The Valencia Basket reaches the semifinals without the Canarian curse
The ‘taronja’ team, with a stellar performance from Montero, secured a 2-0 victory in overtime against Gran Canaria, winning on the island for the first time since 2017.
Valencia Basket defeated Dreamland Gran Canaria (94-102) on Wednesday to set up a semifinal clash with La Laguna Tenerife in the Liga Endesa, marking a 2-0 victory that ended the ‘taronja’ team’s nine-game losing streak in that arena.
Jean Montero scored 36 points against the Canarian team, following up on his 21 points from Monday, leading one of the favorites to face La Laguna Tenerife in the semifinals after a four-year absence. Despite a strong defensive effort from Gran Canaria, they couldn’t find all the weapons needed to overcome their opponent, despite a good performance from Andrew Albicy, Caleb Homesley, and George Conditt.
Three free throws from Albicy forced the game into overtime, allowing Valencia to break an eight-year curse at the Gran Canaria Arena, where they had also lost earlier in the season in the Copa del Rey against the same opponent. Jaka Lakovic’s team tried to replicate their defensive strategy and three-point shooting from the previous game, but Valencia stood strong, tightened their defense, grabbed rebounds, and scored crucial points.
Montero began his impressive performance in the second quarter, closely followed by Albicy, allowing Gran Canaria to maintain a narrow lead at halftime (46-43). After Valencia’s dominant display in the third quarter at Fonteta two days earlier, Gran Canaria stepped up their defensive efforts in the second half, with John Shurna leading the charge, while Montero continued his record-breaking performance.
A lengthy review disrupted Pedro Martinez’s team’s rhythm, giving Gran Canaria a slight advantage. In the final quarter, Nico Brussino stepped up (77-69), causing problems for Valencia. However, players like Jaime Pradilla, Josep Puerto, Chris Jones, and Montero rallied to tie the game, with Albicy forcing overtime with a clutch shot (90-90).
The Gran Canaria fans believed in a comeback until Brancou Badio and Montero, who capped off his historic night, secured Valencia’s ticket to the next round. The return of Pedro Martinez, who led the team to the title in 2017, marks an improvement in recent campaigns with the team advancing to the semifinals, thanks in large part to Montero’s outstanding performance in the playoffs, surpassing the likes of Jordi Villacampa and Pau Gasol, and making history for Valencia Basket.
TECHNICAL DATA
- RESULT: Dreamland Gran Canaria 94 – Valencia Basket 102 (46-43 at halftime).
TEAMS
- Dreamland Gran Canaria: Albicy (16), Thomasson (6), Brussino (5), Shurna (14), Tobey (9) – starting five; Kljajic (3), Conditt (11), Homesley (16), Pelos (6), Salvó (6), Samar (2).
- Valencia Basket: Badio (17), Montero (36), Puerto (5), Pradilla (16), Reuvers (6) – starting five; De Larrea (3), Jones (7), López-Arostegui (3), Sestina (2), Ojeleye (-), Costello (7).
QUARTER SCORES: 24-16, 22-27, 26-24, 18-23, 4-12.
REFEREES: Aliaga, Serrano, and Oyón. No players fouled out.
VENUE: Gran Canaria Arena.
