By Eurohoops team/ info@eurohoops.net
Crvena Zvezda got a big triumph in Spain, beating Valencia 86 – 82 after a great comeback in the fourth quarter. The “Taronja” crisis continues since that was their eighth consecutive defeat in EuroLeague.
Dusan Alimpijevic’s men improved to a 5-7 record with 3 victories in a row and remain close to the playoff spots. Valencia is still winless against the Serbian team.
After a high scoring first quarter (26 – 22), Crvena Zvezda went into a 7 – 0 run to take its biggest lead of the half. The guests had a great defensive second quarter while continuing scoring after collecting offensive rebounds. Yet after they took a 11-point advantage, Valencia cut the lead. The hosts were trailing just 42 – 40 at the break.
Valencia was better starting the third quarter but the guests were finding gaps in the paint. Fernando San Emeterio and the Spanish champions started running the floor to take a 56 – 63 lead with ten minutes left.
A 17 – 0 run with Taylor Rochestie on the bench change everything. Crvena Zvezda went up with 2 minutes remaining although Valencia had 13-point lead (72 – 59, 34′).
The key: San Emeterio scored a deep three-pointer to put Valencia back in front (76 – 77, 39′) and Rochestie responded with a great shot. Valencia lost the ball in the possession that came next and James Feldeine sealed the deal with free throws.
The star: After a great winning performance against Efes last week, Feldeine led the Red Star in scoring once again with 26 points. He also had 5 assists. Taylor Rochestie contributed 13 for Crvena Zvezda while Pero Antic had 10 and 4 steals.
San Emeterio led Valencia in scoring with 17 points but committed an important turnover. Tibor Pleiss added 13 points and 7 rebounds.