Valencia hands Barcelona first ACB loss

Valencia handed Barcelona their first loss at the Spanish Liga ACB, winning in Barcelona with 87-79.

The game was tight throughout three quarters, resulting in 12 lead changes. Barcelona had the biggest lead at seven in the middle of the third period (54-47), but Valencia responded with a 10-0 run, and the match was tied at 63 going into the fourth.

They carried over the momentum to the final period, starting with a 14-2 spurt to gain a 12-point lead (77-65). Nikola Mirotic’s 3-pointer cut Barca’s deficit to six with under two minutes remaining, but Valencia held on, winning by eight.

Jasiel Rivero was spectacular for Valencia, finishing with 18 points (7/8 2PT, 4/8 FT), seven rebounds, one assist, and 25 PIR. He scored 9 points in the fourth quarter alone.

Nikola Mirotic led Barcelona with 22 points (3/4 2PT, 3/6 3PT, 7/8 FT), two rebounds, and 22 PIR.