basket completed a perfect run of four consecutive wins at the Roig Arena by defeating FC Bayern Munich by 90–64 in a game in which they had to grit their teeth to stay in it during the first half against the German team’s defense, before delivering the decisive blow in the third quarter to claim their eighth EuroLeague victory.

The Taronja team trailed for much of the first half and, although they stayed close on the scoreboard thanks to Brancou’s points in the first quarter, the visitors’ aggressive defense caused problems and allowed Bayern to take the lead. Valencia Basket found a way to match the physical intensity midway through the second quarter and hit some three-pointers to go ahead by halftime.

Valencia maintained that positive momentum at the start of the third quarter, stretching the run to 26–4 with Montero’s offensive spark first and Brancou Badio’s impact on both ends of the floor. Key’s right-knee injury cooled the atmosphere and the team, but Darius Thompson stepped up to protect the lead during Bayern’s attempt to rally, and even extended it with points from Moore to set a new game-high advantage in the final stretch.

Post-game quotes: Pedro Martínez

“I think we didn’t start the game well, but I wouldn’t say it was because of our mistakes. I think it was mostly due to their good play—they had the game very well prepared, they disrupted our rhythm, and forced us to play in the half court. We also missed some easy shots, some layups, and we turned the ball over more than we should have.

It wasn’t the same in the second half; I think in the second quarter we had quite a good reaction. We had a very good rhythm, we controlled the rebounds—both defensive and offensive—from the third quarter onward, and that allowed us to break the game open. I also think they were missing some players, and physically they felt it in the second half.

I asked Braxton how he was, and he told me he was in pain but didn’t think it was serious. But obviously tomorrow he’ll undergo whatever tests are necessary and we’ll see. What the player told me was to stay calm; we’ll see if it’s confirmed tomorrow.”