Hapoel Tel Aviv – Valencia – Overtime win 99-104: Double character and 17th EuroLeague win
Hapoel Tel Aviv – 99-104: Victory with soul and seal in overtime
In a match full of tension and swings, Pedro Martinez’s side showed character, never stopped believing in the turnaround and eventually celebrated a great 104-99 away victory over Hapoel IBI Tel Aviv in overtime, reaching 17 wins in the EuroLeague.
Despite not being able to complete the upset with the last shot of regular time, persistence and proper management in the extra period brought the precious double.
Bad second quarter and reaction driven by character
The game did not get off to an ideal start, with the second quarter proving decisive for Hapoel, who took advantage of the visitors’ many mistakes and loss of pace to build a significant lead.
However, then the picture changed. The team found consistency in their play again, improved their ball circulation and gradually began to eat away at the difference, strongly returning to the challenge of victory.
Jean Montero and extra time were decisive
In the final stretch of the match, Jean Montero stood out with the winning mentality he brought to the floor, making crucial decisions and giving his team a boost. Despite the fatigue that was evident in both defenses in the finale of regular time, the match was taken to overtime.
There, the visitors showed more composure and a clear mind, found solutions in the attack and “locked” the victory with a score of 99-104, confirming their momentum in this year’s EuroLeague.
Pedro Martinez: “The character of the players spoke”
After the match, Pedro Martinez reflected on the poor second quarter, but also on his team’s reaction:
He pointed out that many mistakes gave Hapoel, a team with quality and depth, the opportunity to take the lead, but a return to good basketball and a winning mentality, with Jean Montero in a leading role, made the difference.
Looking up to the EuroLeague
With this win, the team reached 17 wins in the competition and remains firmly in the battle for the playoffs, proving that it can withstand the pressure and get results even in the most difficult places.
