By Eurohoops team/ info@eurohoops.net
Valencia beat Unics Kazan 79 – 73 on the road to sweep the semifinal series 2 – 0 and become the first team that qualifies to the EuroCup Finals. It will be the sixth time that Valencia, a three-time EuroCup champion, will compete for the title.
Sam Van Rossom scored 15 points, including six in a row to lead Valencia through a decisive 2- 8 run in the final lap of the game. The “Taronja” transformed a 61 – 64 lead into 63 – 72 with 1:17 remaining to reach the last stretch from a position of strength.
Three-pointers by Jamar Smith, Anton Ponkrashov and Melvin Ejim weren’t enough to avert the situation for Unics since Will Thomas dropped seven out of his nine points in the final minute to keep Valencia safe enough to get the win and the ticket to the next stage.
Errick McCollum had 13 points and five assists for Unics. Maurice N’ Dour and Smith scored 11 apiece. Matt Thomas finished with 15 points for Valencia.
Valencia will face either Alba Berlin or Morabanc Andorra for the title and the access to next season’s EuroLeague. Alba is leading the series 1-0.