Napoli Basketball defeated French team JL Bourg-en-Bresse 84–76 on the opening day of EuroCup Group C, in a game played tonight at the Alcott Arena. Against the reigning champions of the competition, Napoli put together an outstanding second quarter that effectively decided the game, before resisting the visitors’ comeback attempt in the final minutes.
The game started evenly, with both teams scoring inside through their big men. For Napoli, Tarczewski and Jakimovski got on the scoreboard, while Jordan and Samuel responded for the French side. Bourg-en-Bresse tried to pull away, led by Gaudoux, but Napoli reacted through Caruso and a three-pointer from Spissu. Faggian scored to make it 19–17 at the end of the first quarter. The visitors appeared to start the second quarter better, going up 25–21 through Labanca. Napoli, however, were inspired by three-pointers from Spissu and Seejas and took control of the game, building a 12-point lead at 44–32 thanks to Petrucelli. Walker kept his team within striking distance, while Dowtin Jr. and Seljaas also hit from long range. Napoli went into halftime leading 47–37.
The third quarter began evenly, with Samuel and Jakimovski scoring, followed by a corner three from Seljaas to make it 53–41. Bourg-en-Bresse put together a small run, while the defenses began to dominate the offenses. Brown converted from the free-throw line, and White threw down a dunk to make it 58–45 with three minutes left in the quarter. Spissu hit another three, White scored in transition, and Napoli ended the third quarter ahead 65–50. The visitors came out strongly in the final quarter through Walker and Soliman. Labanca and Shedrick cut the deficit to 67–60 with 7:30 remaining. Napoli finally got back on the scoreboard through Petrucelli. Jordan then hit a three, while Caruso dunked to make it 71–63. Jordan scored four consecutive points before being called for a technical foul. Napoli responded with a 6–0 run through Spissu and Caruso, which was stopped by a three-pointer from Walker. Woodbury scored while drawing a foul to cut the deficit to just three points at 77–73. Repesa called timeout, but Jeff Dowtin Jr. then hit the three-pointer that sent the Alcott Arena into celebration, putting Napoli up 81–73 with 70 seconds remaining. The game ended 84–76 in favor of Napoli Basketball.
Coach Jasmin Repesa:
"It was an important game for many reasons. It was our first European game in twenty years, our home debut, against the reigning champions, following a good win in Rome. We won, and that is certainly the most important thing, especially because we were able to give our fans something to celebrate.
However, I am not satisfied with our performance. We did not start the game well, and we did not play a good fourth quarter. We need to have the right physical and mental energy for all 40 minutes.
There were many interruptions that prevented us from finding our rhythm. We absolutely need to improve.
I also want to compliment our fans. They were our sixth player on the court."
Napoli Basketball will return to action next Saturday, October 3, at 8:30 p.m., once again at the Alcott Arena, against UnaHotels Reggio Emilia, for the second round of the Serie A championship.
credits. Alessandro Isola Esposito