TJ Shorts led Valencia to a narrow victory at Besiktas with an outstanding performance on his debut. Meanwhile, Partizan dominated Milan, whilst the 2025 EuroLeague champions, Fenerbahce, had to battle hard against Virtus Bologna.
Valencia Basket secured a 96–94 victory at Besiktas Istanbul in a dramatic match. The Spaniards dominated the third quarter but had to hold their nerve once again in the final quarter to secure the win. Jaylen Nowell missed a potential game-winner for the hosts as the final buzzer sounded.
TJ Shorts emerged as the match-winner on his Valencia debut, scoring 26 points and netting the decisive basket. Five other players from the visitors scored in double figures, including Nikola Mirotic with 13 points. German international Dylan Osetkowski recorded five rebounds in 18 minutes. Besiktas were led by Nowell and Eugene Omoruyi, who scored 17 points each.
Fenerbahce pull away late on
Fenerbahce kicked off the new EuroLeague season with a 78–68 home win against Virtus Bologna. Alex Mumbru’s newly formed team caused the defending champions problems for a long time, before the hosts stepped up their defence in the closing stages and controlled the tempo.
Talen Horton-Tucker was the game’s top scorer with 13 points and stepped up to take responsibility, particularly in the final quarter. New signing Braxton Key impressed in his first EuroLeague home game for Fenerbahce with eleven points, ten rebounds and three assists.
Partizan run riot against Milan
Partizan Belgrade made an immediate statement with a 92–76 victory over Olimpia Milan. Spurred on by the vociferous home crowd, the hosts controlled the game and sank an impressive eleven of their 23 three-pointers.
Carlik Jones led Partizan with 20 points and ten assists. New signings Lamar Stevens and Kevarrius Hayes contributed 11 and 10 points respectively. Despite 17 points each from Marko Guduric and Alec Peters, Milan received too little support overall.