In a night that marked both a grand opening and a tough lesson, Valencia Basket celebrated the inauguration of their impressive new Roig Arena with a resounding 103-94 EuroLeague victory against Virtus Bologna. For the Italian “Vu Nere,” this represented their first setback of the season, a mere three days after a triumphant opener against reigning champions Real Madrid. The atmosphere in the more than 15,000-seat arena, dedicated to club patron Juan Roig, was electric, providing a fitting backdrop for a high-octane encounter that kept fans on the edge of their seats.
A Rollercoaster Ride in Valencia
The game unfolded like a basketball rollercoaster, with Bologna frequently finding themselves chasing a deficit, only to claw their way back, often due to their own resilience and, at times, Valencia`s momentary lapses. However, the Spanish hosts maintained a relentless pace and clinical efficiency, converting an impressive 67% of their two-point attempts. Virtus coach Dusko Ivanovic`s pre-game warnings about defensive solidity proved prescient, as his side struggled to contain Valencia`s dynamic offense, particularly around the paint and from beyond the arc.
Valencia`s burgeoning talent, 19-year-old De Larrea, stole the show, pouring in 23 points, including a remarkable 5-for-7 performance from three-point range. His composure and scoring prowess were pivotal in guiding Valencia to a perfect run in their double-round week. Joining the perimeter assault was Italian international Darius Thompson, who tormented Virtus in the second half, contributing 13 points with an efficient 3-for-4 from downtown. Despite the loss, Virtus Bologna`s Matt Morgan was the game`s leading scorer, tallying 24 points with an offensive effort that kept his team in contention.
Rebounding Woes and Defensive Gaps
A critical factor in Virtus`s defeat was their significant disadvantage on the boards, being outrebounded 40-27, including conceding a staggering 15 offensive rebounds to Valencia. This allowed the home side numerous second-chance opportunities, converting defensive stops into offensive possessions that chipped away at Bologna`s morale and energy.
The trouble for Virtus began late in the first quarter, despite Edwards (15 points) leading an initial resistance. Valencia carved out a slim 26-23 lead by the end of the period. This proved to be merely an appetizer for a challenging second quarter and a repeating pattern in the third, forcing Bologna into a constant uphill battle. An eight-second violation by Taylor early in the second quarter seemed to ignite Valencia`s surge, pushing them to a double-digit lead (37-25). Moore was particularly implacable during this stretch, making critical incursions.
Morgan’s offensive brilliance, despite some defensive compromises, helped halve the deficit, allowing Virtus to head into halftime down by a manageable 49-46. Yet, the respite was brief.
The Persistent Chase
The pattern repeated after the interval. While Virtus continued to score, Thompson`s hot hand (3/3 from three in quick succession) fueled an 11-0 Valencia run, re-establishing a 60-48 lead. It seemed like a decisive break, but Edwards and his teammates refused to yield, battling back to within three points (66-63), partly thanks to Diarra`s impactful play. However, every time Virtus closed in, Valencia found another gear, often spearheaded by De Larrea, whose scoring simply refused to abate.
By the midpoint of the fourth quarter, Valencia had once again established a double-digit lead (86-75), and this time, they held firm. The roar of the new Roig Arena crowd, eager for a celebratory win, undoubtedly provided an extra boost, as Valencia navigated the final minutes with composure, securing a memorable opening night victory.
For Virtus Bologna, the loss, while frustrating, offers valuable lessons early in the EuroLeague campaign. The intensity of Europe`s top club competition demands sustained defensive effort and meticulous attention to details like rebounding. The Italian side will now shift their focus back to domestic duties, where they are set to host Napoli on Monday, aiming to bounce back quickly from this continental challenge.
