Valencia Basket continues writing its best EuroLeague season start. The victory at Unipol Forum leaves them with seven wins in ten games, matching their best historical start. It wasn't easy: after a dominant opening, Xavi Albert's team allowed a comeback and trailed by eight at the end of the third quarter, before a nearly perfect fourth period. They did it without Mo Gueye, Nate Reuvers, or Nikola Mirotić.
A Brilliant Start
Valencia came out aggressive from the opening tip. A 2-12 run in the first three minutes followed by another in the next two gave them an 18-point lead (2-20) in just five minutes, with TJ Shorts and Kam Taylor leading the way. Giuseppe Poeta's Milan responded and cut the deficit before the end of the quarter (15-24).
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Milan Turns It Around
In the second quarter, a 10-0 run put Milan ahead, though Valencia regained the lead before halftime (37-40). After the break, the Valencia team stalled: they missed many three-pointers and Milan, led by Leandro Bolmaro as their leading scorer, won the third quarter 22-11 to enter the final ten minutes up eight points (59-51).
A Fourth Quarter of 14-33
Valencia responded with a 0-11 run that gave them back control. Milan still tied it at 67 with 3:50 remaining, but Guillem Corbalán and Shorts put the Valencians back ahead (67-71). Down the stretch, Shorts assisted Nate Sako for 71-75 and Armoni Brooks, who hit a three-pointer against his former team to push the lead above ten points. Kam Taylor, the game's most valuable player, sealed the victory from the free-throw line.