By Eurohoops Team/ info@eurohoops.net
Cazoo Baskonia (14-12) prevailed with ease in what was expected a big win in the battle for a playoff spot in the Turkish Airlines EuroLeague.
In Round 26 the big Spanish derby ended up a walk in the part of Vitoria as Baskonia crushed Valencia (13-13) after an incredible offensive performance almost by 30 points (114-75).
“In offense, we played well in the entire game, but our defense improved in the second half“, said coach Joan Penarroya in what might be the understatement of the season.
Five Baskonia players scored in double digits. Daulton Hommes led the way with 24 points, most of them coming from the free throw line (15-15). Darius Thompson added 15, Matthew Costello had 15, and Rokas Giedraitis and Vanja Marinkovic both scored 14.
“We worked hard for this win. We have big aspirations as a team“, said Daulton Hommes.
For Valencia, Jared Harper had 15 points.
No Howard no problem
Both teams were in an almost identical situation before this game. With 13 wins and 12 losses a direct clash could be crucial for a playoff spot and Baskonia proved that they were the better team at this moment.
In one of the best offensive performances this season in the first half, Baskonia managed to stay ahead (57-48). And the odd thing was, that Baskonia’s top scorer Marcus Howard did not register a single point the entire game in just over seven minutes of playing time. It was all Darius Thompson and Daulton Hommes.
The dynamic duo could not be stopped scoring 28 combined points which were enough to keep the home team on track.
It was evident in the first few minutes of the second half. Baskonia jumped out to a 15-point advantage (65-50). Valencia had no answers as Baskonia’s lead ballooned out of control for a dominating win.
“Terrible game for us“, was all Valencia coach Alex Mumbru said in his flash interview.