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abr 20 2026The BKT EuroCup 2025-26 reaches its decisive moment with Game 1 of the Finals, as Beşiktaş GAIN Istanbul hosts Cosea JL Bourg-en-Bresse on Wednesday (19:00 CEST). The Turkish side will look to capitalize on home-court advantage and travel to France with a series lead for next week's Game 2.
It will be a matchup between two of the most solid teams of the entire regular season, both with a 13-5 record, though Beşiktaş arrives in better form after decisively dispatching Bahcesehir College Istanbul in the semifinals. Bourg, meanwhile, needed three games to overcome Turk Telekom Ankara and reach the championship series.
Additionally, the head-to-head record clearly favors the Turkish side, which has already defeated the French squad twice in the regular season. First with a dominant 90-60 victory at home and then winning on the road 99-103. Ante Zizic shined in both matchups, the standout center for Beşiktaş, with dominant performances that make him once again one of the keys to the game.
The Croatian center will be a constant threat for Bourg, who will need a solid response from Kevin Kokila in the paint. The performance of the local perimeter players will also be crucial, with Jonah Mathews, Devon Dotson, and Brynton Lemar arriving in great form after a strong semifinal run.
Head coach Dusan Alimpijevic, recently named EuroCup Coach of the Year, also has high-level resources on the wings like Conor Morgan and Anthony Brown, another of the tournament's standout names.
On the French side, much of the offensive burden will fall on the leadership of Both Gach, one of the most complete players in the championship, and the offensive creativity of Darius McGhee, an essential piece throughout the season. Adam Mokoka also arrives in strong form, having been decisive in the playoffs.
The first game of the series could set the tone for the finals. If Bourg fails to contain the impact of Zizic and control Beşiktaş's intensity in Istanbul, the Turkish side could take a major step toward the title.
