AEK Larnaca opened their FIBA Europe Cup campaign with a hard-earned 73-65 home victory over Würzburg on October 8, 2026, using a composed fourth-quarter surge to pull away in a game that had been tight for three quarters. The win gives the Cypriot side an important early boost in the competition and sets a confident tone for the group phase.

Match overview

Played in Larnaca, the contest was billed as a test of AEK Larnaca’s home-court control against a disciplined Würzburg side known for its half-court execution. For long stretches, it lived up to that billing. Neither team led by more than seven points until the final five minutes, when the hosts finally found the decisive run.

• Final score: AEK Larnaca 73, Würzburg 65
• Quarter scores: 19-16, 17-18, 16-15, 21-16
• Leading scorers: Nikos Stylianou (AEK Larnaca) 16 points; Lukas Herzog (Würzburg) 17 points
• Key stat: AEK Larnaca out-rebounded Würzburg 38-32 and forced 14 turnovers

How the game unfolded

AEK Larnaca started with energy, pushing the tempo early and getting into the paint through drives and offensive rebounds. A 19-16 first quarter gave the hosts a slim advantage, but Würzburg responded well in the second. The German side slowed the pace, used pick-and-roll actions to create open looks, and briefly took the lead before AEK Larnaca steadied themselves before halftime.

The third quarter turned into a defensive grind. Both teams traded baskets, but neither could build real separation. Würzburg’s guards did a good job of limiting easy transition chances, while AEK Larnaca’s frontcourt controlled the glass. Entering the final period, the game was still very much in the balance.

Key moments

The decisive stretch came midway through the fourth quarter. With the score tied at 56-56, AEK Larnaca produced an 8-0 run capped by a corner three from Andreas Michael. That burst forced Würzburg into a timeout, but the visitors never fully recovered. A second run, this time powered by free throws and a fast-break dunk from DeAndre Smith, stretched the lead to double digits and effectively sealed the result.

Tactical story

AEK Larnaca’s defensive flexibility was the difference. They switched aggressively on screens, disrupted Würzburg’s rhythm, and held their opponents to just 39% shooting from the field. On offense, the hosts shared the ball well, finishing with 18 assists on 26 made field goals. Würzburg stayed competitive by hitting timely three-pointers, but their inability to generate second-chance points proved costly.

Standout players

Nikos Stylianou led AEK Larnaca with 16 points, including several important baskets in the second half. DeAndre Smith added 14 points and 8 rebounds, while Andreas Michael contributed 12 points and 5 assists. For Würzburg, Lukas Herzog was the main threat with 17 points, and Jonas Richter chipped in 13 points and 7 rebounds, but the visitors lacked a consistent third scorer down the stretch.

What it means

The victory moves AEK Larnaca into a promising early position in the FIBA Europe Cup standings and reinforces their home-court advantage. For Würzburg, the loss is a missed opportunity in a competitive group, though their defense and half-court structure showed enough to suggest they will be dangerous in return fixtures. AEK Larnaca will look to carry this fourth-quarter poise into their next European outing.