MIES (Switzerland) - Entering the last game of the Regular Season in the Basketball Champions League, powered by Ameresco SUNEL, things weren't fully certain in Group F.
One team had already solidified their position as a qualified side to the Round of 16, while the other three didn't know about their upcoming fate. Two of them celebrated with convincing victories on Tuesday night.
NHSZ-Szolnoki Olajbanyasz 80-69 AEK BC
Despite already locking the first place in Group F with the direct ticket for the Round of 16, AEK BC wanted to achieve something unprecedented for the yellow-and-black team: going unbeaten in the BCL Regular Season.
After winning their first five games in Season X, however, Dragan Sakota's team faced NHSZ-Szolnoki Olajbanyasz, which had only won games in the competition (4-15) when playing in front of their fans.
Following the last game of the BCL Regular Season, the Hungarians confirmed their status as a dominant team in DVTK Arena, breaking AEK's winning streak by getting the 80-69 victory.
Earning home-court advantage in the Play-Ins, Olajbanyasz were mainly propelled by two players: Boris Krnjajski and Brady Skeens, who each registered a double-double to push the Hungarian side.
The 27-year-old guard had one of the best games of his life, finishing with 24 points and a BCL season-high 15 assists; the forceful American center, meanwhile, had his usual display with 19 points and 11 rebounds on a 9-of-9 shooting night.
AEK, which had already secured their position in the Sweet 16, were mainly led by Adonis Arms (15 points).
The hosts were up by just one point entering the fourth quarter (62-61), but crafted their outstanding win on a late 16-0 run, which pushed them to a 17-point lead (78-61) with 3:10 minutes to go.
Obtaining the home-court advantage in the Play-Ins stage, Olajbanyasz will now face whoever will qualify as the 3rd-placed team in Group E, where Pallacanestro Trieste and Fitness First Wurzburg Baskets are still in contention.
If you just see the standings and look at the other teams who will not go to the next round, I think Szolnoki is part of history, and I'm really glad to be part of it.
Patrioti Levice 85-69 VEF Riga
Heading into the last game of the Regular Season, both Patrioti Levice and VEF Riga knew a defeat would have put them in danger, eventually even costing them the possibility of advancing to the Play-Ins.
While Levice had been alternating between wins and losses this season and could count on the support of yellow-and-green fans in Slovakia, Riga was hoping to get their first BCL road victory since December 2020.
Well, both traditions continued on Wednesday: the Latvians weren't able to grab the decisive win away from home, while the hosts prevailed 85-69 to get the 3rd spot in Group F, advancing to the Play-Ins for the first time ever.
Levice's victory was never in doubt, as the home side always had control of the game; they forced Riga to 20 turnovers, scoring 24 points off them while outstealing the opponents 13-2.
Once again, they were led by Rickey McGill, who finished with a propelling performance of 21 points and 5 steals. He was followed by Will Carius (16 points and 8 rebounds) and Andre Wesson Jr. (12 points and 10 rebounds).
Following this result, Riga won't be able to compete anymore in Season X, getting eliminated from contention. They will now focus on bringing home a trophy in the Latvian-Estonian League.
Despite the loss, Arnaldo Toro was once again a force close to the paint with 11 points and 13 boards, while Zahir Porter led the team in scoring with a 17-point losing effort.
Levice will now wait for Wednesday's clashes in Group E to find out their opponents in the Play-Ins: they won't have home-court advantage and will face one between Trieste or Wurzburg.
It's been a challenge from the start, having to qualify and prove ourselves to everyone every game. Big shout-out to our team.