MUNICH (Germany) - Surne Bilbao Basket and Bahcesehir College overturned double-digit deficits from the first leg to advance to the FIBA Europe Cup Semi-Finals.

They will be joined by NINERS Chemnitz and Itelyum Varese, who defended their home courts to head to the last four in strong fashion as the battle for the title took another step on Wednesday.

Bilbao complete record setting comeback

Surne Bilbao Basket overcame a 19-point first leg deficit to emphatically dismiss Legia Warszawa 81-53 and book their ticket to the Semi-Finals. It also turned out to be the largest comeback in FIBA Europe Cup history, surpassing the previous mark of 17 set in the 2017-18 season.

While the second leg was comfortable for Bilbao, they didn't take the lead on aggregate until late in the third quarter when Melwin Pantzar hit two free throws with 2:20 left. From there, the hosts continued to heat up, winning the last period 22-11.

A sublime double-double of 19 points and 15 rebounds from Sacha Killeya-Jones led the winners in what was an incredible turnaround.

Bahcesehir complete comeback in style

Bahcesehir College only needed the opening 4:18 to overcome their 10-point, first leg deficit and they never looked back as they eased past FC Porto 88-52, winning 168-142 on aggregate.

Tyler Cavanaugh led five Bahcesehir players in double figures with 16 points as they led from tip to buzzer with the lead peaking at 38 points en route to a Semi-Final spot. Aaron Harrison led the Porto charge with 11.

It was a stark contrast to last week's encounter in Portugal, with the former champions setting the tone early on and carrying it throughout the encounter on the night. 

NINERS march on

The odds were firmly in favor of NINERS Chemnitz and they did not disappoint, easing to a 102-86 win over Casademont Zaragoza to advance to the last four.

Taking a massive 34-point lead into the second leg, NINERS began slowly but got into their stride  and led by as many as 57 over the two legs to expectedly advance at Zaragoza's expense.

Aher Uguak and Jeffery Garrett each top scored with 20 points to lead the German side with Trae Bell-Haynes' defiant 30 not enough for the Spanish outfit.  

Varese defend home court and head to Semi-Finals

Itelyum Varese followed up their crucial 15-point lead from the first leg as they saw-off ERA Nymburk 91-76 to book their passage to the Semi-Finals.

The Italian side led by as many as 24 points as they were never threatened by their Czech counterparts. Gabe Brown led Varese with 17 points as the winners shot an effective 53 percent from the floor. 

Highs

Efficiency: 32 - Jeffery Garrett (NINERS Chemnitz)
Points: 31 - Trae Bell-Haynes (Casademont Zaragoza)
Rebounds: 15 - Sacha Killeya-Jones (Surne Bilbao Basket)
Assists: 11 - Kaza Kajami-Keane (NINERS Chemnitz)
Steals: 4 - Kristan Kullamae (Surne Bilbao Basket)
Blocks: 2 - Multiple players

Wednesday, 13 March

Bahcesehir College 88-52 FC Porto (Aggregate 168-142)
NINERS Chemnitz 102-86 Casademont Zaragoza (Aggregate 200-150)
Surne Bilbao Basket 81-53 Legia Warszawa (Aggregate 145-136)
Itelyum Varese 91-76 ERA Nymburk (Aggregate 171-141)

FIBA