Valencia Basket made history on December 18, 2024, by scoring 73 points in the first half against U-BT Cluj-Napoca, setting the record for the highest number of points ever scored in one half of the Eurocup. Coach Pedro Martínez’s team displayed their dominance early on, continuing their undefeated streak with an overwhelming final score of 108-80.
The game kicked off at La Fonteta, Valencia’s home court, where fans were treated to an electrifying performance. Valencia roared to life from the very start, with captain Josep Puerto scoring the first six points. Puerto was instrumental, leading his team alongside standout players Jean Montero and Sasu Salin, who both contributed significantly to the offense.
After establishing an early lead of 10-2, Valencia maintained control as the scoring machine gained momentum. The first quarter ended with Valencia scoring 35 points, showcasing their offensive prowess and precise shooting. Their shooting percentages were nearly unparalleled, with 16 out of 18 successful two-point shots to start the game. Remarkably, Valencia’s initial lead ballooned to 20 points during the second quarter, emphasizing their strong performance.
By the end of the first half, Valencia not only had shattered the previous record of 71 points set by Lokomotiv Kuban in 2020 but they did so with incredible efficiency. The team’s shooting accuracy approached 90% on two-point attempts and 50% from beyond the arc, something rarely seen at this level of competition. “Valencia Basket’s performance was exceptional, breaking the record previously held by Lokomotiv Kuban,” reported José Manuel Alemán from Deportes en Radio Valencia.
Despite their first-half success, the second half began with Valencia’s momentum slowing. They scored only 16 points in the third quarter, as Cluj-Napoca managed to improve their game, capitalizing on defensive lapses from Valencia. The visitors even managed to win the third quarter 18-16, which was surprising considering the overall game flow.
The game saw its intensity decrease after the break, with Valencia’s head coach Pedro Martínez needing to call timeouts to regain control as the visitors mounted their slight comeback. A significant concern for the home team was the ankle injury suffered by Chris Jones. After starting the season with injury issues, Jones left the game early, raising questions about his fitness for future matches.
Even with the injury setback, Valencia showcased their depth, with eight players scoring double figures throughout the game. Puerto, Montero, and Ojeleye led the team with 14 points each, balancing the offensive load effectively. With this victory, Valencia improved to 11-0 in the Eurocup group stage, solidifying their top position.
The game not only demonstrated Valencia's current skill level but also highlighted what could be considered their new normal. "With 73 points scored at halftime, Valencia set the Eurocup record and continues to lead their group with confidence," noted several sources following the game.
Fans at La Fonteta celebrated the historical achievement, emphasizing the electric atmosphere within the gym. The team appears to be thriving under pressure, with their current form making them the favorites for the title this season.
Looking forward, Valencia Basket is set to face Lietkabelis next Friday, as they continue the Eurocup campaign. The integration of young talent like Jorge Carot, who made his debut at the end of the match against Cluj-Napoca, adds promising prospects for the season. Martínez will need to assess Jones' injury closely but remains optimistic overall about the team’s capabilities moving forward.
Fans are eagerly awaiting how this impressive run continues, and with the blend of established stars and upcoming talent, Valencia Basket is poised for greatness as they chase the Eurocup title.
