Brian Tolbert scored 18 points to lead Maccabi Rishon Le Zion to their first victory in the EuroCup at the expense of winless BC Siauliai.

Needing a home victory to fuel hopes of a place in the next phase of the competition, the Israeli club were in a tight game until midway through the second quarter.

Trailing 27-25, they outscored their Lithuanian opponents 24-6 up to half-time to lead 49-33 and seize control for good.

Rishon had threatened to open a big first-quarter advantage when they took a 19-8 lead on Oded Shaashoua's three-pointer.

Siauliai came right back and briefly went in front before the hosts had their decisive run.

Both sides struggled with their long-range shooting, although Rishon was a more acceptable seven of 20 (35%) compared to Siauliai's seven of 32 (21.9%).

Arvydas Cepulis scored a game-high 21 points in defeat for the visitors.