ZM NITUI and MINSK to face off in Phygital Basketball Super Final
The final day of group-stage action produced high-stakes clashes and decisive results as teams fought for places in the Super Final and the opportunity to compete on the global stage at the Games of the Future 2026 at the end of July. By the end of the day, two names stood out – ZM NITUI and MINSK, both unbeaten and both headed to the Super Final. Here’s how it all went down.
Team Elites closed their group-stage campaign with a hard-fought victory over GEPCO. After building an advantage in the digital stage (19-13), Team Elites carried that momentum into a tightly contested physical battle. GEPCO repeatedly threatened to close the gap with long-range shooting, but Team Elites matched every challenge, using their physical presence and smart game management to secure the win 40-27.
In one of the standout games of the day, the battle for qualification to the Super Final saw unbeaten sides ZM NITUI and Voždovac go head-to-head in a thrilling showdown. The digital stage reflected how closely matched these two teams are, with ZM NITUI edging a narrow 19-17 advantage. In the physical stage, Voždovac once again demonstrated the chemistry and composure that had driven their impressive run throughout the tournament, but ZM NITUI held firm to claim a 33-29 victory, securing top spot in Group A and a direct place in the Super Final.
Elsewhere, Valencia Basket delivered its strongest performance of the tournament against Uzbek Hyper Hoops. A disciplined display in the digital stage gave the side from Spain a valuable 20-11 advantage heading onto the court. Despite a spirited response from Uzbek Hyper Hoops, Valencia remained in control throughout to seal a convincing 32-20 victory.
MINSK continued its unbeaten run with another commanding display against ARENA BULLS. Once again showing why they have been among the strongest digital teams in Astana, MINSK established an early 19-8 lead in the digital stage before entering the physical stage. ARENA BULLS fought hard to close the gap and produced one of their strongest physical performances of the tournament, but MINSK's advantage proved too much to overcome as they secured a 33-27 victory, finishing the group stage unbeaten and booking their place in the Super Final against ZM NITUI.
“We’ve won every game so far, and the team has worked hard throughout the tournament. That effort has paid off, and I want to thank everyone who has supported us as we’re now heading into the Super Final tomorrow. Our goal is to be champions, but our job isn’t finished yet,” said Tsimafei Paraliou from MINSK.
No looking back
With the group stage complete and the teams for the Super Final decided, the remaining clubs played again for the last qualification places for the Games of the Future 2026. There was no room for error. Every match was now do-or-die as teams continued their pursuit of the final qualification places for the Games of the Future 2026.
First up was Group A. After narrowly missing out on a direct route to the Super Final, Voždovac responded in impressive fashion against Uzbek Hyper Hoops. The two-player roster quickly re-established its rhythm, building a 19-12 advantage in the digital stage before carrying that momentum onto the court. Uzbek Hyper Hoops remained competitive throughout, but Voždovac's composure and teamwork once again proved decisive as they secured a 36-30 victory and kept their qualification hopes alive.
The second Group A knockout clash saw Valencia Basket continue its impressive run in Astana. Up against Team Elites, Valencia produced one of its best digital-stage performances of the tournament, opening up a commanding 20-5 lead. Team Elites fought back strongly during the physical stage, winning that segment 18-13, but the gap proved too large to overcome. Valencia ultimately secured a 33-23 victory to set up a highly anticipated meeting with Voždovac in tomorrow’s finals.
“We’re delighted to have secured another important victory and booked our place in tomorrow’s final. The atmosphere today was fantastic, and having the crowd behind us gave us an extra boost throughout the match. We know we’re facing a very strong team, but we have a clear game plan. Our objective is to build momentum in the digital stage and stay united throughout the match, because our teamwork and togetherness are what set us apart,” said Marcos Reos from Valencia Basket.
Then Group B took center stage to battle for the remaining qualification spots.
Team Triada delivered a commanding victory over GEPCO to keep their qualification hopes alive. The team opened up a 19-9 advantage in the digital stage and never looked back, controlling both phases of the match to secure a 38-18 win.
The final match of the day ensured the drama continued right until the last buzzer. BOCA and ARENA BULLS remained locked in a defensive battle throughout the digital stage, with just two points separating the teams heading onto the court. The physical stage proved no less intense, as both sides matched each other's energy and determination with every possession carrying extra significance. With the crowd fully engaged and the outcome still uncertain in the closing minutes, ARENA BULLS found an extra gear when it mattered most, pulling away late to secure a hard-fought 35-30 victory.
“On the first day we struggled, on the second day we played much better, and today we improved again. We're continuing to practice, learn and improve with every match,” said Daniil Abramovskii from Triada.
With the teams now set for the Finals, attention turns to the last day of competition, where both the Phygital Contenders Astana 2026 title and the remaining qualification places for the Games of the Future 2026 will be decided.
Where to watch
Fans can watch the action live through our official streaming platform Phygital+. Phygital Basketball continues tomorrow at 15:00 local time (+5 UTC), with Phygital Football starting earlier at 12:00 local time (+5 UTC). All results will also be posted on our platform throughout the event.
