Trabzonspor defeated Nanterre 93-83 in overtime during their Basketball Champions League opening match, marking a significant turn in the rivalry between the two clubs. The result at the Black Sea arena effectively ended the lingering shadow of the 2015 EuroChallenge final, where Nanterre famously claimed the title following a last-second shot by T.J. Campbell. For the Turkish side, the win represents a long-awaited reversal of fortunes against the French team.
The match, which serves as a notable entry in the continental competition, highlighted the resurgence of both organizations. Nanterre, currently climbing back toward the top tier of French basketball, faced a Trabzonspor squad that has successfully rebuilt its roster and financial standing following a period of liquidation. With both teams holding identical 1-1 records in their respective domestic leagues heading into the matchup, the game remained competitive until the final buzzer.
A Competitive Duel in the Black Sea Arena
The intensity remained high throughout the regulation period, with the score locked at 66-66 entering the final five minutes. The game was ultimately decided by the performance of Marcus Keene, the American guard who recently joined the Turkish side from SIG Strasbourg. Keene took control of the game’s tempo during the closing minutes of regulation.
Despite Keene’s influence, Nanterre had an opportunity to secure a victory in the closing seconds of the fourth quarter. Xavier Castaneda, who finished the night with 10 points and 6 assists, was positioned for a final shot, but the play was disrupted when teammate Mitchell Saxen was whistled for an offensive foul while setting a screen. The turnover forced the game into overtime, where Trabzonspor capitalized on the momentum.
The Impact of Marcus Keene in Overtime
Once the game reached the extra period, Keene’s offensive output effectively sealed the outcome. He finished the contest with 24 points and 6 assists, repeatedly finding gaps in the Nanterre defense. His ability to draw fouls and convert high-pressure shots prevented the French visitors from regaining control, as Trabzonspor pulled away to secure a 10-point victory.
For Nanterre, the loss is a difficult start to a challenging group stage. The French team is competing in a pool that includes the defending champions, Rytas Vilnius, and the Sabah BC. This defeat highlights the physical and tactical demands of European competition, particularly when playing away from home in high-pressure environments.
Historical Context of the 2015 EuroChallenge
The encounter carried significant weight for long-time supporters of both clubs, who recalled the 2015 EuroChallenge final. That match, played on April 26, 2015, saw T.J. Campbell hit a buzzer-beater that secured the European trophy for Nanterre on Turkish soil. The event has long been cited as a defining moment in Nanterre’s history and a source of frustration for Trabzonspor.
The 2026 meeting served as a direct contrast to that historical result. While Nanterre manages its return to European play, Trabzonspor’s recent investment in its squad has placed them on a different trajectory within the Turkish first division. The 93-83 result marks a victory for the Turkish club against Nanterre since the 2015 final.
Next Steps in the Basketball Champions League
Following this result, both teams must pivot toward their upcoming domestic and European schedules. Trabzonspor will look to maintain its momentum in the group stage, while Nanterre faces the challenge of regrouping for their next continental fixture. The standings in their respective group will be updated following the conclusion of the upcoming round of matches, with Nanterre aiming to address the tactical lapses that contributed to the overtime loss.
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