By Eurohoops team/ info@eurohoops.net
Valencia gave up a 16-point lead (52 – 36) in less than 10 minutes of the third period but ultimately repelled Unicaja Malaga’s comeback and won 83 – 78 to advance to the Spanish SuperCup Final.
They will face the winner of Real Madrid – Unicaja Malaga in the title game.
Erick Green paced Valencia with 18 points plus 3 assists. “I’m excited to be here. We shared the ball well. Our opponent in the Final doesn’t matter. We just got to play defense as a team. Everyone is so unselfish in this team and that makes it easier,” he said after the game.
After its third-quarter comeback, a Nemanja Nedovic-led (23 points, 3 steals) Unicaja Malaga tried to get even closer but didn’t tie the game until Jeff Brooks (14 points) made it 75 – 75 with three minutes left. The “Taronja” got a 3-point lead thanks to one of Fernando San Emeterio’s (11 points, 4 steals) trademark floaters for the 78 – 75. But more importantly, they proceeded to tighten their defense and completely prohibit their opponents from scoring.
Aaron Doornekamp (6 points) then dropped the dagger that made it 81 – 76 with nine seconds remaining. Nedovic answered with the same currency but it was too late for the Andalusians.