Latest:
oct 30 2026Barcelona defeated Valencia Basket 98-94 in an exciting, tightly contested matchup decided in the final moments. Alexander Sekulic's squad, led by a brilliant Justin Robinson (22 points), secured their sixth EuroLeague victory and continues to improve game by game. Despite Xavi Albert's Valencia putting up a fight and Armoni Brooks' 26-point effort, they left the Palau Blaugrana empty-handed.
The start of the game belonged to the home team. Barcelona began the matchup with a three-point shooting clinic, connecting on 5 of 5 from beyond the arc. The standout was an excellent Kevin Punter (9 points), who made three to give the Blaugrana their first leads (19-11 at the 5-minute mark).
Valencia Basket, far from panicking, relied on two of their most experienced players, Kameron Taylor and T.J. Shorts, who each contributed five points to bring Xavi Albert's squad within three (28-25 at the 9-minute mark). The Valencians had weathered the initial storm. A buzzer-beating basket by Olivier Nkamhoua left the score at 30-25, the result at the end of the first quarter.
The fast-paced, high-scoring rhythm of the opening period completely dissolved, and scoring became elusive. In five minutes, Barcelona managed just three points and the scoreboard tightened (33-32 at the 15-minute mark). Led by an accurate Armoni Brooks (8 points), Valencia felt more comfortable on the court, and after four consecutive points by Jasiel Rivero, Xavi Albert's squad took the lead on the scoreboard (37-38 at the 17-minute mark).
Just when Barcelona was struggling most, Tyrese Martin appeared—he had been having a rough game (0 of 6 from the field)—and with a three-pointer, he put the Blaugrana in control at halftime (44-42 at the 20-minute mark). We were witnessing a very evenly matched contest with plenty of basketball still to be played.
After the break, the game became even tighter, and the evidence was clear. At the midpoint of the third quarter, the score was tied 53-53. Alexander Sekulic was making frequent substitutions in search of keeping his players fresh. Kevin Punter (14 points) and Armoni Brooks (11 points) were the leading scorers for their respective teams. Uncertainty and excitement took hold of the Palau.
In the closing moments of the third quarter, Joel Parra (19 points) appeared. The Catalan, with four consecutive three-pointers, was vital in helping Barcelona edge ahead (69-68 at the 30-minute mark). The game was beautiful for the spectators, and anything could happen.
The fourth quarter did not change the game's dynamics, with the tie remaining evident throughout. Four consecutive points by Olivier Nkamhoua (8 points) gave the Blaugrana a slight advantage (77-74 at the 33-minute mark), which given everything that had transpired, was worth its weight in gold.
Armoni Brooks (20 points) kept his team in contention, and after a three-pointer by Kameron Taylor with two minutes remaining, Valencia compressed the scoreboard even further (87-86 at the 38-minute mark).
At this precise moment, Justin Robinson (22 points) appeared, very accurate from three-point range. The point guard, in a hot streak, was key in providing the decisive push for the Blaugrana. With 13 seconds remaining, the Culés went up four (95-91). But Valencia fought to the end, and a three-pointer by Brooks, who was now up to 26 points, brought the game back to a one-possession game (95-94 with 9 seconds left).
The Blaugrana did not panic. Three consecutive points by Darío Brizuela, including an offensive rebound, sealed Barcelona's 98-94 victory—a Barcelona team that continues to grow game by game.
