Vilpas defeats Patrioti Levice to advance in Champions League

Vilpas secured a dramatic 90–87 victory against Patrioti Levice in the FIBA Champions League qualifying tournament held in Samokov, Bulgaria. Despite being underdogs and playing without captain Mikko Koivisto and Xavier DuSell, the Finnish side overcame a late deficit to advance to the semifinals.

The game saw significant momentum shifts. Vilpas established an early 12–2 lead and a peak advantage of 17 points during the second quarter. However, Levice mounted a comeback, leading by nine points late in the fourth quarter. Vilpas responded with a final surge, including a dunk by Karl Chavis following a steal by DJ Jeffries, to seal the win.

Key performers for Vilpas included Leland Walker and DJ Jeffries, who combined for 32 of the team's 21 points in the final stages of the game. Vilpas will face the winner of the matchup between Bakken Bears and Landstede Hammers in the semifinals.