Bahcesehir book Quarter-Finals spot; Bilbao, Niners handed first losses

MUNICH (Germany) - Bahcesehir College became the second team to punch their ticket to the FIBA Europe Cup Quarter-Finals, while the last two unbeaten records were ended on Wednesday.

NINERS Chemnitz - who had already qualified - and Surne Bilbao Basket - who would have advanced with a win - both suffered their first defeats of the 2023-24 season as the race for the last eight heats up.

Key Storylines

- 2022 winners Bahcesehir back in another QF;

- Unbeaten NINERS, Bilbao see streaks halted;

- LoVett drops 30 in Sporting success.

Bahcesehir College improved to 4-0 in the Second Round as they overcame a tough Legia Warszawa side 77-66 in the Polish capital to lock up a place in the last eight.

The Turkish side though had to withstand a late barrage from the hosts to seal their place - having led by as many as 24 points - but thanks to Tyler Cavanaugh's 20 points, 7 rebounds and 3 assists, they crossed the line.

However, Surne Bilbao Basket's ticket has yet to be confirmed as they suffered their first loss of the FIBA Europe Cup season, falling 82-80 to BG Gottingen in a thriller in Germany.

Having trailed by as many as 12 points, the Spaniards looked on track to reach 10 straight wins, but Gottingen snatched back the advantage and established control in the closing stages. Karlis Slins top scored with 17 points to push his side to 2-2 in Group K as they stay in the hunt to advance.

There was also a first defeat for NINERS as their perfect record crumbled at the hands of a surging Itelyum Varese side with the Italians led by 29 points from Davide Moretti in the 90-78 triumph.

Meanwhile, ERA Nymburk took sole possession of top spot in Group M as they edged out Casademont Zaragoza 70-64. Jitaurious Gordon led the way for the winners with 13 points in a balanced scoring effort.

Manisa BBSK secured their first win of the Second Round with an 80-73 road win over BCM Gravelines Dunkerque. Daron Russell lifted the visitors with 18 points, 5 assists and 5 rebounds in victory with the Turkish side staying in contention for a spot in the last eight.

CSM CSU Oradea also boosted their Quarter-Finals hopes with a convincing 90-77 win over ZZ Leiden in Group N. Erick Neal posted 19 points on 7-for-13 shooting to give the Romanian side its second win of the Second Round.

Marcus LoVett put on a show for Sporting CP with a 30-point performance leading his side to an important 103-88 success over winless Jonava CBet. The victory takes the Portuguese side to a 2-2 record alongside Legia in Group L as they two sides will battle it out to join Bahcesehir in the next round.

On Tuesday, FC Porto took a vital step towards a place in the Quarter-Finals as they improved to 3-1 by securing a 92-80 win - leading by as many as 31 points before a late rally from the visitors.

Five players hit double figures for Porto; led by 19 points from Cleveland Melvin with Anthony Barber adding an all-round effort of 15 points, 7 rebounds and 6 assists. 

Highs

Efficiency: 38 - Ron Curry (Sporting CP)
Points: 30 - Marcus LoVett (Sporting CP)
Rebounds: 11- Emir Sulejmanovic (Casademont Zaragoza)
Assists: 9 - Nijal Pearson (CSM CSU Oradea), Francisco Cruz (Manisa BBSK) 
Steals: 7 - Tanner Omild (FC Porto) 
Blocks: 3 - Skyler Spencer (Itelyum Varese) 

Tuesday, January 23

Group K: FC Porto 92-80 Balkan Botevgrad

Wednesday, January 24

Group K: Surne Bilbao Basket 82-80 BG Gottingen
Group L: Legia Warszawa 66-77 Bahcesehir College; Sporting CP 103-88 Jonava CBet
Group M: ERA Nymburk 70-64 Casademont Zaragoza; BCM Gravelines Dunkerque 73-80 Manisa BBSK
Group N: CSM CSU Oradea 90-77 ZZ Leiden; Itelyum Varese 90-78 NINERS Chemnitz

FIBA