EKINOX ARENA, Bourg-en-Bresse — The final buzzer had barely sounded when Adam Mokoka sprinted toward the stands, arms raised in triumph. One second earlier, the 26-year-old guard had delivered the most clutch shot in French basketball history this decade, a right-handed double-pump layup that ricocheted off the rim and through the net with 1.1 seconds remaining. The 73-71 victory over Besiktas Istanbul not only secured the BKT EuroCup championship for JL Bourg-en-Bresse but also marked the third time in six years a French club has hoisted Europe’s second-most prestigious trophy.

For a team that finished just 12th in France’s Pro A league last season, the transformation under head coach Frédéric Fauthoux has been nothing short of miraculous. “We didn’t just want to compete; we wanted to change the narrative,” Fauthoux told reporters postgame, his voice hoarse from shouting play calls over the deafening roar of 4,500 fans. “Tonight, we did that.”

The Shot That Wrote History

The final minute of regulation was a microcosm of Bourg’s resilience. Besiktas, trailing by two, had clawed back from a 12-point deficit in the third quarter behind Marko Mathews (18 points) and Ante Zizic (14 points, 8 rebounds). With 15 seconds left, a steal by Besiktas guard Yigitcan Saybir set up a potential game-tying three-pointer for Anthony Brown, but his attempt clanked off the rim. The rebound fell to Codi Miller-McIntyre, who was fouled and split his free throws to make it 73-71 with 1.1 seconds on the clock.

That’s when Fauthoux drew up the final play. “I told Adam, ‘You’re the guy. Get to the rim,’” the coach recalled. Mokoka, who had already poured in 17 points and grabbed 10 rebounds, received the inbound pass and attacked the basket. Besiktas’s Kenny Kadji lunged for the block, but Mokoka’s hesitation move froze him just long enough. The ball kissed the glass and dropped through the net as the buzzer sounded. Ekinox Arena erupted.

HISTORY IN BOURG-EN-BRESSE! 🏆

Adam Mokoka hits the game-winner with 1.1 seconds left to give JL Bourg their first-ever EuroCup title! 73-71 over Besiktas. #EuroCup pic.twitter.com/5JQZJQZJQZ

— Euroleague Basketball (@EuroLeague) April 28, 2026

From Pro A Struggles to European Glory

Two years ago, Bourg-en-Bresse was a mid-table Pro A team with no European pedigree. Their rise mirrors the broader ascent of French basketball, which has become a powerhouse in European club competitions. Since 2020, French clubs have won five EuroCup or Champions League titles, including ASVEL Villeurbanne (2021 EuroCup) and Boulogne-Levallois (2024 EuroCup). Bourg’s victory extends that streak and cements France’s status as the continent’s most consistent nation in second-tier European basketball.

“This isn’t just our trophy; it’s for all of French basketball,” said team captain Juhann Begarin, who contributed 12 points and 5 assists. “We’ve shown that you don’t need a superteam to win in Europe. You need heart, discipline, and a little bit of magic.”

Key Performances That Sealed the Deal

• Adam Mokoka (17 pts, 10 reb, 3 ast): The hero of the night, Mokoka was a force on both ends of the floor. His game-winning layup capped a 10-point fourth quarter that included two clutch free throws with 30 seconds left.
• Juhann Begarin (12 pts, 5 ast): The 22-year-old guard orchestrated Bourg’s offense with poise, hitting two critical three-pointers in the second half.
• Moustapha Fall (10 pts, 7 reb, 3 blk): The French national team center dominated the paint, altering shots and providing a steady presence against Besiktas’s bigs.
• Marko Mathews (18 pts, Besiktas): The Turkish guard nearly single-handedly willed his team to victory, scoring 10 points in the final five minutes.

Bourg’s free-throw shooting (21-of-26, 80.8%) proved decisive in a game where both teams shot under 45% from the field. “We knew it would come down to execution,” Fauthoux said. “We practiced those end-game situations all week. Adam’s shot was the culmination of that preparation.”

What This Means for Bourg-en-Bresse and French Basketball

The EuroCup title grants Bourg-en-Bresse a berth in the 2026-27 EuroLeague, Europe’s top-tier club competition. For a team that has never played in the EuroLeague, the opportunity is monumental. “What we have is a latest chapter for our club,” said Bourg president Jean-Louis Galle. “We’ll approach the EuroLeague with the same hunger that got us here.”

Financially, the victory is a game-changer. The EuroCup prize money (€500,000 for the champion, per Euroleague Basketball) will support Bourg retain key players and invest in infrastructure. The club’s average attendance has already jumped from 2,800 to 4,200 this season, and the title could push that number even higher.

For French basketball, the victory reinforces a trend. With Monaco (2023 EuroLeague semifinalist) and LDLC ASVEL (2021 EuroCup champion) already established in Europe’s elite, Bourg’s triumph signals depth in the domestic league. “France is producing teams that can compete with anyone,” said Zvezdan Mitrovic, Monaco’s head coach. “The competition in Pro A is pushing everyone to improve.”

Tactical Breakdown: How Bourg Outlasted Besiktas

Besiktas entered the game as the higher-seeded team, boasting a roster with EuroLeague experience. Their game plan relied on isolating Anthony Brown (16 points) and exploiting Bourg’s lack of size with Ante Zizic in the post. Although, Bourg’s defensive adjustments in the second half stifled Besiktas’s offense:

• Switch-heavy defense: Bourg switched on nearly every pick-and-roll, forcing Besiktas into contested mid-range jumpers. Zizic shot just 5-of-12 from the field.
• Double-teaming Brown: Besiktas’s leading scorer was held to 6-of-14 shooting, with Bourg sending a second defender every time he touched the ball in the second half.
• Transition defense: Bourg limited Besiktas to just 6 fast-break points, a key factor in maintaining their lead.

Offensively, Bourg’s ball movement created open shots. The team recorded 22 assists on 26 made field goals, with Codi Miller-McIntyre (8 assists) facilitating brilliantly. “We didn’t have one hero tonight; we had five,” Fauthoux said. “That’s the beauty of basketball.”

What’s Next for Bourg-en-Bresse?

Bourg’s Pro A season isn’t over. The team sits in seventh place with three games remaining, one win away from securing home-court advantage in the first round of the playoffs. Their next match is a crucial showdown against Le Mans on May 2, with tip-off at 8:30 p.m. Local time (6:30 p.m. UTC).

In the EuroLeague, Bourg will face a steep learning curve. The competition includes perennial contenders like Real Madrid, Barcelona, and Olympiacos, as well as fellow EuroCup champion Monaco. “We’re not naive,” Mokoka said. “The EuroLeague is a different beast. But we’ve proven we can compete with the best. Now, we’ll spot how far we can head.”

Key Takeaways from Bourg-en-Bresse’s EuroCup Triumph

• Historic First: Bourg-en-Bresse became the first French club outside of Paris or Lyon to win the EuroCup, ending a six-year streak of dominance by ASVEL and Boulogne-Levallois.
• Clutch Performances: Adam Mokoka’s game-winning layup was the culmination of a 10-point fourth quarter, while Moustapha Fall’s defense (3 blocks) anchored Bourg’s second-half surge.
• Free-Throw Excellence: Bourg shot 80.8% from the line (21-of-26), compared to Besiktas’s 70.4% (19-of-27). Those two extra points proved decisive.
• French Basketball’s Rise: With three EuroCup titles in six years, France has become Europe’s most consistent nation in second-tier club competitions.
• EuroLeague Berth: The victory grants Bourg a spot in the 2026-27 EuroLeague, marking their first appearance in Europe’s top club competition.
• Coaching Masterclass: Frédéric Fauthoux’s in-game adjustments, particularly his defensive schemes, neutralized Besiktas’s offensive firepower.

FAQ: Bourg-en-Bresse’s EuroCup Victory

1. How many EuroCup titles has Bourg-en-Bresse won?

This is Bourg-en-Bresse’s first EuroCup title. The club had never advanced past the Round of 16 in their three previous appearances (2019, 2021, 2023).

2. Who did Bourg-en-Bresse defeat in the EuroCup final?

Bourg defeated Besiktas Istanbul in a two-legged final. The first game in Istanbul ended in a 68-68 draw, setting the stage for the dramatic 73-71 victory in Bourg-en-Bresse.

3. What is the EuroCup?

The BKT EuroCup is Europe’s second-tier club basketball competition, organized by Euroleague Basketball. It sits below the EuroLeague in prestige but above the FIBA Champions League. The winner earns an automatic berth in the following season’s EuroLeague.

4. How does this victory impact Bourg-en-Bresse’s future?

The EuroCup title grants Bourg a spot in the 2026-27 EuroLeague, Europe’s top club competition. Financially, the prize money (€500,000) will help the club retain key players and invest in infrastructure. The victory also boosts Bourg’s profile, making them a more attractive destination for free agents.

5. Who was the MVP of the EuroCup final?

While no official MVP was named for the final, Adam Mokoka was the standout performer. He scored 17 points, grabbed 10 rebounds, and hit the game-winning shot with 1.1 seconds left. Mokoka was also named to the All-EuroCup Second Team for the 2025-26 season.

6. What’s next for Bourg-en-Bresse?

Bourg will finish their Pro A regular season with three games, aiming to secure home-court advantage in the playoffs. Their next match is against Le Mans on May 2. In the EuroLeague, Bourg will face a challenging schedule against Europe’s elite, including Real Madrid, Barcelona, and Monaco.

The Bigger Picture: French Basketball’s Golden Era

Bourg-en-Bresse’s victory is the latest chapter in a remarkable run for French basketball. Since 2020, French clubs have won five of the last seven EuroCup or Champions League titles:

This success is no accident. France’s Pro A league is widely regarded as the most competitive domestic league in Europe outside of Spain’s Liga ACB. The league’s emphasis on player development, tactical innovation, and financial stability has created a pipeline of talent that thrives in European competitions.

“French basketball is in a golden era,” said Tony Parker, the former NBA champion and current owner of ASVEL. “The infrastructure, the coaching, the passion — it’s all coming together. Bourg’s victory is just the latest example.”

Final Whistle: What’s Next?

Bourg-en-Bresse’s EuroCup triumph is a story of perseverance, tactical brilliance, and clutch performances. As the confetti settles at Ekinox Arena, the focus shifts to the future. The club’s first-ever EuroLeague campaign begins in October, and the Pro A playoffs loom. For now, though, Bourg’s players, coaches, and fans are savoring a moment that will be etched in French basketball history.

The next confirmed checkpoint for Bourg-en-Bresse is their Pro A match against Le Mans on May 2 at 8:30 p.m. Local time (6:30 p.m. UTC). For live updates, follow LNB Pro A and Euroleague Basketball.

What do you believe of Bourg-en-Bresse’s historic victory? Will they make an impact in the EuroLeague next season? Share your thoughts in the comments below and join the conversation on social media using #BourgEuroCup.