Valencia comes back from 13 points down to beat Bilbao in the playoffs

Valencia Basket secured the first victory in the quarter-finals of the Liga Endesa against Surne Bilbao with a triumphant 83-80 win that tasted like glory after a movie-like comeback. At the Roig Arena, the locals had to overturn a thirteen-point disadvantage to take a game that seemed lost in the third quarter.

The initial dominance of Bilbao

Surne Bilbao came out without any pressure from the first minute, aware that they had nothing to lose. An initial partial score of 2-10 put the Basques ahead on the scoreboard. Jean Montero, well supported by Reuvers and Key, was responsible for stopping the initial bleeding and restoring calm to Pedro Martínez's team. At the end of the first quarter, Valencia managed to react to close with an 18-19 score that kept hope alive.

Ponsarnau's team continued to show enviable outside accuracy. Hilliard and Frey were especially precise from beyond the arc, while Valencia struggled to impose their playing rhythm. The intervention of Larry and a Cárdenas, who had been wearing orange all season, was necessary to keep the pace in the match. The first half ended with a 35-35 tie, which was the best news for the locals after a difficult first half.

The collapse in the third quarter

Valencia hit the gas after the break, aware of how difficult it is to gain an advantage in this type of contest. A score of 45-41 seemed to indicate that the taronjas were going to take control. However, the response from Surne Bilbao was once again outstanding. A devastating 4-18 score put the Basques ten points ahead on the scoreboard, with 49-59 silencing the Roig Arena. Baskets continued to come almost automatically from the visiting side to close a brilliant third quarter with a 55-62 score.

Valencia Basket missed one three-point attempt after another, desperate to score and without a clear idea of how to stop the Basque offensive surge. With Surne Bilbao leading by +13 in the 62-75 score, Pedro Martínez became desperate on the sidelines. The outside shooting of the Bilbao players was superb, with 14 three-pointers attempted from the taronja house. Hlinason and Harald Frey were particularly incisive in this phase, accumulating 12+8 and 12 points respectively in minutes where the visiting team seemed untouchable.

Montero and company's reaction

It was Jean Montero, pulling from sheer talent, who led his team's fireworks in the final quarter. A 14-0 scoreline brought Valencia back into the fight with an unexpected 76-75. Ponsarnau's team struggled to score, committing anxiety errors in transitions and showing static defense. Braxton Key, who had accumulated 17 points and 6 rebounds, was crucial in this phase, as was Jaime Pradilla with his 15 points.

Jaworski made it 76-78 in favor of Bilbao, but Reuvers immediately responded with the 79-78 score, leaving the game open for the final moments. Tension increased as the end approached, with both teams making crucial mistakes and tight defenses. Valencia managed to keep composure in the decisive moments, allowing them to close with the 83-80 victory giving them the lead in the series.

Heading to the battle of Bilbao

With this first victory, Valencia Basket takes on an important advantage in a series promising to be exciting. Friday will be Bilbao's turn to try to level the contest at home, shaping up to be a real battle in the Liga Endesa quarter-finals. The taronjas must maintain the defensive concentration shown in the final quarter and avoid the offensive mistakes that characterized much of the match.

Surne Bilbao will have the opportunity to prove that their dominance for much of the game was not accidental, although they will have learned that no margin is safe against a team of Valencia's caliber. Pedro Martínez will have time to analyze the tactical errors that allowed Bilbao to take a thirteen-point lead and to reinforce the virtues that pushed his team forward in critical moments. The series is on, and everything points to fans enjoying high-intensity basketball in the upcoming games.

This is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, Valencia remonta 13 puntos a Bilbao en playoff