Riga's basketball club scores late win over Italian side in Eurocup debut
Basketball club "Rīgas zeļļi" won its Eurocup debut match in Riga 86:84 against Italian top-flight club Derthona of Tortona.
/nginx/o/2025/12/28/17361771t1hfce5.jpg)
Latvian basketball club "Rīgas zeļļi" played its first match of the Eurocup group stage on Wednesday, hosting Italian Serie A side Derthona of Tortona in Riga. The game ended in a surprise 86:84 win for the home team.
Match progress
The contest saw shifting momentum throughout. In the first quarter, the Riga side built a clear lead, dominating 31:25. However, the second quarter belonged to Derthona, who answered with a 25:19 quarter to level the contest before halftime.
In the second half, the two teams remained locked in a close battle. The Italian club held a slight edge in the third quarter, winning it 16:13, but in the decisive fourth quarter "Rīgas zeļļi" found the points needed, taking it 23:22 to secure overall victory in a game that was decided in the final moments.
The final score of 86:84 gives the Latvian club a successful start to the Eurocup group stage, having beaten an opponent from Italy's top division in its opening match.
