Tarragona, Spain – Valencia Basket have reclaimed the Copa de la Reina title, overcoming a fierce challenge from CB Jairis in a game of contrasting halves on Sunday. The final score of 70-65 doesn’t fully capture the dramatic shifts in momentum, as Jairis built a commanding early lead only to be overtaken by Valencia’s relentless defense and second-half adjustments. This marks Valencia Basket’s second Copa de la Reina title, adding to their growing legacy in Spanish women’s basketball.
The game began with a blistering pace set by Hozono Global Jairis, who seemingly carried the confidence of their impressive run to the final into the Palau d’Esports de Tarragona. Early three-pointers from Alba Prieto and Aina Ayuso quickly established a double-digit advantage for the underdogs (7-13 at the 4-minute mark). Jairis continued their offensive onslaught, extending their lead to 24-11 by the complete of the first quarter, fueled by a 17-0 run and Ayuso’s masterful distribution.
Valencia Basket struggled to locate their rhythm offensively in the opening period, hampered by inaccurate shooting. However, they began to stem the tide by tightening their defense, attempting to disrupt Jairis’s flow. Despite this, the first quarter’s damage was significant, leaving Valencia with a substantial deficit to overcome.
The second quarter saw a shift in strategy from Valencia, focusing on more aggressive defense and attempting to limit Jairis’s open looks. While Jairis continued to show resilience, particularly through the veteran leadership of Laura Gil – who contributed six points, including a difficult mid-range shot and an assist for a crucial three-pointer – Valencia began to chip away at the lead. Raquel Carrera’s defensive efforts also began to develop an impact, helping Valencia reduce the difference to five points (19-24) midway through the second quarter.
Alba Prieto continued to shine for Jairis, adding another three-pointer and a two-point basket to help her team maintain a seven-point lead at halftime (31-38). The first half was characterized by a speedy tempo and a relatively lenient approach from the referees, resulting in few fouls called for either side – a total of just five free throws attempted between both teams in the first 20 minutes.
The third quarter witnessed a dramatic turnaround orchestrated by Valencia Basket. Raquel Carrera ignited the comeback with five quick points, a steal, and an assist to Elena Buenavida, sparking a 10-0 run that leveled the score (41-38). This momentum swing was further amplified by strong performances from Yvonne Anderson, who took control with six consecutive points, and Fam, who continued to pressure Jairis’s offense.
Jairis struggled to respond, hampered by turnovers and a noticeable drop in efficiency. Despite a late three-pointer from Massey, Valencia closed the third quarter with a commanding lead (58-50), having outscored their opponents 27-12 in the period. This 27-12 run proved to be the decisive factor in the game’s outcome.
The final quarter saw a back-and-forth exchange of baskets, but Valencia maintained control. The emergence of Hillsman in the paint provided a defensive boost, disrupting Jairis’s attempts to penetrate the key. While Txell Alarcón fought valiantly for Jairis, her efforts were consistently answered by Raquel Carrera, who proved to be a key player in Valencia’s second-half surge.
A late three-pointer from Aina Ayuso (69-63) briefly injected some tension into the game, but Valencia held firm. Two free throws from Laura Gil narrowed the gap to four points, and Ayuso had a chance to reduce the deficit to two with 10 seconds remaining, but her layup attempt fell short. Raquel Carrera sealed the victory with the 70th point for Valencia Basket, securing their second Copa de la Reina title.
The victory was built on a remarkable defensive turnaround, with Valencia effectively shutting down Jairis’s offense for 30 minutes after a shaky start. While Jairis demonstrated considerable heart and determination, they ultimately couldn’t withstand Valencia’s relentless pressure and balanced attack.
Valencia Basket’s triumph is a testament to their resilience and tactical adjustments. They overcame a significant early deficit to claim the title, showcasing their championship pedigree. For Jairis, despite the defeat, the Copa de la Reina run represents a significant step forward for the club and a promising sign for the future.
What’s Next: Valencia Basket will now turn their attention back to league play, while Hozono Global Jairis will look to carry the momentum from their Copa de la Reina performance into the upcoming playoff battle.
