Yanis Dimitropoulos’ PAOK secured a 79-73 home victory over Surne Bilbao Basket in the opening game of the FIBA Europe Cup final on April 22, 2026, taking a crucial lead into the second leg in Spain. The Greek champions held off a late surge from the Spanish side to claim a six-point advantage ahead of the rematch scheduled for April 29 at Bilbao Arena.
The contest unfolded before a passionate crowd at PAOK Sports Arena in Thessaloniki, where the hosts began strongly. PAOK won the opening quarter 16-13 and extended their lead to 43-35 by halftime. Despite a determined effort from Bilbao in the third period, PAOK maintained control, entering the final quarter up 60-53 before sealing the win with a composed fourth-quarter performance.
Patrick Beverley led all scorers with 24 points for PAOK, delivering a veteran presence in the backcourt that proved vital in navigating Bilbao’s defensive pressure. His ability to create shots for himself and teammates kept the Greek offense flowing during key stretches. On the other side, Justin Jaworski matched Beverley’s output with 24 points for Surne Bilbao Basket, but his efforts were not enough to overcome the deficit as the visitors struggled to contain PAOK’s balanced attack.
Bilbao showed resilience in the second half, cutting the lead to as low as five points midway through the fourth quarter. However, PAOK responded with timely baskets and free throws to stabilize the game. The Spaniards missed several opportunities to tie or accept the lead in the final minutes, ultimately falling short despite Jaworski’s late surge.
The result sets up an intriguing second leg, where Surne Bilbao Basket will look to overturn the deficit on their home court. A win by seven or more points would secure the trophy for the Spanish side, while PAOK can afford to lose by five points or fewer and still claim the FIBA Europe Cup title. If Bilbao wins by exactly six, the tie would go to overtime or a tiebreaker procedure as defined by FIBA regulations.
Both teams earned their place in the final through strong performances throughout the 2025-26 season. PAOK navigated a challenging path that included victories over mid-tier EuroLeague and Basketball Champions League teams, relying on their experienced roster and home-court advantage in tough matches. Bilbao, meanwhile, advanced through a series of tightly contested games, showcasing resilience and tactical discipline under head coach Jaume Ponsarnau.
The FIBA Europe Cup, now in its continued iteration as a secondary continental competition, provides a platform for clubs not participating in the EuroLeague or Basketball Champions League to compete for international silverware. For PAOK, winning the cup would mark a significant achievement in their recent resurgence, adding to domestic success in the Greek Basket League. For Bilbao, a triumph would represent a return to continental glory after several near-misses in European competitions.
As the focus shifts to the return leg, both squads will assess rotations and strategies. PAOK may look to manage minutes for Beverley and other key players ahead of the decisive game, while Bilbao will likely adjust their defensive schemes to limit second-chance points and improve perimeter containment. The outcome will hinge on execution in high-pressure moments, particularly in the final five minutes of regulation.
Fans can follow the second leg live through official FIBA broadcasters and regional sports networks. Updates will be available via the FIBA website and affiliated digital platforms, with tip-off scheduled for 8:30 PM local time in Bilbao (6:30 PM UTC) on April 29, 2026.
What does this result mean for the title race? PAOK holds a meaningful but not insurmountable advantage, placing the pressure on Surne Bilbao Basket to deliver a near-perfect performance away from home. The stage is set for a compelling conclusion to the 2025-26 FIBA Europe Cup campaign.
Stay tuned to Archysport for comprehensive coverage of the second leg, including previews, live updates and post-game analysis as the FIBA Europe Cup champion is crowned.
