By Eurohoops team/ info@eurohoops.net
Valencia confirmed it status as the biggest contender in the 2024-25 EuroCup by routing Cluj-Napoca 98 – 74 to complete the semifinals field. The Taronja will have homecourt advantage vs. Hapoel Tel Aviv in the best-of-three series.
Five players scored in double figures for Valencia that finished the game with 30 assists. Chris Jones paced the offense overall with 14 points and nine assists, Semi Ojeleye had 13 points and Jean Montero dropped 12 points. Xabi Lopez-Arostegui had 10 points and Matt Costello posted 10 points plus seven rebounds.
Zach Hankins (12 points, 13 rebounds), Zavier Simpson (12 points, 10 assists) and Adam Mokoka (12 points, five rebounds) stood out from Clujb.
Valencia stormed into the game to go up 41 – 17 in the mid of the second period. Cluj recovered to drop the margin to 55 – 42 early in the third quarter but Valencia increased its lead once more.
The only thing that Cluj could do was cut the deficit to 74 – 62 with 6:25 to play. Valencia proceeded to increase its advantage beyond 20+ numbers and cruise to victory.
2024-25 EuroCup semifinals:
Bahcesehir – Gran Canaria
Valencia – Hapoel Tel Aviv