EuroLeague | Anadolu Efes Dominates Valencia Basket from Opening Quarter, Snaps Losing Streak (107-90)

ISTANBUL. Anadolu Efes delivered a dominant victory over Valencia Basket (107-90) in EuroLeague action, with a devastating start from the Turkish side that decided the game early and allowed Pablo Laso's team to end a lengthy losing streak.

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Valencia paid dearly for a sluggish start. Defensive intensity was lacking and vulnerability in the paint became apparent from the opening minutes, while Efes found consistent offensive solutions. The emergence of Jordan Loyd, a former Valencia player, gave shape to the home team's game, supported by the drive of Sabin Lee and the activity of Ercan Osmani. The first quarter was decisive: 33-14.

The second period maintained Efes's dominance, though Valencia managed to respond through ball movement and tempo. Sergio De Larrea's aggression and Nate Reuvers's outside shooting brought some life back to Pedro Martínez's team. As Lee and Kai Jones took breaks, the visitors cut into a deficit that had reached twenty points and headed into halftime at 57-46, keeping the game competitive.

After the break, Valencia got within ten points, again with Reuvers as the offensive focal point. However, Efes remained composed. Loyd and Osmani stepped up again and the Turkish side regained control of the scoreboard.

Kai Jones's defensive presence shut down the paint and a spectacular dunk from the American center extended the lead to 81-60 in the third quarter, forcing Valencia to face the final period with an insurmountable deficit.

In the closing stretch, Valencia tried to change the script by pressing with Brancou Badio and Omari Moore, but Efes managed the pressure effectively. A timeout from Laso steadied the home team and ensured a comfortable finish, securing a convincing victory.

Reuvers was Valencia's offensive engine with 30 points, but he was too isolated against a balanced Efes attack led by Osmani (20), Loyd (19), Lee (18), and Jones (15). Laso's team found defensive solidity and offensive continuity to snap a nine-game losing streak in EuroLeague, while Valencia suffered a defeat that could have direct implications in their fight to maintain a top-6 position in the competition.