Spanish clubs Bilbao and Joventut opened their Basketball Champions League group stage campaigns with victories, anchoring a strong start for Spanish sides in Europe’s club competition as reported by Eurohoops.
Bilbao Survives Igokea Challenge on the Road
Bilbao secured a 92-79 victory against Igokea away from home, driven by a dominant first-half performance that established a cushion the Spanish side maintained through the final buzzer. Bastien Vautier led the visitors with 19 points, while Martin Krampelj chipped in 12 points to reinforce the frontcourt. Igokea fought back after intermission, led by Lazar Stefanovic with 17 points, but Bilbao’s early offensive rhythm proved decisive in Group G play.
Joventut Controls Bnei Herzliya to Complete Spanish Sweep
Joventut defeated Bnei Herzliya 86-75 at home, capping a clean sweep for Spanish representatives on the opening matchday. Emir Sulejmanovic paced Joventut with 20 points, Simon Birgander added 14 points, and Kwan Cheatham contributed 12. Bnei Herzliya stayed competitive behind 20 points from DJ Brewton and 13 points from Zack Bryant, though Joventut secured the Group H win.
Cibona Stuns Galatasaray in European Return
In Group B, Cibona marked its return to European competition by upsetting Galatasaray 96-76 in the opening fixture. Khalif Battle starred for the victors with a 32-point performance, supported by Roko Badzim’s 19 points and Lovro Mazalin’s 18 points. Galatasaray got 13 points apiece from Aleksej Nikolic and Alen Smailagic in the defeat.
Group Standings After Matchday One
Following the opening fixtures, Rytas leads Group A at 1-0. Strasbourg and Cibona sit at the top of Group B with 1-0 records, ahead of Galatasaray and Legia at 0-1. Peristeri paces Group D at 1-0 over Bamberg. Reggiana tops Group E, Cholet leads Group F ahead of Hapoel Holon, Bilbao stands atop Group G following its victory over Igokea, and Joventut holds the early lead in Group H.
