Valencia Basket wrapped up their pre-season with a hard-fought 93-91 win over Kosner Baskonia, showing improved teamwork and composure as they get ready for the new season.
Valencia Basket closed out their pre-season with a narrow 93-91 win over Kosner Baskonia. The final minutes were tense, with both teams trading leads, but Valencia held on to finish their preparations on a high note.
Beyond the score, Valencia looked more organized than in earlier pre-season games. Players executed set plays with more confidence and adjusted quickly to Baskonia's pressure. The close finish highlighted the intensity of the match and showed that the team is learning to handle tight situations.
Valencia Basket secured the trophy at the 11th EncestaRías tournament in Pontevedra after defeating Kosner Baskonia in the final.
Pre-season games are often just tune-ups, but this one mattered. For Valencia, it was a last chance to test rotations, try new lineups, and address issues from earlier matches. The coaching staff pushed the team to stay focused and resilient throughout.
On the court, the response was clear. Defensive mistakes were fixed quickly, and the offense looked sharper as the game went on. Beating a strong opponent like Baskonia in a close contest is a sign of progress, especially with the regular season about to start.
For fans, the win is encouraging. It suggests that Valencia Basket is aiming higher this year. The improvements seen during pre-season, both individually and as a group, are starting to show in real games.
According to official club reports, the decisive moment came when TJ Shorts converted two free throws in the final seconds, while Baskonia missed their last possession. Notably, Baskonia played with a weakened roster due to the absence of Sedekerskis, Kurucs, and Howard, yet still managed to push Valencia to the limit.
With the season about to begin, Valencia Basket's close win over Kosner Baskonia is a practical sign of their ambitions. The team has shown it can handle pressure and finish games. The real tests start now.