The Liga ACB delivered one of its trademark thrillers on Sunday, as Baskonia Vitoria edged San Pablo Burgos 98-97 in an instant classic that came down to the final possession. In a game featuring 16 lead changes and both teams shooting better than 45% from the floor, a single free throw proved the difference in a frantic, breathless finish.

Match Overview

Played at a relentless pace, the contest showcased everything that makes the Spanish top flight one of the strongest domestic leagues in world basketball: elite shot-making, tactical adjustments, and a level of tension that lasted the full 40 minutes. Burgos led for large stretches and looked the more assertive side for three quarters, but Baskonia's composure in the clutch ultimately carried them over the line.

Quarter-by-Quarter Scoring

• Q1: San Pablo Burgos 24 – 26 Baskonia Vitoria
• Q2: San Pablo Burgos 22 – 25 Baskonia Vitoria
• Q3: San Pablo Burgos 27 – 21 Baskonia Vitoria
• Q4: San Pablo Burgos 24 – 26 Baskonia Vitoria
• Final: San Pablo Burgos 97 – 98 Baskonia Vitoria

How the Game Unfolded

Baskonia started sharper, using their perimeter shooting to open a narrow advantage through the opening period. Their early execution from beyond the arc forced Burgos into extended defensive rotations, and the visitors led by two after ten minutes.

The pattern continued into the second quarter, with Baskonia's bench keeping the scoring ticking over. Burgos, however, never allowed the game to slip away. Their guards attacked the rim relentlessly, drawing fouls and getting to the free-throw line to keep the deficit manageable at 51-46 at the break.

The third quarter belonged firmly to the home side. Burgos came out of the locker room with renewed aggression, turning up the defensive pressure and converting turnovers into quick points. A 12-2 run midway through the period flipped the game on its head and gave Burgos a five-point cushion heading into the decisive stretch. The home crowd sensed an upset.

The fourth quarter was pure theatre. Baskonia responded with a composed, methodical comeback, chipping away at the lead through patient half-court offence and timely offensive rebounds. The two sides traded blows down the stretch, with neither able to establish more than a one-possession edge. In the final thirty seconds, a Baskonia drive drew contact, and the resulting trip to the line produced the game-winning point — after which Burgos' last-second attempt rimmed out.

Key Moments

• Second quarter, 6:12 remaining: Back-to-back Baskonia threes stretched the lead to nine, forcing a Burgos timeout.
• Third quarter surge: Burgos' 12-2 run, sparked by two steals and a fast-break dunk, gave them their first significant lead of the game.
• Fourth quarter, 2:40 remaining: A contested three-pointer from deep tied the game at 92-92 and shifted the momentum back to the visitors.
• Final possession: Baskonia's drive and drawn foul produced the decisive free throw, sealing a one-point road win.

Tactical Story

The game was decided at the margins. Baskonia's willingness to shoot from deep and their ability to generate second-chance points gave them just enough of an edge, while Burgos' aggressive drive-and-kick offence kept them in front for much of the night. Both coaches rotated heavily, and it was the visitors who managed the closing minutes with greater clarity — slowing the tempo, using the clock, and forcing Burgos to foul.

Rebounding told its own story. Baskonia's work on the offensive glass in the fourth quarter produced several crucial extra possessions, while Burgos were hurt by a handful of uncharacteristic turnovers in the final five minutes, precisely when clean execution mattered most.

Standout Performers

Baskonia's backcourt controlled the game's rhythm, combining efficient perimeter shooting with the patience to find the right shot late. Their forward rotation battled hard on the boards against a physical Burgos frontcourt, and the bench unit's contributions in the second quarter proved decisive in keeping the game within reach.

For Burgos, the performance deserved more. Their guards attacked with purpose all evening, and the third-quarter explosion demonstrated how dangerous this team can be when its defence fuels its offence. In the end, they were undone by fine margins rather than any failure of effort or ambition.

Season Impact

Road wins of this nature carry real weight in the Liga ACB table. Baskonia leave with a hard-earned victory that strengthens their position in the upper reaches of the standings and underlines their abilit