Valencia Basket takes 2-1 finals lead over Real Madrid

Valencia Basket took a big step towards the Spanish Liga ACB Endesa title with an 81-64 home win over Real Madrid in Game 3 of the title series. The victory came from a huge second half from the challengers, a period which stunned the defending champs and left them needing to win all remaining games.

Valencia took a small advantage in the series with a win in Madrid in Game 2. That split the series 1-1 with the next two games to take place in Valencia. With home court advantage, Valencia has the chance to win the title in front of its home fans. That is easier said than done against reigning champs Real Madrid, although Los Blancos are shakier on the road than they are at home.

Interestingly, Valencia’s trophy success has always come in cups, the club has never won the league. That is stark contrast to Madrid’s record 33 Liga Endesa crowns. Victory in Game 3 of the best-of-five series puts Valencia just one win away from making history.

Madrid set the early tone in the game and edged a nervy first quarter 11-16, for a five points advantage at the buzzer. In the second quarter, Valencia started to find a rhythm and drained 25 points to Madrid’s 19 points. Through the long break, the hosts had opened a 36-35 lead, but it was a close encounter.

Valencia carried its momentum into the third act, and started to open a sizeable lead. The home team was scoring well and dropped 23 points in the frame, while Real Madrid scored 16 points. Through thirty minutes, Valencia led 59-51 and was in control. The visitors struggled to score in the fourth quarter, allowing Valencia to extend over the first half of the frame. Victory soon became assured as the hosts took the offensive initiative.

Will Thomas paced Valencia Basket with 16 points, while Fernando San-Emeterio added 15 points and Bojan Dubljevic 14 points and 6 rebounds.

Sergio Llull scored 16 points in the losing effort, followed by Gustavo Ayon with 15 points and 8 boards.