Baskonia have the semi-final in their hands
The Basques are looking for a 2-0 win against a Valencia Basket that wants to attack the Buesa Arena again
MADRID, 27 May. (EUROPA PRESS) –
Bitci Baskonia hosts Valencia Basket this Saturday (6:30 pm) at the Fernando Buesa Arena with the option of sealing their pass to the semifinal round of the Endesa League playoffs, in another match that is set to be tight, with a rival who risks his life.
The Basque team has a golden opportunity in a season that, not long ago, looked like a catastrophe. Neven Spahija’s men won a very close first game at La Fonteta on Tuesday (79-80), in which the ‘taronja’ paid a poor start.
Despite being top-seeded, Valencia neglected their field and now they are on the ropes against a rival who has been able to bring out their competitive gene. Baskonia reached rock bottom several times this year, until February mired in bad feelings.
Spahija replaced Dusko Ivanovic in November and in the last three months has achieved the balance and punch to be a title contender. The champion two seasons ago has changed the chip and is once again a team that aspires to titles, after staying out of the pools in the Euroleague.
The series is on the Basque side, but the history of the crosses between azulgranas and ‘taronjas’ speaks of the fact that playing at home is synonymous with defeat. The three games between the two this year have resulted in away wins, so Joan Peñarroya’s men will try to keep it that way, and be able to return the crossing to La Fonteta.
On the ACB track where the ‘taronja’ team has the worst historical results (17.5% of victories at the Buesa Arena), looking for the first time to win twice in Vitoria, Valencia is playing it, while Baskonia has the opportunity to take revenge for his elimination in the quarterfinals last season.
Dimitrijevic, López-Arostegui and Pradilla were the best for Valencia in the first chapter, while Dubljevic and Rivero should break through this Saturday. In the locals, once again the work of Enoch and Costello will be essential to win that battle inside, and the success of Baldwin IV, Giedraitis or Fontecchio and the leadership for Granger’s moments of trouble.
DATASHEET.
–EQUIPMENT.
BITCI BASCONY: Baldwin IV, Giedraitis, Fontecchio, Peters and Enoch — possible starting quintet– Granger, Costello, Raieste, Sedekerskis, Wetzell and Kurucs.
VALENCIA BASKET: Van Rossom, Hanlan, López-Arostegui, Rivero and Dubljevic –possible starting five– Pradilla, Puerto, Claver, Labeyrie, Dimitrijevic, Ferrando, Bresan and Hermannsson.
–REFEREES: Pérez-Pizarro, Perea, Spider.
–PAVILLION: Fernando Buesa Sand.
–TIME: 18:30/Movistar Sports.