Rigas Zelli delivered a commanding performance in the EuroCup Basketball on October 15, 2026, defeating KK Cedevita Olimpija 89-79 at Arena Riga. The home side used a decisive third-quarter run to pull away from a stubborn Cedevita team, improving their early-season record and sending a clear message to the rest of the competition. Kristaps Gluditis led the way with 22 points, while Jānis Bērziņš added a double-double to anchor the win.

Match Overview

The opening quarter was a back-and-forth affair, with both teams trading baskets early. Rigas Zelli looked sharp from the perimeter, knocking down four three-pointers in the first ten minutes, but Cedevita Olimpija stayed close behind the inside scoring of Devin Robinson and the playmaking of Justin Cobbs. The first quarter ended with Rigas holding a slim 24-22 advantage.

The second quarter followed a similar pattern. Cedevita briefly took the lead at 35-33 after a Jaka Blažič three-pointer, but Rigas responded with a 12-4 run capped by a Mārtiņš Laksa dunk. The home team went into halftime with a 45-41 lead, buoyed by 52% shooting from the field and a 20-14 rebounding edge. Cedevita struggled to find rhythm from beyond the arc, hitting just 3 of 12 attempts in the first half.

Key Moments

The turning point came midway through the third quarter. With Rigas leading 58-57, Gluditis hit back-to-back three-pointers to spark a 14-2 run that broke the game open. Klāvs Čavars dominated the offensive glass during that stretch, creating second-chance opportunities, and Rigas suddenly led 72-59. Cedevita never recovered fully.

In the fourth quarter, Cedevita made one last push, cutting the deficit to 78-71 after a Cobbs steal and layup. But Rigas answered with a composed possession that ended in a Rinalds Sirsniņš corner three, and the home side closed out the game at the free-throw line. The final score of 89-79 reflected Rigas’s control over the closing minutes.

Tactical Story

Rigas Zelli’s defensive game plan focused on disrupting Cedevita’s pick-and-roll action. They switched aggressively on screens, forcing Cobbs and Blažič into contested mid-range shots. The host team also excelled in transition, scoring 18 fast-break points compared to just 7 for Cedevita. On offense, Rigas moved the ball efficiently, recording 22 assists on 32 made field goals.

Cedevita Olimpija, meanwhile, leaned heavily on isolation plays. Their outside shooting never found a consistent rhythm, finishing the night at 31% from three-point range. Defensively, they had no answer for Rigas’s interior passing, especially when Čavars and Bērziņš worked the high-low action. The visitors also committed 15 turnovers, which Rigas converted into 20 points.

Standout Players

• Kristaps Gluditis (Rigas Zelli): 22 points, 5 assists, 4 rebounds, 4/7 from three-point range. He was the catalyst in the decisive third-quarter run.
• Jānis Bērziņš (Rigas Zelli): 18 points, 11 rebounds, 3 blocks. A dominant two-way performance in the paint.
• Klāvs Čavars (Rigas Zelli): 12 points, 9 rebounds (5 offensive), 2 steals. His energy changed the game’s momentum.
• Jaka Blažič (Cedevita Olimpija): 18 points, 4 rebounds, 3 assists. He kept his team within striking distance but lacked support.
• Devin Robinson (Cedevita Olimpija): 16 points, 9 rebounds, 2 blocks. Efficient inside but limited by foul trouble.
• Justin Cobbs (Cedevita Olimpija): 14 points, 7 assists, 3 steals. Struggled with his shot (5/14 FG) against Rigas’s aggressive defense.

EuroCup Standings Impact

With the 89-79 win, Rigas Zelli moves to 2-1 in the EuroCup Basketball regular season, strengthening their position in Group B. The victory also gives them a crucial head-to-head advantage should tiebreakers come into play later in the campaign. Cedevita Olimpija drops to 1-2 and will need to regroup quickly, especially with a tough road stretch ahead.

Rigas Zelli’s next EuroCup fixture will test their consistency, but this performance showed they can compete with established European clubs. For Cedevita Olimpija, the focus will be on improving perimeter shooting and reducing turnovers before their next matchup. The EuroCup season is long, but this result could prove pivotal in the race for the playoffs.