By Eurohoops team/ info@eurohoops.net
In front of its audience, after getting an important win over Anadolu Efes and being very close to the upset against Fenerbahce, Valencia managed to find the 87-73 victory over ALBA Berlin.
The game was really never in doubt, as the home side ended the second quarter up by 11 points and never looked back.
Chris Jones was the main protagonist for Alex Mumbru’s team, ending the game with 20 points, 8 assists, 3 steals, and 5 fouls drawn in just 23 minutes on the court.
Bojan Dubljevic, who has played a significant role in Valencia’s oldest games against ALBA Berlin, had a great night with 16 points and 7 rebounds.
“It was an important game for us, we have to control the rhythm of the game because ALBA was playing great basketball with very high accuracy. We had to control that and ALBA Berlin’s fastbreaks. In the second half, it was a tougher game, we found a way to win it”, coach Alex Mumbru said in the post-game press conference.
ALBA Berlin found some good offensive displays by unusual weapons like Christ Koumadje, who recorded a double-double of 15 points and 10 rebounds.
Louis Olinde added 15 points as well, while Gabriele Procida (9 p.) found another impressive night from an athletic perspective.
“Valencia did a good game tonight, they are playing good basketball. We knew that we are in a very difficult situation, but we tried to fight all the game and to keep playing in our best way but Valencia was much better. I’m happy for my players’ effort”, coach Israel Gonzalez said in the post-game press conference.
After starting the season with three consecutive wins, this is ALBA Berlin’s second defeat in a row after losing against Anadolu Efes.
However, Israel Gonzalez didn’t have once again important elements like Maodo Lo, Jaleen Smith, Johannes Thiemann, and Jonas Mattisseck, while Marcus Eriksson is out indefinitely due to a leg injury.
The home side had to deal with some absences as well: both Jared Harper and Jasiel Rivero missed the encounter, while James Webb III played only six minutes after recovering from his injury.
With this result, Valencia is currently 5-1 against ALBA Berlin in the EuroLeague. The two teams faced off in the 2018-19 EuroCup Finals as well, with Valencia lifting the trophy.
PHOTO CREDIT: Turkish Airlines EuroLeague