In an electrifying opening to the BKT EuroCup semifinals, Valencia Basket asserted its dominance over Hapoel Tel Aviv with a thrilling 91-82 victory. The match, held on March 25, 2025, at Valencia's Fonteta arena, witnessed the home team surmounting a six-point halftime deficit to pull ahead in the second half.
Jean Montero shone brightly on the court, leading the scoring for Valencia with an impressive 24 points. His performance was crucial, contributing significantly to the team's ability to recover after falling behind. In the first half, Hapoel Tel Aviv had created a ten-point cushion at one stage, capitalizing on a strong start that saw them lead 24-20 in the first quarter.
The game unfolded with tension as both teams displayed their skills early on. Hapoel's Yam Madar, who was instrumental with 20 points, demonstrated his abilities alongside teammate Markus Foster, who also netted 20 points, leading the visitors before halftime. Yet, the halftime score stood at 48-42 in favor of Hapoel, giving them a narrow but crucial lead.
Coming back from the break, Valencia strategized effectively, launching a phenomenal 17-3 run within the first six minutes of the third quarter, which reversed their fortunes and set them up for success. Montero’s agile play and scoring combined with Matt Costello and Chris Jones—each contributing 13 points— enabled Valencia to regain control. Their dynamic teamwork and ability to adapt to Hapoel's initially aggressive defense proved effective.
Moreover, Valencia's dominance on the boards played a pivotal role in their victory. They secured 42 total rebounds, including 16 offensive rebounds, a statistic that significantly outperformed Hapoel’s 31 total rebounds. Despite a shaky shooting night with only four three-pointers made out of 24 attempts, Valencia's tenacity and off-ball movement made up for their struggles beyond the arc.
The third quarter concluded with Valencia leading 65-59. A series of strong plays, fueled by Montero's high energy and skilled performance, kept the momentum firmly on Valencia's side. As the game progressed into the final quarter, Valencia maintained a solid lead, which peaked at 14 points towards the end, allowing them to finish the game comfortably ahead.
The win riles the stakes for the next face-off scheduled for March 28, 2025, back in Bulgaria, where Hapoel Tel Aviv will host the second match of the series due to their current circumstances amid ongoing conflicts at home. If Valencia secures victory in this crucial upcoming game, they will clinch their spot in the EuroCup finals; however, a loss would necessitate a decisive third match scheduled for April 2, 2025, back at home in Valencia.
Post-game insights from Valencia's head coach Pedro Martínez highlighted the importance of the win, suggesting it provides a substantial psychological edge as the team prepares for their next challenge. He noted that "Every game is different, and our focus must remain sharp as we enter this crucial part of the tournament. We played with heart, and the stats reflect the dedication and teamwork from all the players today.”
This match marked the intense beginning of the semifinal series, amplifying anticipation for the remaining games. As the Valencian squad directly adapts to the challenging infrastructure of Hapoel's home matches, they will need to carry the momentum gained from this victory into their next performances. Fans are already buzzing about the potential for a thrilling final, should Valencia maintain their excellent form.
As they prepare to battle once more, Valencia Basket is set to face the increasingly unpredictable Hapoel side, who will undoubtedly bring their best to achieve redemption on their home turf. The outcome of this series is crucial not just for the teams but for the fans who have stayed passionate through the ups and downs of this unique EuroCup journey. The next match promises to be more than just a game; it represents an opportunity for both teams to showcase their resilience and skill under pressure.
With both coaches strategizing and players ready to take center stage, the EuroCup semi-finals remain anyone's game. Will Valencia maintain their edge, or will Hapoel find a way to clinch victory on their home court?
