Barça storms the Roig Arena and takes a 1-0 lead against Valencia Basket

**FC Barcelona** struck first in the **Liga Endesa** final, and they did it in a big way. The blue and maroon team stormed the Roig Arena in a spectacular duel that needed overtime to be decided (112-113), thus taking the first point of the series against a **Valencia Basket** that almost tasted victory but ended up conceding after a highly tense outcome.

The start of the final couldn't have been better for the home team. Fueled by the atmosphere of a packed **Roig Arena**, Valencia Basket came out with more rhythm and intensity. Pedro Martínez's team punished every Barcelona turnover, ran the court with great efficiency, and found its main offensive references in Brancou Badio, Chris Jones Key, and Sergio De Larrea. After a brilliant first quarter, Valencia closed the first ten minutes with a 25-13 lead that reflected their dominance.

Barça also struggled with free-throw shooting and barely found offensive solutions beyond isolated plays by Kevin Punter and Joel Parra. However, Xavi Pascual's team grew as the minutes passed. Although Valencia enjoyed a 14-point lead, the visitors reacted before halftime thanks to Punter's outside accuracy and the emergence of Nicolás Laprovittola, reducing the difference to 52-47 as both teams headed to the locker rooms.

The second half completely changed the outlook. Barcelona raised its defensive level and started finding offensive answers in Laprovittola, Clyburn, and Shengelia. A 2-11 run allowed the blue and maroon team to erase the disadvantage and balance the game. The Georgian player shone near the basket, while Laprovittola took charge of the most critical moments.

Yet, Valencia Basket did not give up. Jaime Pradilla emerged strongly in the final quarter, Montero took on responsibilities again, and the taronja team seemed to have the game under control when, with just over half a minute remaining, they led 99-95. But Barça found a way to survive. Two consecutive three-pointers by Will Clyburn kept the visitors alive, and when all seemed lost, the American player nailed an impossible shot over two defenders to tie the game at 101-101 with 3.4 seconds left. Valencia's last possession bore no fruit, and the final headed to overtime.

The back-and-forth continued in overtime. Laprovittola hit a three-pointer from over nine meters, Parra converted a crucial two-plus-one play, and Vesely exploited the spaces created by Shengelia to punish Valencia's defense. Valencia responded time and time again through Montero and an extraordinary Badio, but Barça maintained a slight advantage in the decisive moments.

Unbelievable Finish at Roig Arena

With the score at 112-113 and five seconds remaining, Valencia had the last possession to win the game. The ball reached Semi Taylor, but his shot missed the hoop, allowing the blue and maroon team to celebrate a highly valuable victory that gives them the edge in the series.

After a vibrant, back-and-forth match with a very high offensive level, Barcelona leaves Roig Arena with a 0-1 lead in the final and the home-court advantage regained. Despite the defeat, Valencia Basket showed more than enough potential to suggest that the series is far from decided. The first chapter was a memorable battle, and the following promise not to disappoint.

This is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, El Barça asalta el Roig Arena y se pone 1-0 ante Valencia Basket