Hard-fought win to open the Liga Endesa second leg vs. Baxi Manresa (112-96)

Valencia Basket secured a hard-fought victory against Baxi Manresa by 112-96 to open the second leg of the Liga Endesa season. In a game where they made fewer three-pointers than usual, Valencia compensated by scoring through their big men (21 points from Costello and 15 from Pradilla) and a fast-paced third quarter that gave them a lead they managed to protect despite Manresa hitting 17 three-pointers. The first half saw alternating runs, with Valencia building a small advantage at the end of the first quarter that vanished in the second, when the Catalan team made seven three-pointers. However, Valencia Basket found their shooting rhythm in the final three minutes of the first half, taking a two-point lead into the break. After halftime, Valencia stepped up their defense, turning it into a 18-0 run that extended their lead. Manresa, however, kept fighting, with Steinbergs’ three-pointers and Alston’s points, but Stefan Jovic controlled the game intelligently to prevent any close comeback. The offensive machine continued to run smoothly for Valencia, sealing their 14th win of the Liga Endesa season.