JL Bourg endure early EuroCup setback against Bursa

JL Bourg’s defence of the EuroCup title has begun with two defeats, leaving the reigning champions at the bottom of Group C. The French club, which chose not to enter the EuroLeague because of logistical constraints, now faces an early challenge to reach the knockout stages. Only the group’s top four teams will advance to the quarter-finals after 14 rounds.

Bursa won 89-82 at Ekinox on Tuesday, following Bourg’s opening loss at Naples the previous week. JL Bourg made the stronger start and led 21-14, but the visitors cut the gap before taking control with an 11-0 run in the second quarter. Bursa reached half-time 49-40 ahead.

The hosts recovered after the break and moved in front at 57-56, but the advantage lasted briefly. Bursa led 67-64 after three quarters, then extended its margin to eight points early in the final period and later reached a 10-point lead. Assemian Moulare scored 16 points for Bourg, while Trey Woodbury collected six rebounds, but the home side could not complete the comeback. JL Bourg’s next opportunity to change its position comes away to Lithuania’s Neptunas next week.