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jun 03 2026Valencia Basket defeated FC Barcelona on Sunday at the Palau, securing not only a playoff top seed but also finishing second in the standings, just one win behind league leaders Real Madrid.
This advantage gives the 'taronja' the home-court factor in their favor heading into a hypothetical final against Real Madrid (if they reach it; they currently trail 0-1 in the playoffs after losing their initial home-court advantage).
Bilbao Basket opened the scoring from three-point range with Normantas (0-3), answered by Kameron Taylor on an individual play. On the next Basque possession, Normantas drew three free throws, converting two of them (2-5).
Normantas in 'MVP mode' hit the second three-pointer of the afternoon (2-8), the Lithuanian was on fire and Valencia Basket seemed unable to stop him in the opening three minutes.
Álvaro Cárdenas scored Valencia Basket's first basket with 40 seconds remaining in the first quarter, the player who has been on loan in Greece this season.
As minutes elapsed, Surne Bilbao Basket maintained their lead on the scoreboard, Valencia Basket struggling to find their rhythm. (18-19)
The second quarter didn't start well either; after two minutes, Pedro Martínez called a timeout with Valencia Basket trailing by 6 (23-29).
Following that first timeout, Valencia Basket improved and cut it to 4 points after being down 9. Jaume Ponsarnau called his timeout with five minutes remaining at 27-31. Valencia Basket tied the game at the end of the second quarter when Jean Montero made two free throws with 1.7 seconds left. Ponsarnau's team had the final possession but lacked sufficient time for a meaningful shot attempt. Braxton Key with 9 points was the leading scorer to that point. (35-35)
The second half began with a tight scoreboard, a first half marked by more misses than makes meant everything would be decided in the final twenty minutes.
Jean Montero hit a three-pointer to open the third quarter (38-35). Frey connected on a deep three that resulted in a 3-1 foul on Neak Sako (38-41), a poor performance from the Frenchman who hadn't scored despite several easy layup opportunities near the basket.
A massive three-pointer from 'Kam' Taylor put the home team back ahead (43-41). Surne Bilbao Basket refused to yield, staying close on the scoreboard, so much so that with three minutes remaining they led by 4 (47-51). Neak Sako missed again alone under the basket and the 'taronja' crowd grew frustrated, (49-56) for Bilbao with two minutes left.
A strong Bilbao Basket dominated the third quarter with notable superiority, a deficit that seemed difficult to overcome even for a team like Valencia Basket. Nonexistent defensive intensity, poor shot selection, and an unworthy attitude for a team that finished second in the regular season and reached the Final Four in Europe. Jean Montero hit a crucial basket at the buzzer off a steal. (55-62)
Frey hit a three-pointer to open the fourth quarter, extending the lead to +10 for the northern team (55-65). Later, after a missed possession, Bilbao Basket made two free throws for a +12 advantage. Long faces in the Roig Arena stands.
Jaime Pradilla hit a corner three to cut it to 7, but Bilbao also connected on a three-pointer (62-72). Pedro Martínez's team couldn't mount a comeback and time was running out.
Montero hit a three to cut it to 8 points (67-75) and kept the home team hopeful of a comeback with 5:03 remaining. After Ponsarnau's timeout, Bilbao turned the ball over and Braxton Key made a 2+1 to cut it to 5 (70-75).
Braxton Key scored again, now with 17 points as the game's leading scorer. Ponsarnau called timeout with 2:57 remaining at (73-75). Finally, Valencia Basket responded, and with their best players on the floor, they were superior to the Basque team.
Another steal by Jean Montero led to a transition dunk by Brancou Badio with a 2+1. Valencia Basket took the lead (76-75). Frey hit a three-pointer and Reuvers answered (79-78). Reuvers then stole the ball and threw down a transition dunk (81-78).
A strong closing stretch by Valencia Basket completed an improbable comeback. Once again, individual quality and roster depth proved decisive in securing victory. Braxton Key and Jean Montero led the way with 17 points each. (83-80)
A crucial win for Valencia Basket, who trailed by 13 points midway through the fourth quarter. The comeback was completed without lineup changes, demonstrating why this quintet (Montero, Badio, Taylor, Key, and Reuvers) represents the team's best players.
Game 2 will be Friday in Bilbao at 7:00 p.m. If Valencia Basket wins, they advance to the playoff semifinals against Baskonia and Joventut. If they lose, they must return to Valencia on Sunday at 6:00 p.m.
