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Alsharq Tribune-M.Essam
Valencia Basket suffered a dramatic 85-82 loss away to Maccabi Tel Aviv in the 17th round of the EuroLeague on Thursday night.
The result dropped second-placed Valencia to an 11-6 record, while Maccabi extended its winning streak to four games and improved to 7-10.
The game was played at Pais Arena in Jerusalem after Maccabi's regular home venue in Tel Aviv was unavailable due to a concert.
In front of about 9,000 fans, Valencia edged a tight first quarter 21-19, with Matt Costello contributing points and rebounds.
Maccabi responded in the second quarter as T.J. Leaf and John DiBartolomeo helped the hosts build a 33-28 lead. Jean Montero briefly tied the score at 41-41, but Iffe Lundberg restored Maccabi's advantage and sent the home side into halftime ahead 47-41.
Maccabi maintained control after the break. Jaylen Hoard and Lundberg powered the Israeli side to a 64-54 lead midway through the third quarter, and the period ended with Maccabi up 70-61.
The hosts looked to have sealed the win when Jimmy Clark and Hoard stretched the margin to 85-73 with 4:43 remaining. Valencia rallied late, with Costello cutting the deficit to 82-85 with 27 seconds to go.
Braxton Key immediately stole the ball, but Valencia missed three 3-point attempts on its final possession, allowing Maccabi to hold on.
Lonnie Walker led Maccabi with 14 points, while Lundberg earned game MVP honors with 12 points and seven assists. Kameron Taylor scored a game-high 15 points for Valencia.
Valencia will next host Baskonia in Round 18 on Tuesday, while Maccabi travels to Belgrade to face Partizan three days later.
