Napoli Basket opened their EuroCup Basketball campaign with a composed 84-76 victory over JL Bourg-en-Bresse at the PalaBarbuto, using a balanced offensive display and a decisive third-quarter surge to see off the French visitors. The final scoreline suggests a comfortable margin, but this was a contest that remained within touching distance for long stretches before Napoli’s execution in the closing minutes sealed the result.

The win gives Napoli an early foothold in the 2026-27 EuroCup Basketball regular season and hands JL Bourg-en-Bresse a frustrating road defeat in a game they briefly threatened to steal. Napoli’s ability to control the paint, limit second-chance opportunities, and convert key free throws proved the difference in a matchup that featured several momentum swings.

Match Overview

Played on October 1, 2026, the game followed a pattern that will please Napoli’s coaching staff: fast starts, resilient responses, and a strong finish. Bourg-en-Bresse stayed competitive behind timely three-point shooting, but Napoli’s half-court defense and rebounding edge gradually wore down the visitors.

First Half: Napoli Set the Tone

Napoli came out with intent, pushing the pace early and attacking the rim through their guards. A 22-point first quarter gave the Italian side a four-point cushion, but it was the second period that allowed them to build a more meaningful advantage. Napoli held Bourg to just 16 points in the second quarter, forcing contested jump shots and turning defensive stops into transition opportunities.

By halftime, Napoli led 43-34. The home team’s ball movement was sharp, with drive-and-kick actions creating open looks from the perimeter. Bourg-en-Bresse, meanwhile, struggled to establish any rhythm inside and relied heavily on contested three-pointers to stay within range. Napoli’s frontcourt controlled the defensive glass, limiting the French side’s second-chance points and keeping the tempo in their favor.

Second Half: Bourg Fight Back, Napoli Respond

JL Bourg-en-Bresse emerged from the locker room with renewed energy, opening the third quarter with a 7-0 run that cut the deficit to 43-41. The visitors increased their defensive pressure and forced Napoli into two quick turnovers, briefly shifting the momentum. Napoli’s head coach called a timeout to steady his team, and the response was immediate.

Napoli answered with a 10-2 burst, reestablishing a double-digit lead and forcing Bourg to chase the game again. The third quarter ended 62-55 in Napoli’s favor, setting up a tense final period. Bourg refused to go away, twice cutting the lead to four points in the fourth quarter, but each time Napoli found an answer — whether through a timely three-pointer, an offensive rebound, or a pair of clutch free throws.

In the final two minutes, Napoli’s defense tightened. A crucial stop followed by a fast-break layup pushed the lead back to eight, and Bourg-en-Bresse could not close the gap. The home side closed out the game at the free-throw line, sealing an important 84-76 win.

Key Moments and Turning Points

• End of the second quarter: Napoli’s 8-0 run in the final three minutes of the half turned a narrow lead into a 43-34 halftime advantage.
• Midway through the third quarter: After Bourg cut the lead to two, Napoli’s timeout sparked a 10-2 response that restored control.
• Final two minutes: A defensive stop and a transition score pushed Napoli’s lead to eight, effectively ending Bourg’s comeback hopes.
• Free-throw execution: Napoli made 12 of their final 14 attempts from the line in the fourth quarter, preventing Bourg from completing the rally.

Tactical Breakdown: How Napoli Won the Game

Napoli’s offensive approach centered on high pick-and-roll actions, with their guards consistently turning the corner and forcing Bourg’s big men into help rotations. That created open corner three-pointers and dump-off passes to the roll man. When Bourg went small, Napoli punished them on the offensive glass, generating extra possessions that proved decisive in a game decided by single-digit margins.

Defensively, Napoli prioritized protecting the paint and closing out hard on Bourg’s shooters. The French side finished with 14 turnovers, m