Tenerife's Basketball Champions League defence starts with defeat

Iberostar Tenerife got their Basketball Champions League defence off to a losing start as they were beaten 73-72 by Ventspils in Latvia.

The champions lost just four matches as they claimed the inaugural title last April but were undone by Ronalds Zakis' lay-up with seven seconds remaining.

Nicolas Richotti missed a three-point attempt just before the buzzer as Tenerife were consigned to a frustrating loss.

Sidigas Avellino secured an impressive 86-80 victory away to Besiktas Sompo Japan, while there were also road wins for Enisey Krasnoyarsk and Pinar Karsiyaka – Jared Jones one rebound away from a 29-point double-double for the latter.

Michael Dixon posted 21 points, five rebounds and four assists as SIG Strasbourg dismantled Petrol Olimpija 83-69 in France.

A strong fourth-quarter showing from UCAM Murcia enabled them to get off to a winning start at home to Hapoel Holon and Aris edged Stelmet Zielona Gora 70-64 in a tightly contested match in Greece.