The Basketball Champions League qualification rounds kicked off with intense action as four teams—PAOK, Bursaspor, Reggiana, and Antwerp—clinched victories to advance to the semifinals. With a valuable spot in the regular season on the line, each team fought hard in a series of exciting matchups that set the stage for the next round.
Overall, the games were decided by strong individual efforts and key turning points. Some teams relied on star players to deliver in clutch moments, while others used balanced scoring and tough defense to secure their wins. The results have now set up two thrilling semifinal games as the teams move one step closer to joining the BCL’s main competition.
⭐ Standout Individual Performances
Antwerp secured a 79–71 road win against Oradea, thanks to a huge third quarter where they outscored their opponents 30–12. Joel Murray was the hero for Antwerp, scoring 20 points, including a crucial 4-point play in the final minutes. In Italy, Reggiana defeated Bitola 99–87, led by Kwan Cheatham’s 20 points and a balanced team offense where Jayle Barford also added 19 points.
🛡️ Defense and Teamwork Secure Wins
Bursaspor’s strong defensive effort for most of the game was key to their 81–74 victory over Braunschweig. Bryant Crawford led the offense with 19 points and six assists. Meanwhile, PAOK enjoyed strong support from hundreds of their traveling fans in a 79–67 win against SC Derby. Their success came from a great team effort, with five players scoring in double digits, led by Ben Moore who had 17 points.
➡️ What’s Next: The Semifinals
With these wins, the semifinal matchups are now set. PAOK will face Bursaspor, and Reggiana will play against Antwerp. The winner of this qualification tournament will earn a spot in Group C of the regular season, where they will compete against top teams like Joventut Badalona, Hapoel Holon, and Cholet.
