By Alex Molina / info@eurohoops.net
Valencia Basket continues its flawless playoff run and today secured its place in the Endesa League final in the best possible way. After sweeping Surne Bilbao 2-0 in the quarterfinals, Pedro Martínez’s team also won the semifinals without dropping a single game.
The orange-clad team defeated Asisa Joventut 75-87, setting up a matchup against Barça for the league title.
The game had one main protagonist, a star who shone brighter than the rest to decide the outcome. Jean Montero is determined to leave Valencia with a title and led the visitors to victory with 24 points, 7 rebounds, and 7 assists for a performance rating of 38.
Jabari Parker (15 points) and Ricky Rubio (17) led the home team in scoring.
After a very evenly matched first half (39-41), Valencia Basket’s Dominican star stepped up to tip the scales.
For the first time, the visitors reached a double-digit lead (54-64) as the third quarter drew to a close, but the game was far from over.
In a sweltering atmosphere at the Olímpic, Joventut Badalona pressed hard and managed to close the gap to 73-79 with two minutes remaining, despite some offensive struggles. However, Valencia Basket had no trouble securing the victory with ease.
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 3 – 0 La Laguna Tenerife (100-67, 97-89, 85-76)
- Valencia Basket 3 – 0 Asisa Joventut (118-117, 90-76, 87-75)
Photo credit: ACB
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