By Eurohoops / info@eurohoops.net
Despite being fully immersed in the EuroLeague Final Four, Valencia Basket has to fulfill its commitments in the Liga Endesa, and so far, it continues to do so.
Pedro Martínez’s team defeated Surne Bilbao 88-83, a result that leaves the Taronja with a 22-9 record, tied with Barça and Kosner Baskonia. Jaume Ponsarnau’s team, meanwhile, remains at 17-15, currently holding the final playoff spot.
The star of the game was Justin Jaworski, who led all scorers with 31 points. For the home team, Kam Taylor was the top scorer with 16 points.
As the final score reflects, the game was hard-fought. Despite starting the game with a 32-11 lead, Valencia Basket didn’t have an easy time securing the victory. After halftime, the visitors rallied, outscoring their opponents 31-15 in the third quarter, bringing the game back to square one.
In the final quarter, Surne Bilbao completed their comeback, taking a 74-71 lead, but Valencia Basket’s superior quality and composure ultimately prevailed at the Roig Arena.
Liga Endesa Round 31
Hiopos Lleida – Dreamland Gran Canaria 75-72
Real Madrid – Asisa Joventut 81-89
UCAM Murcia – Unicaja de Málaga 87-69
Valencia Basket – Surne Bilbao 88-83
Kosner Baskonia – Coviran Granada
Morabanc Andorra – San Pablo Burgos
La Laguna Tenerife – Barça
BAXI Manresa – Casademont Zaragoza 101-83
Río Breogán – Bàsquet Girona 95-76
STANDINGS: Real Madrid 26-6, UCAM Murcia 23-9, Valencia Basket 22-9, Barça 22-9, Kosner Baskonia 22-9…