The unbeaten clash in Group G lived up to expectations and was decided on the final possession. Surne Bilbao competed evenly at the Uber Arena before 8,171 spectators against the group's heavy favorite, but a three-pointer by Justin Bean with 9.8 seconds remaining denied them victory. ALBA Berlin stands alone atop the standings at 3-0, while Bilbao falls to 2-1, the same day UCAM Murcia also lost their unbeaten record.
Bilbao leads the first half
The game was physical from the start. ALBA Berlin began well, but Bilbao dominated in the paint and on the boards, and in the second quarter took advantage of three and a half minutes without a score from the Germans to pull away (24-33). The lead reached 13 points and halftime arrived with the visitors ahead (43-48).
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Third quarter turnaround
Bilbao came out of the locker room strong and went up 13 again (48-61). That's when ALBA Berlin responded: a 26-11 run through the end of the third quarter turned the scoreboard around. The Germans continued with the momentum at the start of the final period and opened a nine-point lead (81-72) that seemed decisive.
Bean decides on the final possession
Bilbao refused to quit. They chipped away at the deficit little by little and with less than a minute remaining were ahead (97-98). With the game hanging in the balance, Justin Bean hit a three-pointer with 9.8 seconds left on the clock that gave ALBA Berlin the lead, and Bilbao had no time to respond.
Brandon Angel led ALBA Berlin with 24 points, and Jordan Ford added 21. Bilbao and ALBA Berlin face each other again on November 10 at Miribilla, in a game that could decide first place in the group.