Würzburg held off AEK Larnaca 78-76 in a tense FIBA Europe Cup group-stage matchup on November 12, 2026, sealing the win with a final defensive stand in the closing seconds. The German side led for much of the night but never broke clear of a resilient Larnaca team that kept the game within one possession until the buzzer.

Match overview

The opening quarter was tight throughout, with Würzburg taking a 19-18 lead after ten minutes. Larnaca responded in the second period, using pick-and-roll actions to create open looks and briefly move ahead. A late Würzburg basket sent the teams into halftime level at 40-40, setting up a second half that felt like a series of small runs rather than a single decisive surge.

Würzburg edged the third quarter 17-16 to take a 57-56 lead into the fourth. Neither team led by more than five points in the final period, and the game was tied at 74-74 with under two minutes remaining.

Key moments

Noah Weber put Würzburg ahead with a contested three-pointer from the top of the key, but Andreas Christou answered with a driving layup to cut the deficit to one. Würzburg then worked the clock and drew a foul, converting both free throws for a 78-76 advantage. Larnaca had time for a final play, but Würzburg’s help defense forced a difficult baseline jumper that missed, and the hosts secured the rebound as time expired.

• Würzburg shot 9 of 23 from three-point range, including three key makes in the fourth quarter.
• Larnaca won the rebounding battle 36-32 but committed 14 turnovers.
• The final 90 seconds featured four lead changes or ties before Würzburg’s last free throws.

Tactical story

Würzburg’s offense was built on ball movement and off-ball screens, creating open catch-and-shoot opportunities on the perimeter. When Larnaca switched aggressively, the German side countered with slips to the rim and short roll passes. Larnaca stayed close by attacking the paint through Christou and Marios Georgiou, but its half-court offense stalled for long stretches in the fourth quarter. Würzburg’s defensive discipline in the final possession was the difference.

Standout performers

Noah Weber led Würzburg with 21 points, including four three-pointers, while Lukas Berger added 18 points and six assists. Center Jonas Keller contributed 10 points and nine rebounds. For AEK Larnaca, Andreas Christou finished with 20 points and five assists, and Marios Georgiou chipped in 16 points. Larnaca’s bench gave useful minutes, but the visitors could not find a late equalizer.

What it means

The win gives Würzburg a narrow but important home success in the FIBA Europe Cup standings. In a group phase where road results are precious and tiebreakers can decide qualification, holding serve at home is essential. AEK Larnaca leaves with a competitive performance and a one-possession defeat, but the Cypriot club will need to convert similar late-game situations into wins to keep its playoff hopes firmly in its own hands.