Valencia shocked league favourites Barcelona at the Palau Blaugrana by levelling their semi-final play-off series thanks to a 81-76 victory.

16 points from Nando De Colo, was key to the visitors’ success. Rafael Martinez led Valencia’s scoring with 18 points, off the bench.

With the hosts up 21-14 at the end of the first quarter, game two looked to be heading the same way as game one. But Valencia were not intimidated and plugged away at Barca’s lead.

Quarter number two saw Barcelona turn the ball over on regular trips, with the visitors capitalising at every opportunity. Valencia cut the lead to 30-23 thanks to a steal and lay-up from Stefan Markovic.

Valencia’s patience was rewarded with a Nik Caner-Medley triple to end the half, which gave his side the lead 39-37 at half-time.

By then, the visitors were scoring at will inside, punishing Barcelona’s soft approach, a flash round-the-back pass from Caner-Medley fed De Colo for the lay-up, plus the foul as Valencia led by four.

Barcelona tried hitting back, but to no avail, as they now look to steal back home court advantage on Wednesday when they travel to Valencia for game three.

Marcelinho Huetras led Barca’s attack with 17 points and eight assists.