AEK B.C. survived a breathless finish at home, edging Finnish side Salon Vilpas 95-93 in a Basketball Champions League clash that delivered everything the competition is known for: pace, physicality and a final possession that decided the result.

Trailing by double digits early in the fourth quarter, the visitors clawed their way back into the game with a barrage of three-pointers and forced AEK into a nervy ending. In the end, the Greek side's rebounding and free-throw discipline in the closing 40 seconds proved just enough to protect a two-point margin in front of a loud home crowd.

Match Overview

• Competition: Basketball Champions League
• Fixture: AEK B.C. vs Salon Vilpas
• Date: 8 October 2026
• Venue: Ano Liosia Olympic Hall, Athens
• Final score: AEK B.C. 95 – 93 Salon Vilpas
• Quarter scores: 24-20, 22-25, 27-21, 22-27

How the Game Unfolded

AEK opened with intent, attacking the rim on the first three possessions and getting to the free-throw line within the opening two minutes. The hosts pushed the tempo in transition and built a 24-20 lead after the first quarter, with their interior players dominating the offensive glass.

Salon Vilpas responded exactly as a well-coached European side should. The Finns settled into a patient half-court offence, screening aggressively on the perimeter and finding open shooters in the corners. A 25-point second quarter pulled them level at the break and, more importantly, silenced the home support for long stretches.

The third quarter was where AEK looked like the stronger team on paper. A 27-21 run, built on quick ball movement and second-chance points, restored a cushion and pushed the lead to as much as 13. But the visitors refused to fold, and their fourth-quarter surge turned a comfortable evening into a genuine nail-biter.

Key Moments

• Third-quarter burst: AEK's 11-2 run midway through the period gave them their biggest lead of the night.
• Vilpas three-point barrage: Three straight triples in the final six minutes cut a 12-point deficit to just two.
• The decisive stop: With under 30 seconds left, AEK forced a contested mid-range attempt that rimmed out, allowing them to control the rebound and close out the game at the line.
• Ice-cold free throws: The hosts converted their final four attempts from the charity stripe to seal the two-point win.

Tactical Story

AEK's game plan was built around size and inside-out basketball. Their big men sealed deep position on the block, drawing help defenders and creating open looks from the wings. Defensively, they switched aggressively on ball screens, willing to concede mid-range jumpers in order to protect the paint and limit clean three-point attempts.

Salon Vilpas countered with speed. Their guards pushed the ball after every made basket, hunting mismatches before AEK's defence could set. That approach produced a high-scoring night for the visitors but also left them vulnerable on the defensive boards, where AEK's extra possessions ultimately made the difference in a two-point game.

Standout Performers

AEK's backcourt controlled the tempo when it mattered most, combining for efficient shooting and double-digit assists, while their starting centre delivered a double-double anchored by relentless work on the offensive glass. For Salon Vilpas, the perimeter trio carried the scoring load, knocking down contested shots and keeping the Finnish side within striking distance until the final whistle.

Bench production was also a factor: AEK's reserves outscored their counterparts and provided the energy spark that turned the third quarter in the hosts' favour.

What It Means

The win keeps AEK B.C. on track in the Basketball Champions League group phase, adding a valuable home victory to their record in a competition where every point differential can matter in a tie-break scenario. For Salon Vilpas, the performance — a two-point road loss against one of the historic names in European basketball — is a strong statement of intent, even if it ends without a reward in the standings.

AEK will look to tighten up their late-game execution before their next continental fixture, while Salon Vilpas return home knowing that a repeat of this shooting display will win them games in this competition.