Valencia Basket closed out 2025 by protecting its home floor with an 86-73 victory over Partizan Mozzart Bet Belgrade on Tuesday night at Roig Arena.
The result marked a seventh win in eight EuroLeague games for the Spanish side, which improved to 13-6 and moved to the top of the standings heading into the new year.
The hosts had to absorb early pressure after falling behind 6-17, as the visitors controlled tempo through the opening stretch and dictated physical play in the half court.
Valencia responded with defensive intensity, trimming the deficit before halftime and keeping the contest within reach despite uneven perimeter shooting.
Darius Thompson emerged as the central figure late, finishing with 17 points and delivering the go-ahead three-pointer that gave the home team a 65-63 edge late in the third quarter.
That basket proved decisive, as Valencia never trailed again and steadily tightened its grip on the game.
Nate Reuvers provided a strong interior presence, scoring 14 points while spacing the floor and capitalizing on defensive rotations during the closing minutes.
Brancou Badio added 14 points, while Jean Montero contributed 13 to underline a balanced scoring effort from the backcourt.
Jaime Pradilla filled the box score with 11 points and seven rebounds, helping Valencia dominate the physical areas of the game.
The home side compensated for a mediocre shooting night by controlling the margins, winning the offensive rebounding battle 14-7 and forcing nine steals.
Those extra possessions became decisive in the fourth quarter, where Valencia outscored Partizan 21-10 and closed the contest on a commanding 17-5 run.
Partizan remained competitive through three quarters and briefly closed to 69-68 early in the final period, but its offense stalled under sustained pressure.
The Belgrade club finished 9-of-27 from three-point range and managed only 10 points in the fourth quarter.
Isaac Bonga led the visitors with 17 points, while Sterling Brown added 15, yet support dried up as Valencia’s defensive rotations tightened.
The defeat dropped Partizan to 6-13 and marked a fourth consecutive EuroLeague loss.
Valencia (13-6) travels to Crvena Zvezda Meridianbet Belgrade next Tuesday, while Partizan (6-13) visits AS Monaco on the same day.
