Alba Berlin won a high-scoring Basketball Champions League thriller on October 29, 2026, edging Bizkaia Bilbao Basket 103-100 in a game that featured relentless pace, sharp shooting, and a tense finish. The hosts led by a narrow margin for much of the night, but Bilbao’s shot-making kept the outcome in doubt until the final possession.

Match overview

Both teams came out attacking, and the first quarter set the tone for an open, offensive-minded contest. Alba Berlin took a 24-22 lead after the opening period, then extended it slightly with a 26-25 second quarter. Bilbao responded with a 27-25 third quarter to trim the deficit, but Alba’s 28-26 fourth-quarter edge proved decisive. The final score of 103-100 reflected the quality of shot-making on both sides and the lack of defensive comfort throughout.

Key moments

• First-half shooting display: Alba Berlin’s ball movement created open threes, while Bilbao answered with tough shot-making of its own.
• Third-quarter exchange: Bilbao briefly took the lead with a run early in the second half, but Alba responded with back-to-back three-pointers.
• Final-minute execution: Alba Berlin converted key free throws and forced a difficult final shot from Bilbao to secure the win.

Tactical story

This was a game defined by pace and spacing. Alba Berlin pushed the ball in transition whenever possible and used pick-and-pop actions to pull Bilbao’s big men away from the rim. The hosts’ perimeter shooting stretched the defense and opened driving lanes. Bilbao countered with aggressive dribble penetration and offensive rebounding, keeping the game close even when Alba seemed ready to pull away.

Defense was secondary for much of the night, but Alba’s ability to get stops in the final three minutes proved decisive. Bilbao had chances to tie or take the lead late, but a contested three and a turnover in the closing seconds ended the comeback bid. The game was a showcase of offensive basketball, but the winning plays were made at the defensive end.

Standout performers

Alba Berlin’s backcourt controlled the tempo and knocked down timely shots, while the frontcourt contributed on the offensive glass. Bilbao’s forwards kept the visitors in the game with efficient scoring inside and out. In a game with so many strong individual performances, Alba’s composure in the final minute stood out.

Standings impact

The win gives Alba Berlin an important result in the Basketball Champions League group phase and reinforces its home-court advantage. Bilbao leaves with a narrow defeat but can take confidence from its offensive performance. In a competitive group, the 103-100 scoreline could matter for tiebreakers and point differential later in the campaign.