Jasikevičius watches as Barcelona suffers painful loss in finals

FC Barcelona faced a significant setback in the Spanish basketball championship finals, losing 80-88 to Valencia in a dramatic third game. This defeat places the Catalan giants on the verge of losing the title, as Valencia now holds a commanding 2-1 lead in the series.

The game saw Valencia build a substantial lead, entering the final quarter with a 14-point advantage. However, Barcelona mounted an impressive comeback, managing to tie the score at 73-73, igniting hope for a crucial road win. This surge demonstrated the team's resilience and fighting spirit.

Valencia, however, refused to falter under pressure. They responded effectively to Barcelona's rally, launching a decisive run that re-established an eight-point lead, ultimately sealing the 88-80 victory. This performance puts Valencia just one win away from clinching the championship title.

Notably, former Barcelona coach Sarunas Jasikevicius, who recently won the Turkish championship, was in attendance for the game as he began his vacation. The series now shifts back to Barcelona for the fourth game, where the home team will face immense pressure to win and force a decisive fifth game.