KB Bashkimi edged Valmiera 79-77 in a FIBA Europe Cup nail-biter on October 8, 2026, with the final possession deciding a game that neither side ever fully controlled.

Match overview

From the opening tip, this was a contest defined by runs. Bashkimi used a loud home crowd to fuel an early 12-4 advantage, but Valmiera answered with crisp ball movement and three-point shooting to tie the game before halftime. The second half became a back-and-forth affair, with neither team leading by more than six points after the break. In the end, Bashkimi’s composure at the free-throw line and a crucial defensive stop in the final seconds made the difference in a 79-77 victory that could prove vital in the group standings.

Key moments

• First quarter: Bashkimi raced out to an early lead behind aggressive drives and offensive rebounding.
• Second quarter: Valmiera responded with a 9-0 run, capped by a corner three that silenced the home crowd.
• Third quarter: The teams traded leads seven times, with neither able to build a cushion.
• Final minute: With the score tied at 77-77, Bashkimi’s point guard drew a foul on a drive and made both free throws. Valmiera’s last-second three-point attempt rimmed out.

Tactical story

Bashkimi’s offense revolved around high screen-and-roll action, forcing Valmiera to decide between switching and hedging. When the Latvian side switched, Bashkimi attacked the mismatch inside; when they hedged, the guards found open shooters on the wing. Valmiera stayed in the game by pushing the pace in transition and generating open looks from beyond the arc. However, their half-court offense stalled in the final three minutes, managing just two points while Bashkimi slowed the game down and forced them to foul.

Standout players

Bashkimi’s Erjon Kastrati delivered a clutch performance with 21 points, including the go-ahead free throws, while Dardan Berisha added 17 points and six assists. For Valmiera, Jānis Bērziņš scored 18 points and grabbed nine rebounds, and Rihards Lomažs contributed 15 points off the bench. The game also featured a strong defensive effort from Bashkimi’s center, who blocked three shots in the fourth quarter.

Season impact and standings

This two-point win gives KB Bashkimi a valuable head-to-head advantage in the FIBA Europe Cup group. In a competition where tiebreakers often come down to point differential or head-to-head results, holding Valmiera to 77 points while escaping with a win is a significant boost. Valmiera will rue missed opportunities, especially a late turnover that led to the decisive free throws. Both teams remain in the hunt for a knockout-round spot, but Bashkimi now controls its own fate in the group.