Yesterday, Surne Bilbao joined an exclusive group in the history of European basketball and Basque sports. No team in the FIBA Europe Cup had ever repeated as champion, and only Bidasoa held two continental crowns. With this victory, the 'men in black' have earned their place as unforgettable and eternal. This second European triumph opens doors to a promising future, aiming to leverage the momentum from the 10,000 fans who filled the Bilbao Arena to make basketball a leading sport in Bilbao and Bizkaia.

Last year's title left veterans speechless and captivated younger fans. This time, everyone together watched their team become champions again in a tough final against PAOK Thessaloniki, a very worthy finalist on both occasions. The Surne Bilbao supporters acknowledged the Greek team's effort with a long ovation as they collected their runner-up medals.

Before the trophy was lifted to the skies of Miribilla, the final was a constant challenge. PAOK, a fierce opponent with great skill, threatened throughout the first half to take the title to Thessaloniki. The Greeks, with an atypical one-on-one game, exploited weaknesses in the local defense, especially in rebounding, allowing them to score twelve second-chance points and maintain parity on the scoreboard before halftime. Surne Bilbao, meanwhile, struggled to establish its offense, with missed easy shots and free throws prolonging the tension.

Patience was a key virtue in the second half. Four quick points at the start of the third quarter tied the final, although PAOK resisted. However, a three-pointer from Normantas established the desired seven-point lead and sparked a 10-0 run that turned the tide of the game. Surne Bilbao's defense intensified, with Hlinason as a bulwark, making it almost impossible for the Greek team to score. Despite some doubts in the final minutes, Surne Bilbao remained calm and savored the glory of its second consecutive European title.