Bilbao Clinches FIBA Europe Cup Final Victory
Spain's Bilbao defeated Greece's PAOK in the FIBA Europe Cup final, securing their second consecutive championship in the tournament. The first leg, held in Greece, ended with PAOK winning 79:73. In the return game on their home court, Bilbao dominated with an 89:74 victory, bringing the aggregate score to 162:153.
The opening match featured intense competition, with quarter scores of 16:13, 27:22, 17:18, and 19:20 in PAOK's favor. Bilbao turned the tide in the second game, posting quarter results of 19:23, 24:18, 27:16, and 19:17 to secure the win.
MVP Honor and Historic Achievement
Darun Hilliard of Bilbao was named the Final's Most Valuable Player (MVP). Across both games, he averaged 17.5 points and 3.5 assists per game, contributing 16 points and 5 assists in the second leg alone.
Bilbao has become the first club ever to win the FIBA Europe Cup twice and to claim the trophy in consecutive seasons. In the previous season, they also defeated PAOK, winning 154:149. The FIBA Europe Cup ranks as the fourth-strongest competition in Europe, featuring teams from multiple countries.
For context, Ukraine's Dnipro participated in the qualification rounds but did not advance to the main stage. Dnipro recently defeated Kyiv-Basket 78:70 in the opening game of the 2025/26 Ukrainian Championship playoff finals.
Bilbao's latest triumph highlights their growing dominance on the international stage and remarkable consistency in recent years. This achievement not only strengthens the club's standing in European basketball but also shines a spotlight on Spanish basketball as a whole. Meanwhile, Dnipro's progress in the Ukrainian playoffs signals the continued development of basketball culture in the country, despite ongoing challenges.
As Bilbao celebrates its historic back-to-back titles, the landscape of European basketball continues to evolve. This victory comes amidst other noteworthy events, such as Spain's recent triumph over Ukraine, which underscores the competitive nature of the sport across the continent. For a closer look at how these developments are shaping the future of basketball, check out the coverage of the Corgi Race at the NBA Playoff Game and Spain's impact on Ukraine.