The new champions in the Basketball Champions League (BCL) are the same as last season’s champions. Yes, Hereda San Pablo Burgos have regained their title, bringing the Final 8 in Nizhny Novgorod to a thrilling climax.
The final was held on Sunday 9th May, and the game finished:
Pinar Karsiyaka 59-64 Hereda San Pablo Burgos
The third quarter was the defining one of the final, with all other quarters in the game being relatively close.
The holders had the best of the opening phase of the game, ending the first quarter by a score of 13-15, but Pinar rallied, taking the second quarter by a score of 15-14, taking us to a 28-29 score at the break.
With virtually nothing between the teams, it is time for real champions to stand up, and the 11-17 score of the third quarter was enough to split the teams. Even though Pinar bounced back again, taking the last quarter of the game by 20-18, the gap was too much to overhaul.
Both sides gave a great account of themselves in the match, even if the reigning champions always looked to have enough in reserve if they needed it. Pinar Karsiyaka gave their all, and they’ll look back on a tremendous season, but they just fell short against a fantastic side.
Vítor Benite grabbed 15 points for the winners, and he was helped by Alex Renfroe, who offered 14 points in the win. Of course, Hereda San Pablo Burgos have achieved great success through their team dynamic, and so it proved yet again when it mattered.
Amath M’Baye delivered 17 points in the loss, while Raymar Morgan provided 13 for Pinar Karsiyaka. These players were pivotal in keeping the Final alive to the death, but in the end, they couldn’t do enough to haul their side back into contention.
Earlier on Sunday 9th May, Zaragoza clinched third place in the tournament:
Casademont Zaragoza 89-77 SIG Strasbourg
Dylan Ennis was once again a top performer for the Spanish side, who were in control for start to finish in this game. The French side never won any of the four quarters, with the final one being shared, which was the only one the Spaniards never came out on top.
Ennis scored 25 points, offered 9 assists and delivered 5 rebounds in a sparkling performance which saw the Spaniards finish third in the tournament.
It has been a challenging year for the BCL, as it has been for all of us, but the Final 8 was a great endeavour, and one that many people will look back on fondly.
Hopefully, there will be normality in European basketball by the time the next BCL season rolls around, which is something we all look forward to. If you are a European basketball betting fan, you have some games and big plays to look forward to in the next few weeks, but this is also a time to enjoy the break, ensuring you come back fully refreshed.
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