Manchester Basketball beat Fitness First Würzburg Baskets 73-74 to secure a historic win in Samokov – the first win by a British team in Basketball Champions League Qualifiers history.

After a close first quarter, Manchester led by five at the half and extended the lead to as many as 16 points (58-42) with 4:10 on the clock in the third.

Würzburg fought back in the penultimate period and led 73-72 with just seconds to play, but Luke Nelson hit two free throws from the line to give Manchester the lead with 4.5 seconds remaining, before Ciaran Sandy locked down the defence to help secure a historic win in Bulgaria.

Four players finished in double digits for MCR led by Keon Thompson (14 pts), Jordan Johnson (12 pts), Chandler Piggé (12 pts) and Luke Nelson (11 pts).

The result is the first Manchester win in FIBA European competition since September 1994. Manchester will now compete against tournament favourites Rio Breogan Lugo on Thursday 17 September at 2.30pm UK time for a spot in the Semi-Finals.

You can re-live Manchester’s historic win below, and subscribe to the BCL YouTube Channel to stay locked in for MCR’s game on Thursday.