Valencia revenge: Joventut defeated and semifinal secured

VALENCIA BASKET–ASISA JOVENTUT 95–84

After a strong start by the taronja, with a 5–0 run through Reuvers and Pradilla, the Catalans took control of the tempo at the Roig Arena, producing a 2–13 run led by Hunt (9 points) to make it 9–13 after five minutes. Four straight free throws by Montero brought Valencia within one possession, but the verdinegro regained a six-point lead (17–23) after a three-point play by Kraag. Valencia closed the quarter strongly with back-to-back threes by Thompson and Taylor, trailing just 22–23 despite struggling badly on the boards (6–12 in rebounds, 0 offensive rebounds).

A 5–0 run by Montero gave Valencia the lead again (27–23) early in the second quarter. Hakanson answered from beyond the arc, but Sako and Pradilla pushed the hosts ahead 31–26. After a three-point exchange between Hanga, Badio, Hanga again and Pradilla (37–32), Valencia pulled away before halftime, reaching +12 (46–34) behind a dominant Montero (15 points).

Valencia came out even stronger after the break, with Badio and Taylor stretching the margin to +17 (51–34). Hunt sparked a Catalan response, and three free throws by Rubio cut it to 55–47. Joventut stayed close thanks to Rubio, Tomic and a Hakanson three that forced coach Pedro Martínez to call timeout at 61–56 with two minutes left in the third. Birgander made it -4 before the 67–60 score at the end of the period.

Kraag and Hanga opened the final quarter with a push (69–66), but Valencia responded with a decisive run, fueled by three-pointers and key plays from Pradilla, restoring a +14 lead (85–71). The hosts controlled the closing minutes without trouble. Valencia won 95–84 and advanced to the semifinals.

Valencia Basket: Montero 19 points (23 efficiency), Pradilla 15 points and 6 rebounds, Badio 21 points and 5 rebounds.

Asisa Joventut: Hunt 25 points, Rubio 11 points, 8 rebounds and 8 assists, Tomic 10 points and 7 rebounds.