EUROCUP – Valencia cap incredible Eurocup campaign with title win over Alba Berlin

VITORIA (EuroCup) – Australia national team captain Matt Nielsen and Power Electronics Valencia blew out Alba Berlin 67-44 in Sunday's Eurocup Final.

Nielsen, whose battling spirit typified Valencia's relentless approach on defense and never-say-die attitude, was voted MVP of the event.

Valencia won their first European crown since the 2002-03 campaign when they prevailed in the old ULEB Cup.

By virtue of Sunday's victory in Vitoria, the Neven Spahija-coached team qualified for next year's Euroleague.

“I just want to say what a great experience it has been to play with this team,” said Nielsen.

“Right from the beginning, it's been a tight-knit team - more than any I've been around in a long time.

“Teams don't get much closer than this one. It's been such an enjoyable experience. We deserved it and the fans deserved it for helping us all the way.

“I'm happy it's all gone this way."

It’s incredible to think that Valencia almost didn’t make it to the Eurocup.

In the Qualifying Round, they lost their first leg against Dexia Mons-Hainaut by 15 points in Belgium but returned home and prevailed by three-points on aggregate after a thrilling overtime game at La Fonteta.

The victory sparked their season into life because Valencia not only marched through the Eurocup but also excelled in the ACB.

They are currently in fourth place in Spain’s top flight.

“This is the end of an unbelievable season and unbelievable attitude from these players,” Spahija said.

On Sunday night, the Spanish outfit took command in the second quarter when they outscored the German team 25-12 to lead 36-22 at half-time.

By the end the third, the lead had grown to 48-33 and in the fourth, Neven Spahija's side went in front by 25 before walking off the court with a 67-44 victory.

They never gave the Berliners a chance to get back into the contest.

"This is an incredible moment for all of us," Valencia's France international Florent Pietrus said.

"We worked hard as a group and finished the road we started eight months ago.

"No question about it, our defense was the key. Offense wins games, but defense wins titles and we proved that tonight."

Nielsen, the Australia national team captain, had seven points, six rebounds, two assists, a steal and a block.

In Saturday's narrow Semi-Final win over Panellinios, Nielsen hit two key three-pointers in the last three minutes and finished with 16 points.

Victor Claver, Valencia’s captain, celebrated a second straight title in recent times because last year, he won a EuroBasket gold with Spain’s national team.

“After a difficult season, we really deserve this,” he said.

“And now, all we have to do is celebrate.”

Spain’s Claver, Australia’s Nielsen, France’s Nando De Colo and Florent Pietrus and Serbia’s Kosta Perovic, who had a team-high 17 points, will all play at the FIBA World Championship in Turkey.

Alba did a magnificent job to reach the title game, especially with Saturday’s victory over Bizkaia Bilbao Basket, but they endured an almighty struggle against Valencia.

"We would have liked to have played better today, but second place in the entire Eurocup still is something to be proud of, especially when you lose against such a strong opponent,” said Alba’s Derrick Byars.

"In my opinion, they were the best team we faced all year."

Bilbao won the third-place game over Panellinios, 76-67.

FIBA