ANTALYA (Turkiye) - There was drama on day one of the Basketball Champions League 2024-25 Qualifiers, as the Norrkoping Dolphins needed a clutch shot to advance to the Semi-Finals.
Leading by one and with the shot clock expiring, they handed the ball over to Marcus Tyus, and the shooting guard delivered. He was just 2-of-10 from deep until that point, but his dagger three-pointer set the final score at 75-71, eliminating BC Sabah from contention.
Tyus, who finished with 15 points, was also the top scorer of the day for coach Mikko Riipinen, while Shane Hunter picked up a 14-point, 11-rebound double-double. Deandre Baldwin had 28 points and 10 rebounds for the Azerbaijani club in a losing effort.
The Dolphins will play against Fribourg Olympic in the Semi-Finals of Tournament 1, needing just two more wins to become the first ever Swedish club in the Regular Season of the BCL.
The other Semi-Final pairing sees Rilski Sportist matched up with SL Benfica. The Bulgarian team outlasted BC Nokia 71-64 in the first game of the day, powered by Laquincy Rideau's 15 points, and Jure Planinic's 11-point, 12-rebound double-double.
Similarly to Norrkoping, Rilski have the opportunity to become their nation's first ever team from Bulgaria in the BCL.
The Tournament 1 Semi-Finals are scheduled for Thursday.