By Javier Molero/ jmolero@eurohoops.net
Valencia Basket endured a great struggle to secure a 1-0 lead in the ACB semifinals against a titanic Joventut (118-117).
Pedro Martínez’s team had to resort to overtime. It was Jean Montero who, of course, sealed it with two free throws in the final seconds.
The Dominican star scored 27 points. A back-and-forth basket exchange made it clear that it was one of the games of the season. He was supported by Kam Taylor with 19 points.
For Asisa Joventut, Ricky Rubio delivered a memorable performance with 22 points, 11 assists, and several crucial plays in the final stretch. He was joined by Hunt and Jabari Parker with 19 points each, but it wasn’t enough.
A beautiful battle
The first quarter was a festival. Two teams with a clear offensive inclination came out to have fun at a dizzying pace. La Penya showed no fear, with Ricky leading the charge for Miret’s team in the early moments (26-22).
Taylor and Montero stirred things up to get the Roig Arena on its feet and extend the lead to double digits (43-33). Hakanson ensured the lead didn’t grow further by leading an 8-19 run to level it before halftime (51-54).
Valencia kept chipping away, basket after basket, but La Penya, as they did against Baskonia, bounced back with every defensive stand. A back-and-forth basket exchange, with Pradilla and Parker providing precious moments, and the game headed into the final quarter with everything to play for (79-78).
And the spirit of the Badalona team emerged. That unbreakable tenacity regardless of the opponent. Hunt and Hanga picked up the pace, slowly pulling ahead on the scoreboard (86-93), and the Roig Arena was boiling. Montero and Parker starred in the stellar duel, but with three minutes remaining, Joventut was still leading (93-97). With a tense silence at Roig Arena, Pradilla tied the game at 105 with 17 seconds left. Hakanson missed, sending the game to overtime.
A triple exchange, with Ricky showcasing his veteran skills (112-112), and nobody took the lead. Montero scored two nail-biting free throws (118-117) with 7 seconds left. Hunt, who went alone against the world, couldn’t score, and the victory stayed in taronja territory to set a 1-0 in a beautiful start to the semifinals.
Liga Endesa Playoffs
Quarterfinals
- Real Madrid 1 – 2 La Laguna Tenerife (97-98), (83-118), (95-107)
- Valencia Basket 2 – 0 Surne Bilbao (83-80), (71-88)
- Kosner Baskonia 1 – 2 Asisa Joventut (85-71), (63-82), (88-96)
- UCAM Murcia 1 – 2 Barça (68-91), (87-90), (76-100)
Semifinals
- Barça 1 – 0 La Laguna Tenerife (100-67)
- Valencia Basket 1 –0 Asisa Joventut (118-117)
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