AEK Betsson vs Alba Berlin Where to Watch and Game Preview
- → Game to take place at SUNEL Arena, Athens on Wednesday, January 28, 2026 at 19:00 local time (GMT+2)
- → Form check: AEK opened the Round of 16 by beating Karditsa and nicked a tight league win on the road; ALBA came from behind at Tofas and then outlasted Bamberg in overtime.
- → Context: Athens noise meets a big-city newcomer to this competition. Both started 1–0 last week; early control of the group is on the line.
Noise vs Nerve in Athens
AEK didn’t blink in Game 1. Karditsa pushed; Lukas Lekavičius answered with scoring bursts and late composure (28 points in 27 minutes of action), the kind that calms a building and settles a team. Across the floor, ALBA’s Round of 16 debut was all resilience down big at Tofas, up late when it mattered. Will their road form continue as they face their biggest challenge yet in Athens?
Capital clubs, different rhythms
AEK lean into home energy and timely shot-making. Frank Bartley gives them a scoring outlet on the perimeter, while Chris Silva’s engine cleans up possessions and keeps second chances alive. Add the sturdy minutes from RaiQuan Gray and the experience of James Nunnally, and there’s enough late-game know-how to ride a run when SUNEL starts to roar.
ALBA arrive with a balanced guard room and a hint of swagger. Martin Hermannsson sets the table, Malte Delow’s confidence is trending up, and Jack Kayil is experiencing a fantastic breakout season. Around them, Justin Bean’s activity (deflections, extra boards) shows up in the margins, the sort of plays that flip a close fourth quarter.
The hinge moments
Call it a “crowd vs. composure” test. If AEK string together stops and get Silva/Gray touching the paint, the game can tilt on a five-minute burst. If ALBA keep turnovers down, ride Hermannsson’s control and let Delow/Kayil pick their spots, Berlin’s week-one resilience will travel. Keep an eye on the first five minutes after halftime: who grabs that stretch usually owns the rest.
With both teams 1–0, banking a second win here sets the pace for the group, especially with a return date in Berlin still to come. Drop the game, and you’re suddenly chasing.
How to watch AEK Betsson BC vs ALBA Berlin
Watch AEK vs ALBA Berlin from SUNEL Arena on Courtside 1891. You can watch free with a Courtside 1891 Plus account—perfect for jumping into the BCL. Regional availability and blackouts may apply.
Watch AEK vs ALBA Berlin from the SUNEL Arena on Courtside 1891. Make sure they know they can watch for free with a Courtside 1891 Plus account.
