BCL: Spartak Office Shoes edge Le Mans in a thrilling finish to win their FIBA Champions League opener

What a start to the 2025/26 journey for Spartak Office Shoes! After their dramatic overtime road victory against Budućnost VOLI in the opening round of the AdmiralBet ABA League, the Subotica squad delivered another heart-stopping performance - this time in their 2025/26 FIBA Champions League debut - defeating Le Mans 74:73 in front of their home fans.

The game started in favor of the visitors, as Le Mans held an 8-point lead at halftime, taking advantage of Spartak’s offensive struggles in the first two quarters. However, the hosts regrouped after the break and showed their true character in the second half, raising the intensity on both ends of the floor.

The final minutes turned into a true basketball drama. Both teams exchanged clutch baskets as the lead switched hands multiple times. The decisive moment came with 7 seconds left, when Olivier Hanlan calmly sank two free throws to put Spartak Office Shoes ahead – 74:73.

Le Mans had one last chance to win it. Trevor Hudgins missed a floater, and while the French team managed to tip the ball into the basket, the shot came just after the final buzzer, securing a memorable win for Spartak Office Shoes.

2025/26 Basketball Champions League, Regular Season, Round 1, Wednesday, October 8, 2025:

SPARTAK OFFICE SHOES – Le Mans Sarthe Basket 74:73 (18:18, 12:20, 19:13, 25:22)
Hanlan 15, Kennedy 15 | Berhanemeskel 17, Hudgins 13.

Tuesday, October 7, 2025:

GALATASARAY MCT TECHNIC – Igokea m:tel 94:82 (21:18, 22:27, 29:10, 22:27)
White Jr. 26, Palmer Jr. 18 | Tyree 23, Gavrilović 18.