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.

Asisa Joventut stays alive

Asisa Joventut responded decisively after their defeat at the Buesa Arena, leveling the series with a clear 82-63 victory over Kosner Baskonia. The green-and-black team delivered a very solid performance from start to finish, dominating the game from the opening tip and never relinquishing the initiative to their opponent.

The star of the night was Cameron Hunt. The shooting guard led Joventut’s offense with a spectacular display of 27 points, becoming the key factor in the visitors’ victory and regaining home-court advantage.

From the outset, Joventut displayed a very focused performance on both ends of the court. The Badalona team took control of the scoreboard from the beginning and gradually extended their lead against a Baskonia side unable to find answers. During the second quarter, Joventut reached a maximum lead of 22 points, reflecting their superiority on the court. At halftime, the scoreboard showed a commanding 44-31.

Far from showing any signs of improvement after halftime, the home team continued to be outplayed by a Joventut side that was clearly comfortable with the game. The green-and-blacks managed their lead without incident, maintaining a double-digit advantage throughout the second half and neutralizing any attempt at a Baskonia comeback.

On the visiting side, Trent Forrest was the standout player with 15 points, although his contribution proved insufficient to prevent a defeat that leaves the series wide open.

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 – 1 Asisa Joventut (85-71), (63-82)
• UCAM Murcia 1 – 1 Barça (68-91), (87-90

Photo credit: ACB