AEK Athens suffers heavy loss to Antwerp in Basketball Champions League

AEK Athens faced a significant setback in the second round of the Basketball Champions League Group C, suffering a 103-76 home defeat against Antwerp at the SUNEL Arena on October 21, 2026. The Greek team struggled defensively, allowing their opponents to convert 15 of 33 three-point shots and secure 16 offensive rebounds. Despite a standout offensive performance by Landers Nolley, who scored 23 points, AEK collapsed in the second half, which ended with a partial score of 26-55.

This loss follows the team's victory in their tournament opener against Salon Vilpas and marks a rare home defeat, ending a successful streak where the club had won 16 of their previous 17 games at home in the competition. The team was hampered by the absence of key players Thomas Heurtel and Kisson Phizel, while Frank Bartley remained unavailable due to health concerns. The tournament format dictates that the group winner advances directly to the Top 16, while the second and third-place teams enter play-in games.

AEK now looks ahead to their next European fixture against Falco in Hungary on November 4, aiming to recover their standing in the group after falling to their first defeat of the season in the BCL.