ACB: Valencia Basket Dominates Bilbao Basket, Advances to Semifinals with Authority (71-88)

BILBAO. Valencia Basket sealed their spot in the Liga Endesa semifinals with a convincing 71-88 victory over Surne Bilbao Basket at Miribilla, closing out the series in straight sets (0-2). Pedro Martínez's squad controlled the game from start to finish and confirmed their title credentials with a solid performance on both ends of the floor.

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Hope returned to Bilbao Arena with the first playoff home game in over a decade. However, Valencia Basket quickly dampened the atmosphere with a serious opening statement. The visitors moved the ball with fluidity, found good shooting opportunities, and punished every defensive mistake from the home team.

Stefan Lazarevic and Darrun Hilliard kept the Bilbao squad afloat in the early stages, but Valencia's offensive arsenal offered far more alternatives. Jean Montero, Kameron Taylor, Jaime Pradilla, Nate Reuvers, and Neal Sako contributed consistently to maintain control of the scoreboard.

As the second quarter progressed, Valencia Basket expanded their lead thanks to their three-point accuracy and a defense that made every local possession difficult. Bilbao Basket managed to stay alive through their rebounding work, but the 34-44 halftime score already reflected the visitors' superiority.

The decisive blow came after halftime. Pedro Martínez's squad elevated their defensive intensity even further, controlled the glass, and punished the home team on the fast break with every turnover. The lead grew steadily, reaching twenty-five points and essentially deciding the game before the fourth quarter.

The comeback attempts by Jaume Ponsarnau's men, led by Hilliard and Hlinason, barely served to improve the scoreline against a rival that found answers on every possession. Valencia maintained their intensity, continued scoring regularly, and built leads approaching thirty points.

With the game completely under control, Pedro Martínez was able to distribute minutes and manage effort with the semifinals already in mind. Valencia Basket closed out the contest with a convincing 71-88 victory that confirms their advancement to the next round.

Surne Bilbao Basket thus brings an end to a historic season, marked by their playoff qualification and the conquest of a new FIBA Europe Cup. Valencia Basket, meanwhile, continues dreaming of returning to a Liga Endesa final and keeps their title aspirations intact.