In a thrilling first leg of the FIBA Europe Cup final, Surne Bilbao Basket claimed a crucial 72-65 victory over PAOK mateco Thessaloniki at the Bilbao Arena on April 16, 2025. The win gives the Basque team a seven-point advantage heading into the second leg, set to take place in Greece next week.
The atmosphere in Miribilla was electric, with 10,014 fans filling the arena to support their team. Bilbao started the game on fire, showcasing their shooting prowess with a barrage of three-pointers, scoring 15 consecutive points from beyond the arc. This explosive start allowed them to establish a significant lead early on, concluding the first quarter with a comfortable 22-12 advantage.
Harald Frey was a standout performer for Bilbao, contributing significantly to their scoring in the first quarter, where they shot 6-of-9 from three-point range. However, PAOK, known for their resilience, adjusted their defensive strategy and limited Bilbao's outside shooting opportunities, allowing only three more three-pointers for the remainder of the game. Ultimately, Bilbao finished with a three-point shooting percentage of 33% (8-of-24).
Despite the strong start, the game took a turn in the second half. Bilbao led 38-31 at halftime but struggled to maintain their momentum. PAOK fought back, tying the game at 40-40 midway through the third quarter. This prompted a timeout from Bilbao coach Jaume Ponsarnau, who urged his players to regroup and refocus.
After the timeout, Bilbao responded with an impressive 8-0 run, regaining the lead and pushing their advantage to 63-53 by the end of the third quarter. Melwin Pantzar was instrumental during this stretch, demonstrating both offensive skill and defensive tenacity. Pantzar finished the game as the top scorer with 19 points, including 11 in the first half, and his overall efficiency was a remarkable +21.
Thijs De Ridder also had a standout performance, contributing 13 points and grabbing 10 rebounds, achieving a double-double. His presence in the paint was crucial for Bilbao, especially during critical moments of the game when PAOK attempted to close the gap.
As the game neared its conclusion, Bilbao held a 72-63 lead with just 22 seconds left on the clock. PAOK's Katsivelis managed to score with five seconds remaining, but it was not enough to alter the outcome. A last-ditch three-point attempt by Tomasz Gielo failed to find the mark, sealing the seven-point victory for Bilbao.
Coach Ponsarnau reflected on the match, stating, "It is very open. 19 points would not have been enough in favor, nor if we had lost by 7. It was a game of runs, and we struggled to find our rhythm. There’s still much to play for in the second leg." He acknowledged the injuries to key players, including Cazalon, who only played four minutes due to an ankle injury, and the absence of Hlinason and Rabaseda, which posed challenges for the team.
Ponsarnau emphasized the importance of maintaining defensive discipline and finding more offensive contributions from his players in the return match. "In the return leg, we need to find more players and attack their defense better," he noted, recognizing the challenge that awaits them in Thessaloniki.
On the other side, PAOK's coach Massimo Cancellieri praised his team's fighting spirit, despite the loss. With Reynolds leading the scoring for PAOK with 15 points and Bartley adding 14, the Greek side demonstrated their ability to compete at a high level. Cancellieri's adjustments in the second half nearly turned the tide, as they managed to take a brief lead before Bilbao regained control.
Looking ahead, the second leg of the final promises to be a fierce battle. PAOK will have the advantage of playing at home in the Palataki, a venue known for its intimidating atmosphere, capable of hosting 18,600 fans. Both teams will enter the match with everything to play for, as Bilbao pursues its first European title in history, while PAOK aims to leverage their home court advantage to overturn the deficit.
As the countdown begins for the decisive match on April 23, both teams are aware that every possession will be crucial. The stakes couldn't be higher, and with the title on the line, fans from both sides are gearing up for a showdown that could define the future of their respective clubs.
This first leg has set the stage for a thrilling conclusion to the FIBA Europe Cup final, and while Bilbao has the edge, the battle is far from over. Can the ‘men in black’ hold their nerve in the face of the PAOK challenge, or will the Greek side rise to the occasion and claim the trophy? Only time will tell as the excitement builds for the return leg.
