U-Mobitelco BT Cluj Napoca edged Reyer Venezia 98-92 in a pulsating EuroCup Basketball clash on October 8, 2026, at the BT Arena in Cluj-Napoca. The win gives the Romanian side an early statement in the group phase, while Venezia will rue a missed opportunity to steal a road victory in a game that was close for all 40 minutes.

Match Overview

Cluj started with intent, moving the ball crisply and finding open shooters against Venezia’s switching defense. The hosts took a 24-22 lead after the first quarter, then stretched it to 51-47 by halftime behind a balanced scoring effort. Venezia refused to fade, using their size inside to claw back in the third, and the game entered the final period with Cluj clinging to a 74-71 advantage.

The fourth quarter was a tense, traded-basket affair until Cluj finally created separation with a 9-2 run midway through the frame. Venezia had one last push, cutting the deficit to three with under a minute left, but Cluj iced the game at the free-throw line to seal a six-point win.

Key Moments

• First-half shooting spree: Cluj knocked down seven three-pointers before the break, with Patrick Richard and Bryce Jones combining for five of them.
• Third-quarter surge: Venezia opened the second half with a 10-2 run, briefly taking the lead before Cluj responded with a 12-4 counterpunch.
• Clutch free throws: Leading 94-90 with 38 seconds remaining, Cluj’s Andrija Stipanovic sank four consecutive free throws to keep Venezia at arm’s length.

Tactical Story

Cluj’s game plan revolved around pace and perimeter shooting. They pushed the ball after every made basket, forcing Venezia’s big men to run in transition and creating open looks from beyond the arc. The hosts finished with 14 three-pointers on 31 attempts, a 45% clip that proved decisive.

Venezia, meanwhile, dominated the paint, scoring 48 points inside and winning the rebounding battle 38-32. But their inability to contain Cluj’s pick-and-roll attack—especially in the fourth quarter—left them chasing the game. A late switch to a zone defense slowed Cluj briefly, but the home side’s guards found gaps and made the right plays down the stretch.

Standout Players

• Patrick Richard (Cluj): 22 points, 6 assists, 4 rebounds. The veteran guard controlled the tempo and hit several momentum-swinging shots.
• Andrija Stipanovic (Cluj): 16 points, 9 rebounds, 2 blocks. A physical presence inside who also delivered at the line late.
• Mitchell Watt (Venezia): 24 points, 10 rebounds. A dominant interior performance that kept Venezia within striking distance.
• Jordan Parks (Venezia): 18 points, 7 rebounds. Provided energy and scoring off the wing.

EuroCup Standings & Season Impact

With the win, U-Mobitelco BT Cluj Napoca moves to 1-0 in EuroCup Group A, while Reyer Venezia falls to 0-1. The result could prove crucial in a tightly packed group where home court advantage often decides qualification. Cluj next face a road test, while Venezia will look to bounce back at home. For Cluj, this performance signals they are ready to compete with the competition’s established powers.