By Eurohoops team / info@eurohoops.net
The Basketball Champions League Play-In between Hapoel Netanel Holon and Trapani Shark has officially been recorded as a 38–5 loss by default for Trapani, as the team had fewer than two players available to take the court.
According to Article 14.5.4 of the BCL Competition Regulations, any club that loses a game by forfeit or default in the Play-Ins or Play-Offs automatically loses the series.
Following the application of this rule, Hapoel Holon now progress directly to the Round of 16 of the competition, as officially confirmed.
This decision concludes the Play-In tie without a full game being completed, marking an unusual and rare outcome in the BCL this season.
The first leg in Bulgaria was stopped after just seven minutes, as Trapani took the court with only five players, including two teenagers. As players fouled out and left the court, Trapani were reduced to fewer than two players, forcing referees to end the game at 38–5 in favor of Hapoel Holon.
Trapani president Valerio Antonini later explained that the players’ appearance prevented a €600,000 fine, while highlighting ongoing administrative and registration issues affecting the club.