In a thrilling showdown at the Bilbao Arena, Surne Bilbao Basket faced off against the Greek club PAOK in the first leg of the FIBA Europe Cup final on April 16, 2025. The atmosphere was electric as fans packed the arena, eager to witness history in the making. With the stakes high, both teams were looking to gain an advantage in this two-leg series, and the pressure was palpable from the tip-off.
Bilbao Basket, under the guidance of coach Jaume Ponsarnau, entered the match with a wave of confidence after a stunning comeback in the semifinals against JDA Dijon. They had managed to erase a 19-point deficit in the second leg, finishing with a spectacular 28-2 run in the final five minutes. This remarkable feat had set a high bar for the team as they aimed for their first international title.
The game kicked off at 20:00 hours, and it didn’t take long for Bilbao to establish dominance. They started strong, going on a 6-0 run, with Dragic hitting a three-pointer to set the tone early on. By the end of the first quarter, Bilbao led 22-12, showcasing their offensive prowess with six triples, much to the delight of their home crowd.
As the second quarter unfolded, PAOK struggled to find their rhythm, scoring just twelve points in the first twelve minutes. However, they began to claw their way back into the game, tightening the score to 31-25 with a series of free throws. With halftime approaching, Bilbao managed to extend their lead to 38-31, maintaining a crucial buffer as they headed into the locker room.
The second half saw a shift in momentum as PAOK came out strong, executing a 2-9 run that tied the game at 40-40. The Greek side’s defense proved effective, stifling Bilbao's scoring attempts and forcing turnovers. Just when it seemed like PAOK might take control, Abdur-Rahkman scored to regain a slight edge for Bilbao, making it 42-40.
But the drama didn’t end there. With four minutes left in the third quarter, both teams experienced a scoring drought, unable to capitalize on their opportunities. It was a tense moment, with the score still tight. Then, Bartley hit a crucial three-pointer for PAOK, pushing the score to 40-36 and reigniting their hopes.
As the game progressed into the fourth quarter, the tension mounted. Bilbao led 54-50 at the start of the final frame, but PAOK quickly narrowed the gap. A 4-14 run from the Greek side saw them take their first lead of the game at 44-46, sending shockwaves through the arena. The home crowd held its breath as the momentum shifted.
With just under four minutes remaining, Bilbao managed to recover, and with Pantzar's free throws, they brought the score to 50-48. Then, a pivotal moment occurred when Dragic sank a crucial three-pointer, bringing the score to 68-59 with only two and a half minutes left. This moment reignited hope for the home team as they sought to secure a solid lead going into the second leg.
Despite the late-game surge from Bilbao, PAOK remained resilient, keeping the pressure on. The final moments were a nail-biter, with both teams exchanging baskets. As the clock wound down, Bilbao held onto their lead, ultimately closing the game with a score of 68-59.
Post-game, players and coaches reflected on the match. "We want to win this title and make history in this final," said Rubén Domínguez before the game, highlighting the team's determination. Tomasz Gielo echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the desire to "take the decisive step" towards a title that would mean so much for the players, the club, and the city.
The second leg of this thrilling final will take place next week in Thessaloniki, where PAOK will have the home advantage. The stakes are high, and both teams will be looking to capitalize on their strengths. As the series continues, fans are left eagerly anticipating what promises to be an epic conclusion to this historic matchup.
With a blend of skill, strategy, and heart, the stage is set for an unforgettable showdown in Greece. Can Bilbao maintain their momentum and secure their first international title, or will PAOK turn the tables on their home court? The drama is far from over, and the excitement is palpable as the basketball world turns its eyes to this riveting final.
