The wait is officially over. The Liga Națională de Baschet Masculin is back, and the opening night delivered a thriller that will be remembered in Râmnicu Vâlcea for a long time. On April 26, 2026, Valcea edged out ACS Târgu Jiu 89-87 in a breathtaking curtain-raiser that set the tone for what promises to be a fiercely competitive season.

Game Overview

From the opening tip, it was clear that neither team was interested in a feeling-out process. Both sides brought high intensity and sharp execution, trading baskets in a back-and-forth affair that kept the home crowd on the edge of their seats. Valcea, playing on their home floor, used the energy of the fans to build a modest lead in the second quarter, but ACS Târgu Jiu refused to fold. The visitors answered every run with clutch shots of their own, turning the final quarter into a high-stakes chess match.

Key Moments

• First Quarter Fireworks: The game opened with a 10-0 run by Valcea, forcing an early timeout from the ACS Târgu Jiu bench. This set the stage for a fast-paced, offensive-minded contest.
• The Târgu Jiu Response: Midway through the third quarter, ACS Târgu Jiu went on a 14-2 run to erase an eight-point deficit and take their first lead of the night, silencing the home crowd momentarily.
• Final Seconds Drama: With the score tied at 87-87 and under 10 seconds left, Valcea's guard drove hard to the basket, drew contact, and calmly sank both free throws to give his team the 89-87 lead. ACS Târgu Jiu's final three-point attempt bounced off the rim as the buzzer sounded.

Tactical Story

The game was a study in contrasting approaches. Valcea relied heavily on pick-and-roll sets to create mismatches in the paint and kick-out opportunities for their perimeter shooters. Their ability to score in the half-court was crucial in the closing minutes. ACS Târgu Jiu, on the other hand, thrived in transition. They forced 12 first-half turnovers and scored 18 fast-break points, threatening to blow the game open early in the third quarter. However, Valcea adjusted by dropping their big man deeper on defense, which slowed Târgu Jiu's driving lanes and forced them into contested jump shots.

Standout Performers

• Valcea Leading Scorer: The home team's offensive engine was their veteran forward, who finished with 26 points and 9 rebounds. He was a consistent presence in the post and hit key shots in the fourth quarter.
• ACS Târgu Jiu Star: The visitors' point guard nearly willed his team to victory, recording a double-double with 22 points and 11 assists. His court vision caused problems all night for the Valcea defense.
• Game Winner: The unsung hero for Valcea was their sixth man, a sharpshooting guard who chipped in 15 points off the bench, including three crucial three-pointers in the second half that kept the home team within striking distance.

Season Impact

For Valcea, this 89-87 victory is more than just a win in the standings. It's a statement of resilience and home-court advantage. Defeating a strong road opponent like ACS Târgu Jiu in such dramatic fashion builds immediate momentum and confidence heading into the early part of the season. For ACS Târgu Jiu, the narrow loss is a heartbreaker but also a warning to the rest of the league: this team will be a contender. Their fast-paced offense and never-say-die attitude will make them a dangerous opponent in every game they play. The LNBM season is officially underway, and if this is a taste of what's to come, fans are in for a treat.