FIBA Champions League: Semifinals set

The week in the FIBA Champions League has been focused on game 2 of the quarterfinals and looking to lock in the last four clubs. Monaco became the first team to qualify with a win over Banvit on Tuesday. On Wednesday, the other three ties were completed and the Final Four set. Ludwigsburg fought back to defeat Bayreuth, while Murcia and AEK Athens built on their first leg wins to down Pinar Karsiyaka and Strasbourg respectively.

Bayreuth vs. Ludwigsburg, 77-89

After losing 81-86 last week, Ludwigsburg had to turn it on at on the road against Bayreuth in this all-German FIBA Champions League quarter-final. The hosts managed just that, claiming a win that helped them to a 170-163 aggregate win. However, Bayreuth missed an opportunity as the team was up 52-53 through halftime and had extended on aggregate. However, Ludwigsburg found the momentum in the second half and used a massive fourth quarter to take the win.

Murcia vs. Pinar Karsiyaka, 81-72

After a 65-79 road success last week, Murcia was in charge of this tie and hosted Turkish club Karsiyaka only needing to keep control of the scoreboard. The Spanish team achieved that and eased to a 81-72 win to wrap a comfortable 160-137 aggregate success. Murcia was up 31-29 through the long break and kept extending through the second half, including a 29-17 fourth act.

Strasbourg vs. AEK Athens, 83-83

After winning 78-69 at home last week, AEK was in a commanding position, although Strasbourg was still in the contest with its home leg to come. However, the teams traded buckets and the lead throughout this game but ultimately could not be separated. As a result, AEK Athens makes the last four with a 161-152 aggregate advantage.