Valencia and ALBA Berlin made the first step towards the EuroCup Finals, after defeating UNICS Kazan and Andorra in the first game of the semi-finals.
In a close game at Pabellon Fuente De San Luis, Valencia came back from an eight-point deficit and edged UNICS Kazan (69-64) to earn their 13th straight victory in the competition.
The Russians missed the chance to claim a big road win, as they came up short in the fourth quarter, which featured five lead changes and two ties.
Fernando San Emeterio and Mike Tobey led the winners, with 14 points apiece. On the other hand, Errick McCollum had a game-high 16 points for the losing squad.
Game 2 will be played in Kazan on Friday (22/03).
In an offensive showdown in Germany, ALBA Berlin stepped up in the fourth quarter and prevailed over Andorra (102-97).
The visitors came back from a 19-point deficit, but failed to escape from Berlin with a big win. This was the sixth time this season that ALBA scores more than 100 points.
Luke Sikma had 20 points, seven rebounds and six assists for the winners, while Peyton Siva added 18 points and nine assists.
Six players scored in double figures for the losing squad, as David Jelinek posted a game-high 16 points.
Game 2 will be played in Spain on Friday (22/03).
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