Bourg-en-Bresse fall to Napoli in EuroCup opener

Bourg-en-Bresse have made a poor start to their EuroCup title defence, with the holders placed sixth in Group C after the first round. Napoli’s home win lifted the Italian side to third, leaving the French club needing a response in its next game.

The visitors opened with a 4-0 run but could not maintain that early advantage. Napoli recovered during the first quarter and led 19-17 at its conclusion. The hosts then created more separation in the second period, taking a 47-37 lead into half-time. Napoli continued to control the contest after the interval and began the final quarter 15 points clear at 65-50.

Bourg-en-Bresse improved its position late in the game and pulled within four points, but the comeback did not produce a turnaround. Napoli held on to win 84-76 and protected its advantage through the closing stages.

Tyson Walker led all scorers with 20 points for Bourg-en-Bresse, adding two rebounds and one assist. His production was not enough to overturn Napoli’s collective effort, led by Jeff Dowtin’s 19 points, two rebounds and two assists. Marco Spissu also contributed 12 points, three rebounds and two assists for the winners. Bourg-en-Bresse will seek its first victory when it hosts Turkish club Tofas on Tuesday, October 6.