Klemen Prepelic powers Valencia's second comeback win over Virtus Bologna / News - Basketnews.com

Credit: Oscar J. Barroso/AFP7 via ZUMA Wire Credit Oscar J. Barroso/AFP7 via ZUMA Wire

In a high-profile battle, Valencia Basket (9-4) overcame visiting Virtus Segafredo Bologna (6-6) 83-77 (24-17, 16-21, 12-25, 31-14).

Free throws this season

81%15,9Points made:15,9Accuracy:81,1%Place in standings:4Record max:23Record min:10Most made FTs:Klemen PrepelicTeamEuroCupStatisticsSchedule

In their Round 4 game, Valencia erased a 21-point deficit before grabbing a 96-97 victory. This time, the 4-time EuroCup winners had to come back from an 11-point deficit late in the game, as Virtus were up 63-52 at the end of the third quarter.

Klemen Prepelic scored a game-high 19 points on 5/11 from the field, 6/6 free throws and dished 2 assists for the winners. The Slovenian guard was decisive when his team took an 11-point lead in the second quarter and later on, when they overtook leading Virtus to finish the game strong.

Kyle Weems paced Virtus with 17 points, while Isaia Cordinier added 11.

Valencia Basket arrived at the game with a full roster for the first time this season with Victor Claver now back in action. The 33-year-old forward made his EuroCup debut for the season with 5 points.

Overall, there was a big disparity between the two teams in two categories, both in Valencia's favor: 17-8 on offensive rebounds and 25-5 on free throws attempted.

Klemen Prepelic took Virtus by storm, scoring 8 points in less than three minutes in the second quarter and Valencia took a double-digit lead (36-25) for the first time.However, as time went by, Valencia were clearly out of their comfort zone, while Virtus had the chance to unfold their rich offensive talent on the court. Scariolo's squad went on a 2-8 run that allowed them to cut down the deficit (40-35).

Kyle Weems made the start for Virtus' comeback in the third quarter and then other players followed. Amar Alibegovic completed a partial score of 4-16 for the guests, allowing Bologna to build a seven-point advantage (51-44).

Valencia reacted instantly, becoming more physical on defense and holding Virtus down to only one point in three minutes. The problem for the Spanish side was their scrappy offensive game which didn't allow them to take advantage of the Italians' turnovers.

The hosts went scoreless for almost five minutes and Virtus closed the third period up by 11 (63-52).

Jakarr Sampson helped Bologna maintain the lead, but he turned out to be the man who instigated Valencia's comeback. The American forward was called an unsportsmanlike foul which was a real game-changer. Klemen Prepelic hit four consecutive free throws when his team was struggling, and knocked down a three-point shot to conclude a seven-point play that turned 62-67 into 69-67.

Virtus tried to fight back but went scoreless for another four minutes, receiving 8 unanswered points. Sam Van Rossom connected from deep to give Valencia a crucial six-point lead (76-70) that essentially sealed the hosts' win.

Scariolo's men had not yet given up. Kyle Weems scored a jumper to make it 77-74 with 24 seconds left. But Van Rossom responded with a pair of free throws and it was all over.

Valencia Basket: Klemen Prepelic 19 (5/11 FG, 6/6 FT, 2 AST), Jaime Pradilla 10 (3/7 FG, 3/3 FT, 4 REB), Sam Van Rossom 8 (2/3 3PT SHOTS), Nenad Dimitrijevic 8, Jasiel Rivero 7 (8 REB), Louis Labeyrie 7 (10 REB), Victor Claver 5.

Virtus Bologna: Kyle Weems 17 (7/14 FG, 4 REB), Isaia Cordinier 11 (5/8 FG), Marco Belinelli 10 (4/14 FG, 2/2 FT, 4 REB), JaKarr Sampson 10 (5/8 FG, 8 REB).

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