Valencia Basket produced one of its most resilient performances of the 2025-26 EuroLeague season, erasing a double-digit deficit to defeat Hapoel IBI Tel Aviv 104-99 in overtime on Thursday at Menora Mivtachim Arena. The Spanish side improved to 17-10 and strengthened its hold on second place in the standings, while the Israeli club slipped to 16-10.
Jean Montero transformed the game after a quiet first half, scoring 25 points after the break and taking control during overtime. The 22-year-old guard finished with a career-high 29 points, eight assists and perfect 9-for-9 free-throw shooting, turning a slow start into a decisive performance.
Hapoel controlled the early tempo and executed efficiently inside, using a dominant second quarter to build a 49-36 halftime lead. Dimitris Itoudis’s squad went on a 23-4 run and limited Valencia’s offensive rhythm with physical defense and strong finishing around the rim.
Chris Jones extended the hosts’ advantage to 66-50 midway through the third quarter, putting pressure on Valencia’s backcourt to create faster scoring opportunities. The visitors responded by increasing pace and spacing, scoring 38 points over the final 15 minutes of regulation to force overtime.
Montero’s leadership became clear despite late regulation mistakes, as two turnovers nearly cost Valencia the game. In overtime, the Dominican guard attacked mismatches aggressively, scoring inside for the lead and later hitting a three-pointer after shaking Vasilije Micic to create separation.
Pedro Martinez’s team received strong support from Nate Reuvers, who added 20 points on efficient finishing, and Darius Thompson, who scored 17 including a late three-pointer that shifted momentum. Kam Taylor contributed a double-double with 11 points and 10 rebounds while delivering key defensive plays in crunch time.
Hapoel saw balanced scoring led by Antonio Blakeney’s 23 points and Yam Madar’s career-high 20, but the hosts struggled from long range, shooting 10-of-36 from three-point distance. Valencia’s ability to attack inside, convert 20-of-23 free throws and maintain composure late proved decisive.
