Caledonia Gladiators drop into FIBA Europe Cup after Fribourg loss

By Sam Neter on September 25, 2023

Caledonia Gladiators fell at the first hurdle of Basketball Champions League qualification with a 57-51 defeat at the hands of Switzerland’s Fribourg Olympic on Sunday evening.

With the defeat, it means they will play in the FIBA Europe Cup for their first season in European competition.

The game was anything but pretty and Gladiators will no doubt be frustrated with themselves after leading the majority of the contest – by as many as 16 – before a fourth quarter collapse when a 14-2 run gave Fribourg their first lead of the game heading into the final four minutes.

The Swiss club won the final period 21-9, as 17 points from Eric Nottage led them to the win, despite shooting 25.4% from the field.

Ian Dubose scored 14 points to lead Caledonia, with Clifton Moore Jr and Lukas Palyza adding 12 each.

Box score.

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