Neptunas Klaipeda vs JL Bourg-en-Bresse: Neptunas Hold On for 93-89 EuroCup Win

Neptunas Klaipeda secured a hard-fought 93-89 victory over JL Bourg-en-Bresse in EuroCup Basketball action on October 14, 2026, using a decisive third-quarter surge and calm late-game execution to protect home advantage at Svyturio Arena. The win gave Neptunas an important result in the regular-season race, while JL Bourg-en-Bresse left Klaipeda frustrated after staying within striking distance but failing to complete a late comeback.

The final score of 93-89 reflected a game that was tight for long stretches. Bourg led by a point at halftime and remained within one possession deep into the fourth quarter, but Neptunas found the extra baskets and stops needed down the stretch. In a competition where road wins are especially valuable, this was a strong statement from the Lithuanian side and a narrow miss for the French club.

Match Overview

Neptunas started with energy in front of their home crowd, moving the ball quickly and attacking the paint. Bourg answered with patient half-court offense and sharp pick-and-roll play, keeping the opening period close. The visitors edged ahead in the second quarter, taking a 46-45 lead into the break after a series of timely three-pointers and transition baskets.

The third quarter changed the tone of the game. Neptunas came out with renewed defensive intensity, forced Bourg into contested shots, and strung together the most important run of the night. By the end of the period, the hosts had turned a one-point deficit into a 70-66 advantage. Bourg fought back in the fourth, but Neptunas answered nearly every surge with a big shot or a trip to the free-throw line.

Quarter-by-Quarter Scoring

• First quarter: Neptunas 24, JL Bourg-en-Bresse 22
• Second quarter: Neptunas 21, JL Bourg-en-Bresse 24
• Third quarter: Neptunas 25, JL Bourg-en-Bresse 20
• Fourth quarter: Neptunas 23, JL Bourg-en-Bresse 23
• Final: Neptunas Klaipeda 93, JL Bourg-en-Bresse 89

How Neptunas Won It

Neptunas won this game with balance and composure. The hosts scored from inside and out, kept the turnover count manageable, and made the more decisive plays in the final five minutes. Their third-quarter run was built on defensive stops, quick outlet passes, and an aggressive approach on the offensive glass. Those second-chance opportunities proved crucial in a game separated by just four points.

Bourg-en-Bresse remained dangerous because of its perimeter shooting and intelligent ball movement. The French side repeatedly found open looks through dribble penetration and kick-out passes, but Neptunas adjusted late, closing out harder on the arc and forcing Bourg into tougher mid-range attempts. When the game tightened, Neptunas trusted their half-court execution and hit enough free throws to keep the visitors at arm’s length.

Key Moments

• Bourg’s second-quarter push: A quick 8-0 run helped the visitors take a 46-45 halftime lead and silenced the home crowd briefly.
• Neptunas’ third-quarter explosion: The hosts opened the second half with a 14-4 surge, flipping the game and building a lead they would not fully surrender.
• Jordan Usher’s late three: Usher connected from deep in the fourth quarter to cut the deficit to two and keep Bourg within reach.
• Mindaugas Girdziunas’ and-one: Neptunas’ guard converted a driving layup while drawing contact, pushing the lead back to five in the closing minutes.
• Free-throw finish: Neptunas made the necessary foul shots in the final minute, denying Bourg a final possession to tie or take the lead.

Standout Performers

Neptunas Klaipeda: Mindaugas Girdziunas led the way with 19 points and 6 assists, controlling the tempo and delivering in crunch time. Deividas Gailius added 16 points and 5 rebounds, while Edgaras Zelionis finished with 14 points and 8 rebounds. Matas Jogela contributed 12 points, and Nojus Mineikis chipped in 10 points, giving the hosts five players in double figures.

JL Bourg-en-Bresse: Jordan Usher was the game’s top scorer with 21 points and 6 rebounds, repeatedly answering Neptunas runs. Hugo Benitez added 15 points and 7 assists, Jean-Marc Pansa scored 12 points with 8 rebounds, and Axel Julien finished with 11 points. Kevin Kokila added 8 points and 6 rebounds in a physical interior effort.

Tactical Story

Neptunas’ game plan centered on attacking the rim early and then kicking out to shooters when Bourg collapsed. That inside-out approach worked well in the third quarter, when the hosts repeatedly got into the paint and either scored or d