The Biscayan team, coached by Jaume Ponsarnau, displayed strong defensive play and lethal shooting, especially in the third quarter, where a 27-16 run solidified their victory. Despite a challenging start, with PAOK Salónica leading 19-23 in the first quarter, Bilbao Basket rallied in the second (24-18 run) and extended their dominance in the third.
The final quarter began with a decisive 7-0 run for Ponsarnau's team, giving them a twenty-point lead in the game and fourteen in the tie. The match concluded with an 89-74 score, igniting euphoria among fans who are celebrating a European title for the second year in a row.
“"Surne Bilbao Basket's second consecutive victory in the FIBA Europe Cup represents an unprecedented event in the history of this competition, as well as confirmation that the club's project has established itself in the elite of continental basketball."
To celebrate this triumph, Bilbao Basket players will parade through the streets of Bilbao this Thursday afternoon in an open-top bus. Two official receptions will also take place: the first, at Bilbao City Hall, at 6:00 PM, where they will share the trophy with fans from the municipal balcony. An hour later, at 7:00 PM, they will be received at the Bizkaia Provincial Council, where they will again appear on the balcony to celebrate with their supporters.
Bilbao City Hall will implement extensive municipal measures, including traffic cuts and restrictions around the city hall building. From approximately 2:00 PM, the Ernesto Erkoreka Plaza roundabout and the City Hall Bridge, as well as Sendeja and Viuda de Epalza streets, will be closed to traffic. Ribera street will also be closed from La Merced bridge to El Arenal during the bus parade. The City Hall recommends using public transport, preferably train or metro, for travel within the city.
