By Eurohoops team/ info@eurohoops.net
PAOK secured a victory in the first game of the FIBA Europe Cup final, defeating Bilbao in Thessaloniki with the score of 79-73.
As the final consists of two games, the Greeks carry this six-point advantage into the rematch, and Bilbao must win with seven points, if they want to secure the trophy.
Patrick Beverley led his team to victory with 24 points and seven rebounds, Breein Tyree added 21, while Ben Moore also scored in double figures with 11 points and eight rebounds. On the other side, Justin Jaworski led Bilbao with 23 points, while Darrun Hilliard scored 19.
Every basket mattered in Greece, and in the end, PAOK carries an advantage into the second game. The home team had a double-digit lead in the second and at some points of the third quarter (54-43), but the Spaniards reduced the deficit ahead of the game in seven days.
Bilbao closed in to within one point (71-70) in the final moments and had the chance to take the lead or tie, but their three-point shooting failed them in crucial moments. Tyree’s points with two seconds left set the final score at 79-73.
The second final game is scheduled for next Wednesday, in Bilbao (20:00 CET).