, by a score of 78–77. This year saw a competition system change, as FIBA opted to replace classic knock-out round qualifications with a group stage.
Competition system
24 teams (European national domestic league champions, plus the then current title holders), playing in a tournament system, entered a Quarterfinals group stage, divided into six groups that played a round-robin. The final standing was based on individual wins and defeats. In the case of a tie between two or more teams after the group stage, the following criteria were used to decide the final classification: 1) number of wins in one-to-one games between the teams; 2) basket average between the teams; 3) general basket average within the group
The 6 group winners of the Quarterfinal Group Stage advanced to the Semifinal Group Stage, which was played as a single group under the same round-robin rules.
The group winner and the runner-up of the Semifinal Group Stage qualified for the final, which was played at a predetermined venue.
Quarterfinals group stage
Key to colors
Top place in each group advance to Semifinal group stage