Fenerbahce Beko Istanbul reminded the EuroLeague why it is the reigning champion on Friday night, edging Valencia Basket 82-79 at Ulker Sports And Event Hall in a game defined by defensive discipline and late-game composure.
Playing in front of a packed home crowd, the Istanbul side delivered one of its most complete first halves of the season and absorbed a late surge to secure its 14th win of the 2025–26 EuroLeague campaign.
The visitors arrived with the league’s most productive offense, averaging 90.1 points per game, and opened with five three-pointers in the first five minutes. The hosts responded by attacking inside, converting their first nine two-point attempts to take early control.
The contest swung decisively in the second quarter when the champions locked into their half-court defense. Valencia went nearly seven minutes without a field goal, while the home side opened a 14-1 run to build a 44-31 lead.
That cushion proved critical, as the Turkish powerhouse never trailed again despite offensive inconsistencies after halftime. The defensive effort limited the Spanish club to 79 points, its second-lowest output of the season and its lowest total in a road game.
Only a late offensive burst made the finish tense. Valencia scored 12 points in the final two minutes, with 10 coming from Jean Montero, and had two chances to force overtime in the closing seconds.
Still, control belonged to the hosts for most of the night, aided by a deliberate offensive approach. The team attempted just nine three-pointers in the first half, preferring late-clock execution and interior attacks to slow the tempo.
That approach suited Nando De Colo, who marked his return with a team-high 16 points in 21 minutes. The veteran guard also provided stability during critical possessions.
Wade Baldwin IV followed with 11 points and four assists, while Nicolo Melli added 12 points on an efficient 4-of-7 shooting inside the arc.
Devon Hall chipped in 10 points and five assists, and Khem Birch contributed 10 points and three offensive rebounds, giving Fenerbahce steady production across the lineup.
The closing lineup featured De Colo alongside Baldwin, Hall, Nicolo Melli and Birch, a group that logged key minutes during the 2025 Final Four run.
Valencia stayed within reach thanks to a balanced scoring effort, led by Nate Reuvers, who posted a team-high 17 points on 6-of-10 shooting from two-point range.
Jaime Pradilla added 13 points, while Kameron Taylor also scored 13 and grabbed eight rebounds to anchor the visitors on the glass.
Jean Montero finished with 14 points and five assists, scoring 10 of those points in the final two minutes as Valencia mounted a late comeback attempt.
The win extended Fenerbahce’s strong run to 11 victories in its last 13 games and reinforced its position near the top of the standings. It also contrasted sharply with the 15-point road loss suffered against the same opponent in October.
Valencia, which had already won at Olympiacos, Panathinaikos and Crvena Zvezda this season, again showed resilience and quality despite the defeat.
Fenerbahce visits Virtus Bologna next Wednesday before hosting Baskonia, while Valencia returns home to face Paris Basketball ahead of a road game against Bayern Munich.
