Benfica wins FIBA Europe cup thriller in Russia

Benfica became the latest side to secure their place in the Second Round of the FIBA Europe Cup 2021-22 season after claiming a big road win in an overtime thriller in Russia.

The Portuguese side outlasted Parma-Parimatch in Perm to claim an all-important 92-89 triumph to guarantee top spot in Group C, following a surprise loss for Heroes Den Bosch at the hands of Opava on Wednesday.

Benfica follows medi Bayreuth, Sporting CP, Telenet Giants Antwerp, and Unahotels Reggio Emilia with the quartet punching their tickets on Wednesday, while Avtodor Saratov, Bahcesehir College, Legia Warszawa, and London Lions did the same on Gameday 4.

Aaron Broussard led the way for the Portuguese visitors with 19 points and four assists, while Makram Ben Romdhane posted a double-double of 14 points and 12 rebounds along with four assists and three steals.

Parma-Parimatch is still well placed to join Benfica into the next phase, and they will face Heroes Den Bosch in the final week of the Regular Season with either victory or a loss by up to 15 points, seeing them through.

All 16 games to conclude the Regular Season are scheduled to take place next Wednesday.