Montero overpowers Ricky and Valencia over Joventut in a historic game that goes into overtime
Jean Montero decided the match with two free throws in the final seconds of overtime, sealing the 1-0 start to the ACB semifinals.
The match played at the Roig Arena was one of those encounters that define seasons. Valencia Basket suffered until the last second against a Joventut that never gave up. Pedro Martínez's team needed overtime to settle a battle where both teams showed a high level of offensive and defensive basketball.
Jean Montero, the Dominican star of the taronja team, was the main protagonist. The shooting guard scored 27 points and made a crucial moment in the game by converting two vital free throws with just 7 seconds left on the overtime clock. His contribution was essential in a match where Kam Taylor supported him with 19 points, forming an offensive duo that led Valencia to victory.
Ricky Rubio tries in vain to stop Valencia
On behalf of Asisa Joventut, Ricky Rubio put on a memorable display with 22 points and 11 assists. The Balearic point guard showed his experience in the final moments, trying to keep his team in the game. Hunt and Jabari Parker completed Badalona's offense with 19 points each, but their effort was not enough to avoid defeat in overtime.
The first quarter was a showcase of offensive basketball. Both teams played with a frantic pace, without fear or caution. Ricky Rubio led Joventut's momentum in the early moments, with runs that clearly showed the intentions of both squads. Valencia quickly responded with Taylor and Montero igniting the Roig Arena to take a double-digit lead. However, Hakanson emerged to lead an 8-19 run that equalized the game before halftime.
The second half was a constant back-and-forth exchange. Valencia kept piling up baskets, but Joventut, as they did against Baskonia in the previous round, recovered with every defense. Pradilla and Parker played crucial minutes, and the game headed to the final quarter with everything to be decided. Tension rose with each possession, with both teams aware of the game's importance.
In the final quarter, the spirit of Badalona became evident. Hunt and Hanga increased the tempo, and Joventut gradually took the lead on the scoreboard. The Roig Arena was a boiling pot of tension. Montero and Parker engaged in a stellar duel, but with three minutes remaining, Joventut was still leading 93-97. In a tense silence in the arena, Pradilla tied the game at 105 with just 17 seconds on the clock. Hakanson missed the shot that would have sealed the victory in regulation time, and the game went to overtime.
In the extra period, both teams continued seeking an advantage without being able to pull away. Ricky Rubio relied on his experience to keep Joventut alive, but Valencia found answers at every turn. The score fluctuated between 112-112, with no one managing to gain a definitive lead. It was then that Montero made two crucial free throws with 7 seconds remaining, bringing the score to 118-117.
Hunt had the final opportunity for Joventut but went alone against the world without converting. The victory stayed with the taronja side, allowing Valencia to take a 1-0 lead in the start of the semifinals, promising a highly intense battle. Pedro Martínez's team thus secures a crucial advantage in a series that appears to be a test of both physical and mental endurance.
This match adds to the other semifinal results where Barcelona has already secured its first win against La Laguna Tenerife with a convincing 100-67. The ACB semifinals are taking shape with two teams aiming to solidify their home advantages before heading to enemy territory.
This is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, Montero puede con Ricky y el Valencia con el Joventut en un partido histórico con prórroga
