Valencia strikes again as OAKA falls once more

Valencia opened the game at full speed, with Taylor, Sako and especially Jean Montero building an early 6-14 lead.
Pedro Martinez’s team moved the ball well, ran in transition and closed the first quarter up 25-14, while Panathinaikos failed to convert several second-chance looks.

The visitors pushed the margin to +15 in the second quarter, but Cedi Osman kept Panathinaikos alive and brought the home side back to 37-44 at halftime.
The comeback continued after the break, as Osman and Kendrick Nunn helped the Greens take the lead at 49-48, sending OAKA into a frenzy.

Valencia, however, never lost control. Thompson and Montero answered from deep, Pradilla added key baskets and the taronja rebuilt a two-possession lead in the fourth quarter.
At 77-86 with 68 seconds left it looked over, but the final minute had everything, including a doubtful episode that made the loss even more painful for Panathinaikos.

Valencia eventually held on 86-83, taking another road win and forcing the series back home for Game 5.
Montero was the clear MVP with 29 points and a 45 PIR.