Valencia Basket showcased its defensive prowess in an 82-67 victory over LDLC ASVEL Villeurbanne at Roig Arena on Thursday. The win improved Valencia to 18-10 overall and 12-2 at home.
Valencia started strong with three three-pointers in an 11-0 run to open a 19-9 lead. ASVEL responded with eight straight points, but the hosts ended the first quarter ahead 22-17.
Darius Thompson and Jean Montero each scored 14 points, while Kam Taylor and Brancou Badio added 10, leading a balanced offensive attack. The team limited turnovers to eight and forced ASVEL into contested shots throughout the contest.
A 12-2 Valencia surge in the second quarter, fueled by Thompson’s two triples, extended the lead to 40-25. By halftime, the Spanish side maintained an 11-point advantage at 44-33.
Valencia continued to pull away in the third quarter with a 10-2 run that grew the margin to 19 points, leading 63-45 after 30 minutes. The hosts’ defensive rotations and perimeter pressure kept ASVEL off balance despite a late 20-foot barrage from Edwin Jackson and Zac Seljaas.
Jackson led the visitors with 20 points, including six three-pointers, while Paul Eboua added 10 points and eight rebounds. ASVEL dropped its eighth loss in nine games and remains last in the EuroLeague with a 7-21 record and a 1-12 mark on the road.
Valencia’s 23 assists reflected efficient ball movement and a disciplined approach that minimized mistakes.
The Spanish club will next face Kosner Baskonia Vitoria-Gasteiz on Feb. 26, while ASVEL travels to Dubai Basketball on the same day.
