Valencia Basket is on the brink of securing a spot in the Eurocup final as they face Hapoel Tel Aviv in the second match of their semifinal series at the Samokov Arena in Bulgaria. This game, scheduled for 18:30 hours and broadcast on Movistar Plus+, comes after Valencia’s hard-fought victory in the first match, where they triumphed 91-82 at La Fonteta.
The stakes are high for both teams, with Valencia looking to capitalize on their first opportunity to close the series and reach their seventh Eurocup final. The match is set against a backdrop of significant fan support, with approximately 2000 Hapoel fans expected to fill the arena, having chartered flights to back their team amid the ongoing conflict in Israel.
In the first encounter, Valencia struggled with their three-point shooting, managing only 4 of 24 attempts, marking their worst performance of the season from beyond the arc. Despite this, they showcased resilience, particularly in the second half, where they outscored their opponents 49-34. Jean Montero emerged as the standout player, scoring 24 points and earning a valuation of 21, helping his team to overcome a sluggish start.
Pedro Martínez, Valencia's head coach, emphasized the need for adaptation in the face of Hapoel's intense defense. “We need to be prepared for a tough environment,” he stated. “It’s all about basketball, adapting to the circumstances, and finding ways to score.” Valencia's ability to maintain their offensive rhythm while improving their three-point shooting will be crucial if they hope to secure the win.
Hapoel Tel Aviv, coached by Dimitris Itoudis, will be looking to bounce back after their defeat. The team is expected to regain key players, including Bruno Caboclo and Joe Ragland, who missed the first game due to injury. Their return could significantly bolster Hapoel's chances, particularly in the paint where they struggled against Valencia's defense.
For Hapoel, the offensive firepower will rely heavily on players like Yam Madar, Jonathan Motley, and Marcus Foster. Madar was particularly impressive in the first game, scoring 20 points, while Foster has stepped up his game in the playoffs, averaging 20.5 points per game. Their ability to score consistently will be vital if Hapoel hopes to force a third and decisive game back in Valencia.
Historically, Valencia has performed well in semifinal matchups, winning six of their nine previous appearances. The last time they failed to advance was against Virtus Bologna in a single elimination game in 2022. However, they have had success in best-of-three series, previously defeating Unics Kazan in 2019.
As the teams prepare to clash in Bulgaria, the atmosphere is expected to be electric, with Hapoel fans eager to support their team in a neutral venue. Valencia will need to channel the energy of their fans and the lessons learned from the first game to secure a spot in the final.
With the potential for a thrilling showdown, both teams are aware that the slightest errors could dictate the outcome. Valencia aims to improve their shooting efficiency and maintain their defensive pressure, while Hapoel seeks to exploit any weaknesses and capitalize on their home-court advantage.
As the clock ticks down to tip-off, anticipation builds. Can Valencia Basket seize the moment and advance to the Eurocup final, or will Hapoel Tel Aviv force a decisive game? The basketball world watches closely as the action unfolds in Samokov.
