Spar Girona was unable to overcome Valencia Basket in a match marked by controversy. Without Roberto Íñiguez from the second quarter and with a significant deficit at halftime (37-55), the Girona team staged a strong second half, coming within just three points (67-70). Despite their effort, the final attacks and some decisions ultimately gave the victory to the visiting team, 80-88.
Although Touré scored the first three-pointer on the first play of the game, Valencia strengthened their defense and turned the situation around, capitalizing on their inside play and highlighting Alexander’s six points (3-9). Mack, under the basket, ended a 0-9 run (5-9). Once the technical issues at Fontajau were resolved, the game became a constant exchange of baskets, especially three-pointers, with notable contributions from Touré, Guerrero, and Sandra (8, 6, and 4 points, respectively, 25-26).
With the start of the second quarter, Romero took over Valencia’s offense, and despite Touré’s basket, the visitors gained a slight advantage with a play by Casas (27-33). After Girona’s timeout, their scoring struggles continued, and Valencia extended their lead with three-pointers from Mavunga and Torrens (27-39). Finally, after persistent efforts, Hristova stopped the run with an individual play, but Torrens quickly responded (29-42). With the crowd fired up due to certain refereeing decisions, tensions erupted with the ejection of Roberto Íñiguez after receiving a second technical foul (31-44). Valencia, led by Torrens (15 points), continued widening the gap, closing the quarter with free throws from Lundquist (37-55).
After halftime, Spar Girona came out looking like a different team, improving their defense and finding success in transition. Touré, Lundquist, Carol, and Bibby combined for an 8-1 run (45-56). Following a Valencia timeout, the visitors improved their attack, partly aided by Girona reaching the bonus. Nevertheless, Spar Girona, led by Guerrero and Klara, reduced the gap to just eight points (54-62). Torrens, with open looks, provided breathing room for Valencia, while Bibby’s free throws set the score at 57-67.
With everything still in play, Spar Girona came out in the final quarter at full speed. Tate and Bibby, from the free-throw line, brought the team within six points (61-67). Sandra sent Fontajau into a frenzy with a three-pointer, but Casas immediately responded on the next play. Keeping up the momentum, Spar Girona continued their collective effort, allowing Bibby to score from long range, forcing Burgos to call a timeout (67-70). Once again, after the break, Valencia responded with Fiebich’s outside shooting and a basket under the hoop by Kristine (72-79), prompting Sargatal to call a timeout with 3:02 left. Touré cut the deficit, but Fingall and Romero’s free throws maintained Valencia’s lead (74-81). Although Touré and Guerrero kept fighting (76-83), a basket by Kristine made it 78-85, forcing another timeout by Sargatal. Klara added points from the free-throw line, but Burgos halted the comeback with 29 seconds left. With no time for a turnaround, Romero sealed the game with a three-pointer, and Spar Girona fell 80-88.
