MANRESA. Baxi Manresa proved clutch once again, defeating Valencia Basket 104-102 in Liga Endesa action. Pedro Martínez's Valencia squad squandered a significant late lead and suffered their fourth consecutive loss in another game decided in the final seconds. Obasohan stepped up at the crucial moment to lead the Catalan comeback and punish Valencia Basket, who continue to struggle in tight finishes.
Valencia Basket started the game with high intensity, looking to impose quick transitions from their starting lineup of Sergio De Larrea, Omari Moore, Kameron Taylor, Matt Costello, and Neal Sako. The orange squad found good offensive opportunities in the opening minutes and built a small lead, but Baxi Manresa grew into the game as possessions mounted thanks to the impact of their rotations. Despite this, the first quarter ended in favor of the visitors, 18-22.
The second period brought one of Valencia Basket's best stretches. Isaac Nogués' intensity changed the game's rhythm and allowed the Valencians to reach a promising 23-33. However, Baxi Manresa responded immediately with a 10-0 run that leveled the contest. The back-and-forth continued for several minutes, though another offensive surge from the orange squad allowed them to open another significant lead before halftime. A three-pointer from Dani Pérez cut into the deficit and left the score at 48-56 at the break.
After the halftime break, the game shifted direction. Baxi Manresa elevated their shooting efficiency and found Obasohan as their primary offensive weapon. The hosts quickly trimmed the deficit to just one point (59-60), forcing Valencia Basket to respond under pressure. The Valencian team avoided collapse at that critical moment and managed to stabilize thanks to several important plays on both ends of the floor.
Braxton Key was one of Valencia Basket's standout performers in the third quarter. The American small forward maintained a very high defensive level, extending the good form he showed recently in the European playoff series against Panathinaikos. Still, Baxi Manresa stayed competitive and reached the fourth quarter with life after closing the third period at a tight 78-82.
The finish once again became a nightmare for Valencia Basket. The game entered a chaotic phase that clearly benefited the Catalan squad, who took a 84-83 lead while the visitors accumulated offensive turnovers. Despite this, Valencia Basket responded thanks to the outside talent of Badio and Darius Thompson. First Badio connected on a crucial three-pointer, then Thompson hit two consecutive perimeter shots to restore control to the orange squad.
That run allowed Valencia Basket to reach 88-96 with just over four minutes remaining. It looked like the decisive blow, but Baxi Manresa answered once more. The hosts maintained an extremely high shooting percentage and quickly cut the deficit to enter the final two minutes completely in the game.
Kameron Taylor hit a difficult basket to keep the visitors alive, but Obasohan responded with a 2+1 that also resulted in Badio's fifth foul. With 100-102 and just over a minute left, Valencia Basket wasted a crucial possession. On the next play, Obasohan appeared again with a decisive three-pointer that flipped the scoreboard and sent the Nou Congost into pandemonium.
The orange squad still had chances to salvage victory in the final seconds, but lost the ball in a battle for the offensive rebound and suffered another painful Liga Endesa defeat.
Baxi Manresa secured a win of enormous competitive value after defeating one of Liga Endesa's most powerful teams, while Valencia Basket worsens their poor run with four consecutive losses and once again expose their problems closing tight games in this crucial stretch of the season.