By Eurohoops team/ info@eurohoops.net
Bojan Dubljevic scored 24 points on 6-9 3-pointers (a new career-high) as Valencia crushed Real Madrid 93 – 77 on the road in a manner that was even easier than what the final score implies.
The good thing is that we beat one of the best teams in Europe on their court, which is really hard,” Dubljevic said to EuroLeague TV after the game. “I think we are working hard, improving day by day, and I think we have to focus on the next game.”
Valencia went up even by 25 points three minutes into the fourth quarter after dominating the first 15 minutes of the second half with a highly effective, fast-paced offensive game. Apart from Dubljevic, Mike Tobey had 14 points and Nikola Kalinic provided 10 points and eight rebounds along with a strong effort on defense.
Real Madrid outscored Valencia 22-13 after falling behind 80 – 55 and just managed to reduce its deficit. Edy Tavares (17 points, five rebounds) and Facu Campazzo (14 points) stood out for the “Blancos” that went 0 – 2 in the two opening gamedays for the first time ever in EuroLeague’s modern era.
.”I think we had a very good start of the game with good vibrations on defense and game rhythm, but after that we started to fall apart,” Real Madrid coach Pablo Laso said. “The people who came off the bench produced poorly and so did the people who returned to the floor. We were always behind them. So we wanted to do it, but couldn’t get it.”
Valencia had already begun assuming control by halftime, taking a 44 – 39 lead thanks to Dubljevic draining triples. The Montenegrin big man had 14 points and four of his 3-pointers in the first half.
Positive Vibes
“We found brave players from the beginning of the game and when we started to find Dubi [Dubljevic] in open three-point situations, we found more space for other players to run to the basket and score,” Valencia coach Jaume Ponsarnau said. “On defense, we were very happy with what was going on. Even though they are a good team, we did a good job against their systems and entry passes. We have positive vibes. ”
Photo: EuroLeague Basketball