MUNICH (Germany) - The FIBA Europe Cup Regular Season got off to a thrilling start on Tuesday with three games opening the door to what promises to be one of the most exciting campaigns ever.
There was a shock in Bilbao as Peristeri BC toppled the reigning champions, while Rostock Seawolves and FC Porto bagged wins.
Key Storylines
Peristeri come back from 18 points down to beat champions Bilbao;
Washpun seals it with 0.8 seconds left help FC Porto edge Antwerp;
15-game slate to come on Wednesday night.
Weekly Highs
Efficiency: Karl Lips (Tartu Ulikool Maks & Moorits) - 29 Points: Karl Lips (Tartu Ulikool Maks & Moorits) - 25 Rebounds: Kevin Tumba (Windrose Giants Antwerp) - 11 Assists: DeAndre Lansdowne (Rostock Seawolves) / Malcolm Bernard (Tartu Ulikool Maks & Moorits) - 9 Steals: Rasheed Bello (Windrose Giants Antwerp) - 5 Blocks: Samuel Payne (Peristeri BC) - 4
Bilbao rocked by Peristeri; Rostock, Porto get home wins
Peristeri BC sent early shockwaves through Europe as they fought back from an 18-point deficit to beat the defending FIBA Europe Cup champions Surne Bilbao Basket 84-81 on the road.
Ty Nichols was the hero down the stretch with two big buckets, winning the game with 11 seconds left. He had 21 points and 7 rebounds, with Alvaro Cardenas Torre leading the way with 22. Darrun Hilliard paced Bilbao with 17 points on a night to forget for the holders.
Wes Washpun sank a pair of free throws with 0.8 seconds left to help FC Porto beat Windrose Giants Antwerp 79-78.
Javian Davis led the winners with 20 points and 9 rebounds, as Porto led 37-26 and seemed to be cruising, having led for the majority of the game, before a 32-20 third quarter handed the visitors the lead, but the hosts fought back for a hard-fought win with Washpun the hero.
Vincent Kesteloot had 20 points and 6 boards for Antwerp.
Rostock Seawolves made a strong start and maintained their high intensity throughout, defeating Tartu Ulikool Maks & Moorits 100-82 in their home opener. The hosts led 28-19 after the first quarter and never took their foot off the accelerator, with their lead peaking at 20 points late on.
TJ Crockett led the victors with 19 points on 80 percent shooting, cancelling out Karl Lips' game-high 25 for Tartu.
FIBA