BCL: AEK Athens Eliminates Joventut in Thrilling Finish, Advances to Final Four (72-67)

ATHENS — AEK Athens defeated Joventut 72-67 to secure their place in the Basketball Champions League (BCL) Final Four after winning the decisive third game of the series, eliminating the Spanish side and ensuring the host team from Badalona will not compete in the final phase.

AEK Athens made a strong start to the game, coming out with greater energy and accuracy to open an early lead on the scoreboard (19-8). However, Joventut responded with character, tightening their defense and finding offensive rhythm to turn the game around before halftime (34-40), completely shifting the momentum of the contest.

After the break, Joventut even managed to build an eight-point advantage at their best moment in the game, but AEK Athens remained composed. Gradually, the Greeks chipped away at the deficit until entering a tense final stretch where every possession carried decisive weight.

That's when Frank Bartley emerged, AEK Athens' leading scorer with 16 points, nailing a crucial three-pointer to restore the home team's advantage. Following that, Katsivelis' plays extended the lead to 70-67. On the next possession, Ricky Rubio turned the ball over at a critical moment, and James Nunnally, from the free-throw line, sealed the game to finalize the score at 72-67.

On the individual side, besides Bartley, RaiQuan Gray stood out with 15 points and 8 rebounds, Greg Brown with 11, and Nunnally himself with 10. For Joventut, Jabari Parker led the effort with 22 points and 7 rebounds, accompanied by Ricky Rubio's 17 points and Cameron Hunt's 12.

AEK Athens, who made their home-court advantage count in the third game, closes out a closely contested series and becomes the third team to qualify for the BCL Final Four, where Rytas and Unicaja were already waiting.

The Greek team will face Unicaja in the tournament semifinals on May 7, while Joventut departs after falling just short of competing in the final phase on their own court.