By Eurohoops/ info@eurohoops.net
Valencia Basket became the first team to qualify for the Endesa League semifinals after defeating Surne Bilbao Basket 71-88 at Miribilla, closing out the quarterfinal series in straight sets (2-0).
The orange-clad team once again demonstrated their superiority against an opponent that never found a way to challenge them. Pedro Martínez’s men took the initiative from the opening minutes and forced the home team to constantly play catch-up, never seriously threatening the visitors’ victory or forcing a third game.
On offense, Kam Taylor stood out as Valencia Basket’s top scorer with 15 points. The shooting guard was well supported by Nate Reuvers, who contributed 14, while A Sako added 11. Moore and Badio also had significant contributions, both scoring 10 points, reflecting the Valencian team’s well-balanced offensive play.
Surne Bilbao Basket tried to stay in the game, but never managed to get close enough on the scoreboard to threaten the visitors’ control. The gap widened as the minutes ticked by, culminating in a comfortable victory for Valencia Basket.
With this win, the Valencian team becomes the first semifinalist of the championship and awaits its opponent in the next round, while the Bilbao team’s season comes to an end after failing to extend a series in which they were always trailing the powerful Valencia Basket.
Playoffs Liga Endesa
Quarterfinals
- Real Madrid 1 – 1 La Laguna Tenerife (97-98), (83-118)
- Valencia Basket 2 – 0 Surne Bilbao (83-80), (71-88)
- Kosner Baskonia 1 – 0 Asisa Joventut (85-71)
- UCAM Murcia 1 – 1 Barça (68-91), (87-90)
Photo credit: ACB
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