Ricky Rubio shines, Rytas makes history: BCL quarterfinals deliver spectacular action

Beyond the reigning champion Malaga’s qualification, the Basketball Champions League (BCL) quarterfinals delivered unforgettable moments, with Ricky Rubio as the masterful orchestrator and Rytas Vilnius writing history by reaching their first European Final Four.

LIRE AUSSI

Kalinsoski leads a dominant Malaga against Badalone to finish top of Group K

19 mars 2026

Sylvain Sultat

Ricky Rubio dazzles in front of 8,974 fans

At 35, Ricky Rubio keeps proving that class is timeless. In Game 2 against AEK Athens BC, the former NBA point guard delivered a masterclass in front of 8,974 Joventut Badalona fans. With 13 points, 6 assists, 5 rebounds and 3 steals in an 88-66 victory, his stats only hint at his enormous impact.

Ricky RUBIO

13

PTS

5

REB

6

AST

JOV

88 66

AEK

“When things get tough, we need to do this. Everyone is in their own head, and we can’t allow that. It’s intense. This is what we have to face. We need to get better”, he had said during a previous timeout against Lleida, already showing his vocal leadership.

His no-look transition pass to Jabari Parker in the first quarter was just the beginning of a masterful performance. The third quarter was particularly spectacular, with 8 points scored in one minute, sealing AEK‘s fate and sending Joventut to the home Final Four.

Rytas Vilnius makes European history

The night’s biggest upset belongs to Rytas Vilnius, who caused a sensation by winning 70-69 at Nymburk to claim their first-ever Basketball Champions League Final Four berth. Trailing 60-52 at the start of the fourth quarter, the Lithuanians turned things around thanks to Ignas Sargiunas.

Basketball Champions League

– Quarterfinals

ERA Nymburk 69

Rytas Vilnius 70

“The last time we were in the semifinals of a European competition was 14 years ago. This means so much to our fans, especially those who have supported Rytas for 20, 25 years”, said an emotional coach Giedrius Zibenas after this historic qualification.

Sargiunas, despite a tough night from three-point range (1/5), came up clutch at the decisive moment. With 5.9 seconds left, he was fouled on a three-point attempt and converted 2 of his 3 free throws to give his team their first lead of the second half (70-69).

Galatasaray survives and forces a decisive game

In Istanbul, Galatasaray leveled the series against Tenerife (64-62) thanks to John Meeks, who scored 17 points including a decisive three-pointer with 2 minutes 20 seconds remaining. Trailing by 10 points late in the fourth quarter (61-51), the Spanish side fought back thanks to Patty Mills (11 points) but couldn’t quite complete the comeback.

Basketball Champions League

– Quarterfinals

Galatasaray 64

Tenerife 62

“I don’t want to disrespect anyone, but first I want to start with our fans. It was incredible”, enthused coach Gianmarco Pozzecco after this hard-fought victory in front of a fired-up Turkish crowd.

The date is set for April 15 in Tenerife, where the last qualifying spot for Badalona’s Final Four will be decided in what promises to be a high-quality event.