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may 10 2026The Roig Arena hosted a classic Liga Endesa matchup between two historic clubs. Valencia Basket and Baskonia faced off in one of the league's most attractive rivalries, with both teams competing for top positions in the standings.
The orange squad looked to establish themselves at home and extend the positive momentum shown in recent weeks, relying on dynamic offensive play and the support of a crowd that would respond with a notable turnout for this big matchup. Facing them, a Baskonia team with enormous physical and scoring potential, capable of punishing any mistake and competing until the final second, the current Copa del Rey champions in this same arena.
Two different offensive styles, two deep rosters, and much at stake in a clash that promised strong emotions from the opening tip.
Valencia Basket surprised basketball fans with their roster announcement for matchday 30 against Kosner Baskonia.
Finally, and after rumors in recent days, Valencia Basket would not play with reserve team and youth players, but rather with their entire first team.
Head coach Pedro Martínez's scratches for today's game were: Brancou Badio and Josep Puerto, and Arostegui due to injury.
Valencia Basket Starting Lineup: De Larrea, Nogués, Omari Moore, Matt Costello, and Neal Sako.
Baskonia Starting Lineup: Trent Forrest, Radzevicius, Edwards, Simmons, and Kurucs
Neal Sako scored Valencia Basket's first 8 points in the opening three minutes (8-6). A three-pointer by Matt Costello forced the visiting coach to call the first timeout (14-6).
Baskonia answered with a three-pointer from Omoruyi to take the lead, and Pedro had to call a timeout (16-18). The first quarter ended with Valencia Basket leading by three points. Neal Sako had 8 points. (26-23)
The second quarter started well for Valencia Basket with a 7-0 run, a +10 point advantage that seemed to establish some separation over their opponent.
But that was far from the case. Baskonia tied it at 35 with three minutes remaining. The score went into halftime tied at 41. Omoruyi with 11 points was the game's leading scorer. (41-41)
The first basket of the second half was a 2+1 with a thunderous dunk by Edwards that sent Braxton Key to the sideline after taking a hit to the nose. (41-44)
Valencia Basket with an +8 lead, 52-44 with six minutes left in the third quarter, forced Paolo Galbiati to call a timeout. Baskonia couldn't find their rhythm during the game.
But once again, poor management of the starting lineup giving too many minutes to reserves and non-regular players allowed Baskonia to take the lead and stop Valencia Basket's scoring, a team that fell apart, perhaps thinking about Wednesday's game at 9:00 p.m. (58-63)
Darius Thompson scored the first basket of the final quarter on an individual play, and Kurucs answered immediately (60-65).
A corner three-pointer by Nate Reuvers brought the game to within 6 points with six minutes remaining (72-78). Later, a three-pointer by Sergio De Larrea made it a 3-point game (75-78).
De Larrea tied it with a two-pointer with two minutes left (80-80). Kameron Taylor scored on a two-pointer (82-80) and Cabarrot hit a three-pointer (82-83), Baskonia answered with 1:30 remaining.
Trent Forrest created his own play at the buzzer that resulted in a basket with 6.2 seconds left. Pedro Martínez called timeout to set up the final play (86-88). Finally, Valencia Basket's last possession saw Omari Moore take the final shot but miss. Baskonia won (86-88).
Valencia Basket's loss means they drop to third place in the standings after Ucam Murcia's advancement.
A Valencia Basket (club, staff, and players) that clearly showed their focus is on Wednesday's game—the fifth playoff game of their series against Panathinaikos. The Turia city team is one game away from making history and reaching a Final Four for the first time, undoubtedly the major objective for all teams competing in the EuroLeague throughout an entire season.
On Wednesday, the Roig Arena will host the most important game since its opening. The orange club has officially announced that there are NO tickets available just days before the game.
