In 2024, the Trapani club won the Italian 2nd league and entered the top division with great ambitions, second place in the regular season and semi-final playoffs, but this season is experiencing a major financial and administrative crisis, which has also turned into a sporting crisis. Due to injuries and players leaving, “Trapani” was left with a narrow squad and played the first match of the Champions League with only five players – including 17 and 18-year-old debutants, another player is 21 years old.
“Trapani” started the game in the fifth place, but this line-up gradually changed – in the 5th minute Riccardo Rosato was the first to leave the field without a change, followed by Fabrizio Pugliati in the 6th minute and Alessandro Capelletti in the 7th minute, all three of the most experienced players. “Trapani” remained with two debutants on the field, but 44 seconds later Luigi Pati received the fifth note. With Trapani down to one player, the game was officially declared abandoned. “Hapoel” won with 38:5, Idan Zalmansson was the top scorer with 12 points and perfect accuracy. According to the rules, “Trapani” also automatically lost the series. The club’s management decided to play the game instead of withdrawing before it started in order to avoid a fine of 600 thousand euros.
Only two players for Trapani now pic.twitter.com/pCTgPnxMFJ
— Alessandro Luigi Maggi (@AlessandroMagg4) January 6, 2026
Hapoel Holon-Trapani Sharks ends before the end of the first quarter. The Sicilians were left with only one player. Rossato, Cappelletti and Pugliatti left the field. Then Patti’s fifth foul. 38-5 says the scoreboard pic.twitter.com/kmCUi7jBst
— Alessandro Luigi Maggi (@AlessandroMagg4) January 6, 2026
The game between Hapoel Netanel Holon and Trapani Shark has been recorded as a loss by default for Trapani (38-5), as the team had fewer than two (2) players on the court ready to play.
According to Art. 14.5.4 of the BCL Competition Regulations, a club that loses any game by… pic.twitter.com/nHM46BDkqN
— Basketball Champions League (@BasketballCL) January 6, 2026
From the teams of the VEF subgroup, the “Patriots” of Levice had a great start (18:4) on the road in Würzburg, temporarily lost the lead in the third quarter, but regained the initiative and secured the victory in the end – 92:89. Success with 29 points, six rebounds, five assists and 6/7 from long range was forged by Ricky McGill, but the German club was not saved by Devion Mintz’s 30 points (3p. 6/10). Another VEF opponent Solnoka “Olaj” capitulated to Trieste 62:82 at home. Jamius Ramsey scored 17 points for the winners, and for the Hungarian club with double-double Brady Skeens stood out (11p, 11ab).
Replays are played until two wins. The next games are scheduled for tomorrow.
Champions League replays, first matches
| The game | Rez. |
|---|---|
| Würzburg – Levice | 89:92 |
| Hapoel Holon – Trapani | 38:5 |
| Mersin – Le Mans | 65:92 |
| Szolnok Oil – Trieste | 62:82 |
| Tofaş – Cholet | 89:75 |
| Heidelberg – Nymburk | 63:72 |
| Elan Chalon – Promitheas | 21.00 |
| Spartak Subotica – Karditsas | 21.00 |
