A first FIBA Europe Cup win remains elusive for Leicester Riders.
The British Basketball League champions suffered a 95-84 to Hungarian side Falco Vulcano on Wednesday at the Morningside Arena.
The reverse was the seventh in a row in Europe this term for Rob Paternostro’s men but they flirted with a breakthrough during the first half.
Minus Pierre Hampton, but with Kiefer Douse returning, the hosts led by as much as 38-29 in the second period following a 9-0 run.
Yet Falco responded with ten unanswered points and although Leicester were up 55-49 at the half, their momentum ground to a halt and their advantage evaporated.
And eventually the visitors surged as much as 15 clear in the fourth period behind Stefan Balmazovic’s game-high 28 points.
19 points from JR Holder and 18 from recent arrival Wayne Martin could make only an indent.
Hear from Head Coach Rob Paternostro on tonight's @FIBAEuropeCup action and look ahead to this weekend's @BBLOfficial action. #BritishBasketball #NewGround pic.twitter.com/MyOnZThuKI
— Leicester Riders (@RidersBball) November 14, 2018
Elsewhere in the group, Szolnok upset previously unbeaten Dinamo Sassari 87-74 with both sides now level with a 4-1 record.
Szolnok visit Leicester next Wednesday in the Riders farewell to the competition.
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