The Surne Bilbao Basket has once again proven that in the realm of basketball, nothing is impossible. After facing a daunting 19-point deficit from their first leg against JDA Bourgogne Dijon in the FIBA Europe Cup semi-finals, the team orchestrated a stunning comeback to win 97-68, securing their place in the final.
This remarkable victory not only marks a significant milestone for the club, which is celebrating its 25th anniversary, but also echoes their previous achievement last year when they overturned a similar deficit against Legia Warsaw in the quarter-finals. On April 2, 2025, the Bilbao Arena was the stage for an unforgettable night, filled with drama, tension, and ultimately, jubilation.
With the weight of their history and the hopes of their passionate fans resting on their shoulders, Bilbao Basket entered the game with a clear mission: to erase the painful memory of a 77-58 loss in France. Right from the tip-off, the players displayed an aggressive and focused demeanor, quickly establishing a 7-0 lead that set the tone for the match.
As the first quarter progressed, the team maintained their momentum, finishing the period with a 20-12 advantage. However, Dijon was not to be underestimated. The French side, led by the formidable Markis McDuffie, fought back, reducing the gap to just five points by halftime, with the score standing at 35-30.
Despite the challenges, the Bilbao players returned to the court with renewed determination. They knew that the task ahead was monumental, but the electric atmosphere in the arena fueled their resolve. The second half saw the home team continue their assault, and at one point, they extended their lead to 26-16 early in the second quarter. Yet, Dijon’s resilience shone through as they clawed their way back into contention.
As the third quarter unfolded, the tension mounted. The game was a tug-of-war, with both teams exchanging leads. Bilbao Basket’s defense remained tenacious, but Dijon’s Ware was proving to be a tough opponent in the paint. The locals needed a spark, and it came in the form of a stunning 28-2 run in the final five minutes of the game.
Coach Jaume Ponsarnau’s tactical adjustments and the players’ unwavering belief turned the tide dramatically. With just over five minutes left in the match, the score was tight at 69-66 in favor of Bilbao. But then, the floodgates opened. The team, led by the dynamic duo of Muhammad-Ali Abdur-Rahkman and Zoran Dragic, unleashed a barrage of points that left the visitors stunned.
Abdur-Rahkman finished the game with 19 points, while Dragic matched him with another 19, showcasing their experience and skill when it mattered most. Thijs de Ridder also contributed significantly with 16 points, embodying the team spirit that propelled Bilbao to victory.
The final quarter was a display of sheer dominance, with Bilbao outscoring Dijon 41-16. The players executed their game plan flawlessly, with aggressive defense leading to fast breaks and open shots. The crowd erupted as the team began to pull away, celebrating each basket as if it were a championship-winning shot.
As the clock wound down, the atmosphere in the arena was electric. When Malcolm Cazalon scored the final basket, sealing the victory, the arena erupted in a cacophony of joy. Fans and players alike celebrated the achievement, which will undoubtedly go down in the annals of the club’s history.
Ponsarnau, visibly emotional, reflected on the night’s events, stating, “It’s been amazing. I can’t find the words to describe the emotion of the players celebrating in the locker room. The staff, the fans… it was beautiful.” His pride in the team was palpable, and he emphasized the importance of this victory for the club and the city.
Young star Bassala Bagayoko, just 18 years old, also shared his thoughts, saying, “Before the game, we thought it was difficult but not impossible to overcome the 19 points. It’s been fantastic.” His confidence and contributions on the court, including key rebounds and points, were vital in the comeback.
Looking ahead, Bilbao Basket will face PAOK of Thessaloniki in the final, with the first leg set for April 16, 2025, and the return leg on April 23, 2025. Fans are already buzzing with anticipation, hoping that their team can continue this remarkable run and claim the title.
As the players celebrated their hard-fought victory, it was evident that this was more than just a win; it was a moment of redemption, a testament to their resilience, and a celebration of basketball in Bilbao. With the spirit of the city behind them, the Surne Bilbao Basket is ready to chase glory once more.
