The Bilbao team managed to overcome the resistance of bottom-placed Coviran Granada (88-83) with a 14-2 run in the final minutes of the last quarter, precisely when things looked bleakest (72-77 with 3:50 remaining). This victory allows Surne Bilbao to remain in the fight for eighth place in the Liga Endesa standings, capping off a week of continental celebrations with a win.
It was a challenging match, marked by numerous stoppages and questionable refereeing, extending the game to two hours and twenty minutes. The home team struggled with open shots, attributed to the difficulty of refocusing after a week filled with celebrations and intense emotions. However, Swedish point guard Melwin Pantzar proved to be the difference-maker, providing crucial contributions with two three-pointers and a 'two-plus-one' during that decisive run.
The Andalusian team, which has shown significant improvement in recent weeks, displayed interesting resources led by Luka Bozic, the MVP of the last two months in the domestic competition. Bozic finished with 21 points but failed to score in the final quarter. Despite constant ups and downs, Jaume Ponsarnau's team managed to stay in the game against an opponent fighting for its last chances of survival.
The start of the game lacked fluidity, with reviews and an interruption due to scoreboard issues. The Bizkaia team also struggled offensively, though their strong defensive effort allowed them to maintain a slight lead. Despite the efforts of Bagayoko and Olumuyiwa near the basket, Ponsarnau's team suffered from a lack of accuracy in three-pointers (0 for 5 in the opening quarter), which allowed Granada to neutralize the 16-11 lead and end the first ten minutes tied.
The halftime score was a negative 41-46, after the refereeing began to play an excessive role. Bozic already had 16 points and 25 valuation credits, and Coviran Granada had attempted 18 free throws, ten more than the hosts. Surne Bilbao also had areas to improve, particularly their 3 for 12 shooting from beyond the arc.
After the break, Ponsarnau brought in Krampelj, who was doubtful due to an ankle sprain, to better control Bozic. Despite an unsportsmanlike foul called early on, two dunks from the Slovenian tied the game (51-51). A technical foul on Howard and another on Ruiz turned the score around (58-55), but a lack of consistency prevented them from widening the gap in a rhythm-less game due to so many interruptions. Alibegovic again gave hope to the visitors (59-62) before Jaworski and Normantas allowed Surne Bilbao to enter the final ten minutes with a narrow lead of 67-65.
With Pantzar and Hilliard missing drives and the Swedish point guard losing the ball mid-court, Coviran Granada found an open path to start the final quarter with a 0-7 run in less than two minutes, including five consecutive points from Rousselle. The alarm bells rang at 72-77 with 3:50 left. Pantzar defused the situation with two three-pointers and a 'two-plus-one', along with an assist to Hlinason, igniting a 14-2 run in three minutes that blew the game open. The 86-79 score with 45 seconds remaining seemed insurmountable, but a quick basket from Alibegovic, a turnover by Pantzar, and two free throws from Durán gave the visitors some life (86-83) before Petrasek sealed the victory.
