Nearing the epic against Valencia

The Girona team fought until the last breath in a duel marked by outside accuracy and imbalance in the rebound (81-84)

First Team | Sunday, 19 April 2026

The match started with electric intensity and a constant exchange of shots from the 6.75 line. Although Valencia Basket showed its physical power at the start, capturing three offensive rebounds in the first action, Bàsquet Girona knew how to react with personality. A 6-0 run allowed them to close the gap in the first quarter, closed with a triple by Cameron on the buzzer (19-20). In the second period, the team showed its best collective version with a 10-2 run that put the Girona team ahead (35-31). Despite the Girona lead, the control of the visiting offensive rebound (13 at halftime) and a triple by Badio in the last second sent the match to halftime with a five-point deficit (40-45).

In the second half, Pep Busquets emerged with a display from the perimeter, scoring 11 points and 3/4 in three-pointers that kept Fontajau’s block in the fight. Despite their efforts, Valencia managed to stretch the difference to 8 points, going into the final assault with a manageable lead. The last quarter was a roller coaster of emotions: two consecutive three-pointers put Girona just two points behind and, shortly after, the tie at 73 lit up the stadium. With the score at 81-81 and possession to win, the coin came up heads; a visiting three-pointer made it 81-84. The Girona team had 15 seconds to force overtime, but the ball did not want to enter, ending a duel of maximum commitment where only the final cherry was missing.