DKV Joventut snatched victory from the jaws of defeat in a thrilling overtime triumph over Akasvayu Girona on the opening night of the Copa del Rey in Spain.

In a battle of teams pitting last year's EuroCup champions (DKV) against one of the favourites to win the same European competition this year, Aito Garcia's DKV prevailed 84-82.

		Marcelo Huertas was the hero for DKV Joventut.

Brazilian international Marcelo Huertas rescued DKV at the end of regulation, making two free throws and then coming up with a steal and scoring before the buzzer to tie the game at 75-75.

After that basket forced the extra period, DKV then looked to be on their way to a comfortable win as they led by as many as seven points (84 77) with just over two minutes remaining.

Yet they ended up holding on for dear life.

Veteran guard Ariel McDonald's three-pointer and two free throws by Serbian international Marko Marinovic cut the deficit to 84-82 with a little more than a minute to play.

Girona could have taken the lead but Dainius Salenga misfired with a three-ball.

Team-mate Bootsy Thornton grabbed the offensive board but failed to score.

Ferran Lavina then missed for DKV, giving Girona another chance but McDonald's attempt from the arc was no good and time ran out.

Salenga had 19 points to lead all scorers while Rudy Fernandez - FIBA Europe's Young Player of the Year - and Robert Archibald each poured in 17 points apiece for DKV.

Archibald also had nine rebounds as DKV won the battle of the boards, 42-33.

The defeat will be hard to stomach for Girona and veteran coach Svetislav Pesic because DKV never led in regulation.

"The whole team tried their best and, until now, they have won many close games, but this is basketball," Pesic said in Marca.

"Now they (the players) are disillusioned, but tomorrow is another day and they have to continue going forward."

Marinovic will also be kicking himself for fouling Huertas with 10 seconds remaining after Gregor Fucka had made two free throws to extend Girona's lead to 75-71.

The foul stopped the clock, and allowed Huertas to make his two free throws, while also forcing Girona to inbound the ball with the Brazilian stealing the ball from German Gabriel before tying the game.