Record-setting Valencia routs Turk Telekom

Valencia Basket produced a record-breaking offensive masterclass in a 101-83 victory over Turk Telekom Ankara. The Spanish team set a new competition record for two-point shooting accuracy by netting a remarkable 21 of its 24 two-point attempts, a EuroCup best-ever of 87.5%. Another milestone saw Bojan Dubljevic become the competition’s all-time leader in field goals made. Valencia actually trailed by 7 after a fast Turk Telekom start, but an explosive second quarter turned the game around and the outcome was never in doubt from then. Five Valencia players scored in double figures, led by Mike Tobey with 15 points. Will Thomas added 14 points, while Sam Van Rossom combined 13 points with 7 assists. Dubljevic had 12 points and 6 assists, and Matt Thomas scored 11.

A pair of triples from Reggie Redding was the highlight of a fast-paced start, and 6 early points from Vladimir Stimac allowed Turk Telekom to stay in front. Metin Turen’s triple and another Stimac score advanced the lead as Valencia’s offense stalled, and a Kenny Gabriel triple made it 17-24 early in the second quarter. But deep strikes from Dubljevic and Sergi Garcia pulled Valencia back, and a three-point play by Louis Labeyrie tied it at 28-28. Another triple, this time from Fernando San Emeterio, gave Valencia its first lead since the opening minute, and he soon struck again for a 36-30 edge. Tobey’s fastbreak dunk made it a double-digit game. Three-pointers from TJ Campbell and Setin narrowed the gap, but Van Rossom beat the half-time buzzer to make it 50-42. It rained three-pointers early in the third quarter, with Van Rossom and Alberto Abalde scoring from downtown for Valencia while Gabriel knocked down a couple for Turk Telekom. Another triple from Sylven Landesberg and an inside finish from Kaya Peker pulled the visitors closer, but Garcia made another three-pointer for a 72-64 lead after three quarters. The final period started slowly before Matt Thomas scored 8 quick points, including a pair of triples, for another double-digit lead. Turk Telekom never came close to a comeback, and Valencia cruised home as Rafa Martinez came off the bench to hit the three-pointer for triple figures.

Second quarter proves decisive

The game turned decisively in Valencia’s favour with a spectacular shooting show in the middle of the second quarter. Two and a half minutes into the period, the home team was trailing 19-24, but then embarked upon an offensive frenzy to turn that 5-point deficit into a 10-point advantage. Valencia scored 23 points in four and a half minutes, making all seven of its field goal attempts, to take firm control of the contest.

Historic night for shooting accuracy

That second quarter blast contributed towards a remarkable demonstration of accurate shooting. As well as breaking the all-time EuroCup record by making 87.5% of its two-point attempts, Valencia was also deadly from deep, converting 14-of-23 three-pointers (60.9%). Seven different home team players missed only one or zero field goal attempts on the night.

Notable in defeat

Turk Telekom ended up beaten but by no means disgraced, especially on offense. Reggie Redding had a double-double of 12 points and 10 assists, while Sylven Landesberg and Kenny Gabriel both made three triples in their respective totals of 17 and 13 points. Vladimir Stimac also impressed with 16 points.

Next round

Valencia will continue its push for first place with a trip to Partizan NIS Belgrade, and Turk Telekom returns to Ankara to welcome Asvel Villeurbanne.