By Johnny Askounis/ info@eurohoops.net
Preseason EuroLeague action took center stage on Saturday, highlighted by a double-header on Italian courts. At the International Trophy Citta di Biella, BKT EuroCup’s PAOK stunned Armani Olimpia Milan 89–77, propelled by a 19-point performance from Cedi Osman, while Diego Flaccadori answered with 15 points for Peppe Poeta’s squad. Meanwhile, the 16th City of Cagliari Tournament Semifinals saw Hapoel IBI Tel Aviv edge out Maxima Roma 80–78 in a thriller. Ish Wainright delivered 14 points, and Zach LeDay drained the go-ahead free throws in the final seconds, setting up a final clash against FC Bayern Munich, who rallied in the fourth quarter to top LDLC ASVEL Villeurbanne 81–72.
In Greece, Panathinaikos Aktor cruised to a comfortable 77–59 victory over Subotica’s Spartak Office Shoes, completing a flawless championship run at the International Tournament Rhodes. Powered by a barrage of 16 three-pointers and Guerschon Yabusele’s 12 second-half points, the Greens dominated the matchup despite a brief third-quarter push from the Basketball Champions League side. The cushion allowed head coach Zeljko Obradovic to cycle through the entire roster, maintaining momentum after Friday’s triumph over local rivals AEK.
Among six double-digit scorers, Theo Maledon registered a game-high 19 points with Real Madrid crushing BCL contenders Unicaja 113–74 to win the 15th Costa del Sol Tournament in Malaga. Both teams entered this clash undefeated after each secured victories over La Laguna Tenerife on Thursday and Friday.
Valencia, Besiktas win
In Pontevedra, Valencia narrowly held on in the final minutes to prevail 93–91 over Kosner Baskonia, capturing the preseason title at the 11th EncestaRias Tournament. T.J. Shorts II spearheaded the victory, pouring in 22 points, including 11 in the fourth quarter and a couple of clutch free throws.
Finally, at the AdmiralBet Open Air Tournament in Belgrade, Besiktas overwhelmed Partizan de Fuenlabrada 108–74, with Wenyen Gabriel reaching 21 points. In Sunday’s finale, hosts Partizan Mozzart Bet face their fellow EuroLeague outfit for first place.
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