Batumi-RSU 77-93 CSM Oradea — CSM Oradea opened their Basketball Champions League campaign with a commanding 93-77 road victory over Batumi-RSU on September 19, 2026. The Romanian side used a balanced attack and a decisive third-quarter surge to pull away from the Georgian hosts and secure a valuable win in Group play.

Oradea’s Experience Shines Through

Batumi-RSU came into the game with energy and a raucous home crowd behind them, but CSM Oradea’s veteran poise proved too much to handle. The visitors shot 50% from the field, including 12-of-28 from three-point range, and never trailed after the midway point of the second quarter. Oradea also won the rebound battle 38-30 and forced 15 Batumi turnovers, which they converted into 20 points.

Batumi-RSU showed flashes of brilliance, particularly in transition, but their half-court offense stalled repeatedly against Oradea’s physical defense. The loss leaves them searching for answers in a competitive BCL group.

Key Moments

The first quarter was tight, with Oradea holding a slim 24-22 lead after ten minutes. Batumi’s Beqa Beqauri was active early, scoring 10 points in the period, but Oradea’s depth began to wear them down. In the second quarter, Oradea’s bench outscored Batumi’s 18-7, helping the visitors take a 48-40 halftime lead.

The third quarter was where the game was decided. CSM Oradea opened the second half with a 14-2 run, capped by back-to-back three-pointers from Kris Richard and Erick Neal. That pushed the lead to 62-42, and Batumi never recovered. The hosts made a small run in the fourth quarter to cut the deficit to 12, but Oradea responded with a 9-0 spurt to seal the victory.

Standout Players

• Kris Richard (CSM Oradea): 22 points, 6 rebounds, 4 assists. He was unstoppable in the third quarter and finished with 4 three-pointers.
• Erick Neal (CSM Oradea): 18 points, 8 assists, 3 steals. The dynamic guard controlled the pace and picked apart Batumi’s defense.
• Beqa Beqauri (Batumi-RSU): 19 points, 8 rebounds. He fought hard inside but lacked consistent help.
• Giorgi Tsintsadze (Batumi-RSU): 14 points, 5 assists, but he shot just 4-of-13 from the field.

Tactical Breakdown

CSM Oradea’s offense was a clinic in ball movement, finishing with 22 assists on 34 made baskets. They relentlessly attacked the paint, drawing help defenders and kicking out to open shooters. Defensively, they switched between man-to-man and a 2-3 zone, which confused Batumi’s young guards and led to several shot-clock violations.

Batumi-RSU tried to push the tempo and use their athleticism in transition, but Oradea’s guards did an excellent job of getting back and protecting the rim. The Georgian side also struggled at the free-throw line, hitting just 16-of-24 attempts, which prevented them from ever mounting a serious comeback.

What It Means for the BCL Standings

This win gives CSM Oradea an early edge in the Basketball Champions League group and a crucial head-to-head advantage. Their mix of experienced guards and physical big men makes them a dangerous opponent for anyone in the competition. Batumi-RSU, meanwhile, will need to regroup quickly; their next game becomes almost a must-win if they hope to advance.

Oradea’s 16-point margin also serves notice to the rest of the group that they are legitimate contenders to advance deep into the BCL postseason.

Up Next

CSM Oradea return home for a highly anticipated matchup against another group favorite, while Batumi-RSU hit the road hoping to steal a win and get back into the race. Both teams will have plenty to review from this one, but it’s Oradea who can feel confident about their trajectory.