The 1-0 lead in the semifinals comes after an incredible offensive showdown vs. Asisa Joventut (118-117)

Valencia Basket survived and matched an outstanding offensive performance by Asisa Joventut to claim the first point of this semifinal series, winning 118-117 in overtime. The home side fought back after trailing with five minutes remaining in regulation to force extra time, and Jean Montero ultimately sealed the victory with four crucial points. The visitors had two chances to win the game, both at the end of regulation and on the final shot of overtime.

Valencia Basket faced adversity early on with a left ankle injury to Reuvers and the impressive outside shooting of the green-and-black side. However, they responded with a strong run, finding their offensive rhythm and taking the lead by the end of the first quarter. Once their shooters got going, they built a small advantage, but Asisa Joventut erased it with remarkable three-point accuracy, making eight of their first ten attempts and reaching halftime shooting 10-of-14 from beyond the arc.

The orange squad managed to stay ahead thanks largely to Taylor, but two consecutive three-pointers from Hunt put Valencia Basket three points behind at the break.

The third quarter followed the same pattern, with both teams trading blows in a high-scoring battle. First Hanga, and then three triples from Parker, answered every Valencia Basket run, but a couple of key baskets allowed the home side to take a slim lead into the final quarter.

The visitors extended their advantage to eight points and entered the closing stretch ahead on the scoreboard. However, Valencia Basket tightened up defensively and relied on the talent of Jean Montero to force a tense finish. A missed bonus free throw by Hunt, a three-pointer from Pradilla, and a strong final defensive stand sent the game into overtime.

Although Ricky Rubio once again put his team in front, Taylor and Montero combined to secure the victory for Valencia Basket.

Post-game quotes: Pedro Martínez

“I experienced the game with a mix of emotions. First, there was concern, because at certain moments things weren’t going well for us. Then, as a coach, there was also a sense of enjoyment in watching such winning plays from both teams. Naturally, I’m talking about my own team and how we managed to force overtime through contributions from everyone. A three-pointer from Matt, a three-pointer from Pradilla, Montero’s plays, and Neal Sako scoring a hugely important basket when we were at our lowest point.

I was enjoying it despite the suffering that comes with the responsibility I have as a coach, because I was witnessing that winning mentality in our players—that untamed spirit, that refusal to give up. Something similar happened the other day against Bilbao, and today it happened again. You find yourself thinking, ‘This is looking really bad, this is going to be very difficult,’ and then you see that mindset, which has nothing to do with tactics. It’s the winning mentality the players possess, and as a coach I really enjoyed seeing that.

And, of course, when it comes down to a coin flip and it lands in your favor, it makes you leave much happier.”