Valencia Basket wins the first battle of La Fonteta
Mumbrú’s men overcome a competitive Euroleague debut against AS Monaco
MADRID, 6 Oct. (EUROPA PRESS) –
Valencia Basket won (70-65) this Friday against AS Monaco in the first day of the Euroleague held in La Fonteta, an even fight until the last seconds, with full conviction in the Spanish team despite the blows of Mike James .
The new Valencia drew from its wardrobe, its new weapons, and also last year’s leaders. Thus, Chris Jones converted a decisive triple in the last minute (67-63) to respond to the magic of James, something only beyond Elie Okobo.
La Fonteta joined a team that did not give up, despite good visitor scores in each quarter, and that struck at the end. Semi Ojeleye (19 points) was the best of a choral performance, very serious on the rebound, which allows Mumbrú’s team to dream.
The ‘taronja’ team showed that they will not lack fight on their European path, as they did last year, and competed from start to finish with a ‘Final Four’ team in 2022. Valencia’s fight allowed them to dominate the rebound and have an even score, except when James threatened to break in on the first day.
The Monaco star came on strong in the second quarter, in response to Mumbrú’s best moment, and went into halftime with 12 points. Valencia stayed ahead (39-38) with a difficult triple by Kassius Robertson, although the key contribution was Semi Ojeleye, 14 points and important under the rings.
Elie Okobo’s start was the best of a Monaco team that took better care of the ball. Mumbrú’s rotations were going well, although they lost Jared Harper due to a possible shoulder injury, and the local team found contributions at every turn of the screw, with Nate Reuvers and Damien Inglis making a good entry into the top continental competition.
Puerto maintained that strong line under the hoops after the restart, although the game entered into a dangerous give-and-take. Mumbrú’s team found points in Robertson and Ojeleye, while trying to get Brandon Davies into the game. Valencia did not let itself be dominated and entered the final quarter with everything to be decided (55-55).
Monaco’s rim became too small at a key moment, while the locals continued to gain rebounds. Jones appeared from outside but Okobo responded for the Monegasques with four left. The fight in defense left worthy actions in both teams and a triple by James, collecting the ball after a block by Ojeleye, was the highlight for the visitors. Jones responded and Valencia had a promising debut.
DATASHEET.
–RESULT: VALENCIA BASKET, 70 – AS MÓNACO, 65. (39-38, at half-time).
–EQUIPMENT.
VALENCIA BASKET: Jones (14), Robertson (8), Inglis (9), Puerto, (-) and Davies (4) –starting quintet–; Claver (-), Harper (1), Pradilla (3), Reuvers (5), Jovic (2), Touré (5) and Ojeleye (19).
AS MONACO: James (21), Diallo (5), Tarpey (-), Brown (8) and Motiejunas (8) –starting quintet–; Okobo (17), Blossomgame (4), Cornelie (-), Hall (-), Strazel (2) and Hall (-).
–PARTIALS: 17-20, 22-18, 14-13, 17-14.
–REFEREES: Javor, Hordov and Peerandi. No eliminated.
–PAVILLION: Fuente De San Luis Pavilion.
2023-10-06 20:50:15
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