Valencia Basket secured a 76-73 EuroLeague victory over Crvena Zvezda Meridianbet Belgrade on Friday at Roig Arena, showcasing its defensive prowess despite a modest offensive night. The hosts limited the Serbian team to a season-low score while improving to 7-5 in the standings.
Crvena Zvezda, which entered the game averaging 56.3% on two-point shots and 19.2 assists per contest, managed just 15-of-36 from inside the arc and committed 19 turnovers. Seven of those turnovers came in the second quarter, allowing Valencia to take a 49-39 halftime lead.
Pedro Martinez’s squad struggled with shooting efficiency, hitting only 10-of-31 from three-point range, but excelled in generating turnovers, recording 13 steals—tying its third-best mark in EuroLeague history.
Brancou Badio and Kameron Taylor were instrumental in the win, providing scoring and stability. Taylor finished with 12 points, 6 rebounds, and a PIR of 17, hitting a key basket off a spin move to put Valencia ahead 75-71 with just over a minute remaining. Badio added 16 points in 16 minutes off the bench to spark the offense.
Despite being outrebounded 44-31, Valencia defended the paint effectively, forcing Crvena Zvezda into contested shots and capitalizing on mistakes down the stretch. Nikola Kalinic’s turnover in the final minute sealed the outcome for the hosts.
For Crvena Zvezda, high-percentage shooters like Codi Miller-McIntyre led with 23 points, while Jordan Nwora added 14, but the team could not fully capitalize on 21 offensive rebounds. Injuries and absences further limited the visitors, preventing them from mounting a late-game comeback.
Valencia now faces FC Bayern Munich at home on Tuesday, November 25, while Crvena Zvezda returns to Belgrade to host Olympiacos Piraeus on Wednesday, November 26.
