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oct 06 2026Surne Bilbao made a triumphant return to the Basketball Champions League. Four years after their last appearance, and following back-to-back FIBA Europe Cup titles, Jaume Ponsarnau's squad won convincingly on the road against Igokea m:tel (79-92) in Group G's opening matchday. They did so after a marathon journey, without Tryggvi Hlinason and with Darrun Hilliard on the bench, relying on strong defense and an excellent shooting day from three-point range.
First Quarter with Visiting Control
Igokea warned early with two three-pointers from Lazar Stefanović, but Margiris Normantas responded with five straight points to make it 10-18, and Bilbao never relinquished control. Sharp on offense and without a single turnover, they closed the first quarter with a seven-point lead (21-28).
Bilbao Breaks the Game Open Before Halftime
The second quarter confirmed the visiting team's superiority. With Adam Somogyi orchestrating the offense, already with six assists by halftime, Bilbao continued without committing turnovers, while Igokea struggled: seven turnovers in the first half. A 14-22 run left the score at 35-50 at the break, a 15-point lead that proved decisive.
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Defense and Three-Pointers to Maintain the Lead
After halftime, Igokea raised the physical intensity, with some unnecessary contact included, and Bilbao quickly accumulated fouls. Three-pointers from Luke Petrasek and Manex Ansorregi maintained the cushion (39-56), while Normantas and Krampelj anchored the defense. The Basque team also won the third quarter (21-22) and entered the final period with a 16-point advantage (56-72).
Igokea took the final period (23-20), but it only served to improve the appearance of the scoreline. Three three-pointers from Normantas, Ansorregi, and Somogyi shut down any comeback attempt, and Krampelj sealed the 79-92 final from the free-throw line.
Vautier, the Most Valuable
Bastien Vautier was Bilbao's standout performer, with 19 points, 8 rebounds, and 8-of-13 shooting for a rating of 19, just two days after missing the three-pointer that would have forced a second overtime in Coruña. Krampelj added 12 points, 5 rebounds, and 2 steals, with a perfect 9-of-9 from the free-throw line, and Somogyi finished with 9 assists.
The victory also carries a taste of revenge: Igokea was the team that won at Miribilla (81-84) during Bilbao's previous BCL appearance in 2022.
What's Next
Bilbao returns on Sunday to the Liga Endesa to host Recoletas Salud San Pablo Burgos (18:00). On October 13, they will play their first home European game against Slavia Prague, in a Group G that is completed by ALBA Berlin.
