Valencia Basket Claims Second Supercopa Endesa Title in Thrilling Comeback

Valencia Basket Clinches Second Endesa Super Cup Title

VALENCIA – In a thrilling match, Valencia Basket secured its second Endesa Super Cup championship with a hard-fought 78-73 victory against Perfumerías Avenida. Despite a remarkable comeback attempt by Perfumerías Avenida, Valencia managed to hold on to their lead.

A Spectacular Comeback Almost Achieved

Perfumerías Avenida struggled to find their rhythm initially but launched a fierce attack in the final quarter that nearly turned the tide in their favor.

Outstanding Performances by Ouviña and Casas

Cristina Ouviña, with 14 points, 6 assists, and a performance index rating (PIR) of 21, along with Queralt Casas, who contributed 11 points, 7 rebounds, and also a PIR of 21, were the standout players for the championship-winning Valencia team. They effectively neutralized the game of Greek player Maria Fassoula, who scored 19 points, grabbed 6 rebounds, and had a PIR of 22. Additionally, Raquel Carrera was named the tournament’s Most Valuable Player.

Valencia Dominates Early Stages

Valencia took control of the game from the start, showcasing their offensive prowess both from the perimeter, with Ouviña scoring seven points, and in the paint, with Casas adding five points. They built a commanding 17-point lead (24-7).

Perfumerías Avenida Struggles to Close the Gap

It took Perfumerías Avenida almost seven minutes to score their first basket after an initial layup. Although they managed to reduce the deficit with baskets from Delaere and Fassoula, the gap still seemed insurmountable at the end of the first quarter (24-12).

Valencia Maintains Dominance in the Second Quarter

The script of the game remained largely unchanged in the second quarter. Perfumerías Avenida continued to struggle, particularly in rebounding, while Valencia maintained a steady scoring pace (30-14) with five minutes remaining before halftime.

Valencia Extends Lead in the Third Quarter

Valencia’s dominance continued into the third quarter, with players like Gulich and Leticia Romero leading the charge. Perfumerías Avenida struggled with their shooting accuracy and rebounding, allowing Valencia to build a lead of over 20 points (54-29).

Avenida Perfumeries Mounts a Late Comeback

Perfumerías Avenida fought back in the final quarter, with Fassoula and Gil finding their rhythm in the paint. They capitalized on Valencia’s declining shooting percentage. With just 4:30 remaining, Perfumerías Avenida managed to narrow the gap to just seven points (69-62), reigniting the game.

Valencia Holds on for Victory

Despite a late surge from Perfumerías Avenida, Valencia managed to secure the win. A crucial jump shot from Romero and key plays by Ouviña sealed the victory for Valencia in a thrilling finish (78-73).

Final Score and Player Statistics

78. Valencia Basket (24+18+22+14): Hempe (2), Torrens (14), Casas (11), Romero (7), and Carrera (10) – starting lineup -; Fingall (4), Ouviña (14), Buenavida (4), Fam Thiam (-), Florez (-), Gulich (12), and Contell (-).

73. Avenida Perfumeries (12+10+24+27): Çakir Turgut (4), Delaere (3), Hartley (3), Gil (12), and Fasoula (19) – starting lineup -; Kone (-), Rodríguez Manso (8), Domínguez (14), Vilaró (8), and Prince (2).

Referees and Incidents

Referees: Carlos Javier García León, Francisco José Zafra, and Cristina Adán Rodríguez. Fingall from Valencia and Domínguez from Perfumerías Avenida were both eliminated due to personal fouls.

Incidents: The Supercopa-LF Endesa final took place at the Gran Canaria Arena in front of approximately 2,500 spectators. A minute of silence was observed before the game in remembrance of those who lost their lives in a nightclub fire in Murcia earlier that morning.