By Eurohoops Team/ info@eurohoops.net
Leading from start to finish, riding a safe lead throughout the second half, Valencia picked up a win in Germany on Thursday.
Closing the double-game week of the Turkish Airlines EuroLeague, the team coached by Alex Mumbru made short work of ALBA Berlin, 81-66.
Settling at 13/29 after shooting over 50% from beyond the arc prevented any kind of comeback bid from the hosts. Grabbing 41 rebounds versus 28 shaped another key part of the comfortable win on the road.
Effective in defense and connecting 4/5 three-pointers, Semi Ojeleye combined 18 points with seven rebounds and one steal. “The biggest thing is our mentality,” mentioned the 29-year-old forward, “Coach got us ready to come out and play defense. That is what helps our game. Now, the challenge for us is to be consistent.”
Knocking in three triples, Chris Jones added 14 points and eight assists in the Round 25 contest. “We got the stops we needed, ran, and scored easy buckets,” noted the 30-year-old point guard.
Bouncing back from the loss to Crvena Zvezda Meridianbet in Belgrade on Tuesday, a win in Mercedes-Benz Arena restored a positive W-L tally at 13-12. A fifth win across 12 away games in the 2023-24 Regular Season.
“Many teams are close on the standings and we need to win our games,” commented Mumbru heading to the final sprint for a berth in the Playoffs. A healthy scratch in Josep Puerto joined Boubacar Toure (back) and Brandon Davies (left knee) on the list of unavailable players. Experienced forward Victor Claver stayed on the bench.
With Ziga Samar (foot), Louis Olinde (head), and Johannes Thiemann (back) remaining on the injury list, the Albatrosse were forced down to 5-20 suffering a ninth loss in 13 home games. “We need to improve, especially in the rebounds. And our defense,” was the reaction of head coach Israel Gonzalez.
Standing out in a disappointing team performance, Matt Thomas tallied 15 points behind 6/9 field goals against his former team. After seven straight showings with a double-digit performance index rating, Yanni Wetzell fell to a negative production with 0/5 field goals.
Barcelona ties for both sides
Sitting fifth behind a 12-8 record in Spain’s Liga Endesa, the Taronges travel to FC Barcelona hoping to sneak in a win on Sunday. Resuming the continental campaign, Olympiacos will be hosted at La Fonteta on Thursday.
Next Friday, the German club is the next team to visit Barca in Round 26 of the EuroLeague’s Regular Season. A home game opposite ratiopharm Ulm sets up the next challenge in the easyCredit BBL on Sunday.
Photo Credit: EuroleagueBasketball.net