There is a reason they call it playoff basketball. Only one thing mattered when Mincidelice JL Bourg en Bresse and Besiktas Emlakjet Istanbul squared off in Game 1 of their best-of-three BKT EuroCup Semifinals series on Tuesday night: victory.

Bourg achieved that victory, 86-74, and it did not care afterward whether it was pretty or not.

Bourg’s ‘fight’ and physicality were too much for Besiktas

There is a reason they call it playoff basketball. Only one thing mattered when Mincidelice JL Bourg en Bresse and Besiktas Emlakjet Istanbul squared off in Game 1 of their best-of-three BKT EuroCup Semifinals series on Tuesday night: victory.

Bourg achieved that victory, 86-74, and it did not care afterward whether it was pretty or not.

“We did the job at home. Now we have to turn around and go to Istanbul,” Bourg’s top performer on the night, Isiaha Mike, said after the game. “We had a pretty big gap and they cut it to I think 9 or 8 and we were on the ropes for a little bit, but as long as we continue to fight and fight and fight and fight, I think we’ll win.”

Post-game interview Isiaha Mike

Notice the emphasis on "fight"? It’s hard to miss. And Mike was not the only one to attribute his team’s aggressiveness to the outcome.

“Bourg played very physical and my team played very soft,” Besiktas head coach Dusan Alimpijevic contended in the post-game press conference. “We can say that was one of the keys why we lost.”

Overall, the game was not pretty. There were 50 fouls called and 28 turnovers committed. The two teams combined to miss 24 free throws.

And yet, when all was said and done, it was shooting that decided the game. Both teams attempted 20 three-pointers. Bourg made 9. Besiktas made 6.

Game News

Besiktas had 10 offensive rebounds and thus shot more two-pointers. However, it converted 19 of 39 (48.7%). Bourg was 19 for 34 (55.9%). Add in that Bourg was also better from the line (67.7%-56.3%) and you have much of the game story.

Even Besiktas’s expected rebounding advantage was minimized. The visitors outrebounded Bourg 34-35 and had 4 more offensive boards. But the difference in second-chance points was just 7-10 for Besiktas. 

After such a game, it’s not exactly back to the drawing board for either team.

“We played like we did all season at home in the EuroCup with our identity and our character,” Coach Frederic Fauthoux said, which is exactly what Bourg plans to do on Friday in Istanbul. However, he did admit: “We will watch \[Game 1\] because we need to improve on some details.”

His counterpart is banking on one very big factor making a difference in Game 2.

This marks uncharted territory for both teams. Besiktas will try to become the third straight Turkish team to reach the finals, whilst Bourg seeks to become the first French finalist since Strasbourg in 2016, but which will gain the advantage in the opening encounter?

Mincidelice JL Bourg en Bresse-Besiktas Emlakjet Istanbul | Semifinals Game 1 Highlights | 2023-24 BKT EuroCup

“In Istanbul, there will be 17,000 in the arena and we need to play much tougher,” Coach Alimpijevic said. He credited Fauthoux for Bourg’s play, too. “Bourg was very prepared for us… We need to fix our mistakes and do everything to come back,” he explained while also adding that stopping Bourg in transition is a must.

But in the end, it’s the playoffs. And Mike summed up nicely what needs to be done to come out on top: “Playing together, playing hard and playing to win.”

Bourg did that better in Game 1. And Game 2 should be even more exciting.

Game Videos

Playing tougher and shooting better made all the difference for Bourg in Game 1

Bourg’s 'fight' and physicality were too much for Besiktas

Mincidelice JL Bourg en Bresse v Besiktas Emlakjet Istanbul (2024-03-26T18:00:00.000Z)

Over the course of this week, Euroleague.net will be posting interviews with the Hoop District team captains

Getting to know: Valentina Vignali, Team Milan captain

The countdown to [Hoop District](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/news/euroleague-basketball-launches-3x3-content-creators-tournament-hoop-district/) is well and truly on, with just three days until the action commences at the brand-new adidas arena in Paris, France. In order to get to know the team captains a little better, we had a fascinating conversation with Team Milan captain [Valentina Vignali](https://www.instagram.com/valentinavignali/).

This is the third of six "getting to know" interviews with the Hoop District captains that will be dropping this week. Here's what we found out.

**Tell us about yourself. Who is Valentina Vignali?**

"I am just a normal girl who loves basketball and fashion. I also love animals and travelling – I'm just a normal girl with a lot of hobbies."

**How did you fall in love with the game of basketball?**

"I fell in love with basketball when I was eight years old. I used to be a dancer when I was a kid, but then I realized that I was really, really tall – I was like 1.74m when I was like eight or nine years old. I remember one day they sent a letter to all the parents saying: ‘Do you want your kid to play this game or try this sport?' I got this letter from a basketball team in Rimini, my hometown, and my dad came to me saying: ‘Do you want to try it?' And I said: ‘Why not?' Then I started to play basketball in 1999. I kept it going with the ballerina stuff for a couple more years, but then I realized that I was really tall and my body was a problem to be a dancer instead of \[playing\] basketball; in the game of basketball, the fact I was so tall was good. I felt so comfortable playing basketball instead of being a dancer because a good dancer is not that tall. That's why I chose basketball at that point – I was 12, maybe – but I started at eight years old."

<center>
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border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"></div> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"></div></div></div><div style="padding: 19% 0;"></div> <div style="display:block; height:50px; margin:0 auto 12px; width:50px;"><svg width="50px" height="50px" viewBox="0 0 60 60" version="1.1" xmlns="https://www.w3.org/2000/svg" xmlns:xlink="https://www.w3.org/1999/xlink"><g stroke="none" stroke-width="1" fill="none" fill-rule="evenodd"><g transform="translate(-511.000000, -20.000000)" fill="#000000"><g><path d="M556.869,30.41 C554.814,30.41 553.148,32.076 553.148,34.131 C553.148,36.186 554.814,37.852 556.869,37.852 C558.924,37.852 560.59,36.186 560.59,34.131 C560.59,32.076 558.924,30.41 556.869,30.41 M541,60.657 C535.114,60.657 530.342,55.887 530.342,50 C530.342,44.114 535.114,39.342 541,39.342 C546.887,39.342 551.658,44.114 551.658,50 C551.658,55.887 546.887,60.657 541,60.657 M541,33.886 C532.1,33.886 524.886,41.1 524.886,50 C524.886,58.899 532.1,66.113 541,66.113 C549.9,66.113 557.115,58.899 557.115,50 C557.115,41.1 549.9,33.886 541,33.886 M565.378,62.101 C565.244,65.022 564.756,66.606 564.346,67.663 C563.803,69.06 563.154,70.057 562.106,71.106 C561.058,72.155 560.06,72.803 558.662,73.347 C557.607,73.757 556.021,74.244 553.102,74.378 C549.944,74.521 548.997,74.552 541,74.552 C533.003,74.552 532.056,74.521 528.898,74.378 C525.979,74.244 524.393,73.757 523.338,73.347 C521.94,72.803 520.942,72.155 519.894,71.106 C518.846,70.057 518.197,69.06 517.654,67.663 C517.244,66.606 516.755,65.022 516.623,62.101 C516.479,58.943 516.448,57.996 516.448,50 C516.448,42.003 516.479,41.056 516.623,37.899 C516.755,34.978 517.244,33.391 517.654,32.338 C518.197,30.938 518.846,29.942 519.894,28.894 C520.942,27.846 521.94,27.196 523.338,26.654 C524.393,26.244 525.979,25.756 528.898,25.623 C532.057,25.479 533.004,25.448 541,25.448 C548.997,25.448 549.943,25.479 553.102,25.623 C556.021,25.756 557.607,26.244 558.662,26.654 C560.06,27.196 561.058,27.846 562.106,28.894 C563.154,29.942 563.803,30.938 564.346,32.338 C564.756,33.391 565.244,34.978 565.378,37.899 C565.522,41.056 565.552,42.003 565.552,50 C565.552,57.996 565.522,58.943 565.378,62.101 M570.82,37.631 C570.674,34.438 570.167,32.258 569.425,30.349 C568.659,28.377 567.633,26.702 565.965,25.035 C564.297,23.368 562.623,22.342 560.652,21.575 C558.743,20.834 556.562,20.326 553.369,20.18 C550.169,20.033 549.148,20 541,20 C532.853,20 531.831,20.033 528.631,20.18 C525.438,20.326 523.257,20.834 521.349,21.575 C519.376,22.342 517.703,23.368 516.035,25.035 C514.368,26.702 513.342,28.377 512.574,30.349 C511.834,32.258 511.326,34.438 511.181,37.631 C511.035,40.831 511,41.851 511,50 C511,58.147 511.035,59.17 511.181,62.369 C511.326,65.562 511.834,67.743 512.574,69.651 C513.342,71.625 514.368,73.296 516.035,74.965 C517.703,76.634 519.376,77.658 521.349,78.425 C523.257,79.167 525.438,79.673 528.631,79.82 C531.831,79.965 532.853,80.001 541,80.001 C549.148,80.001 550.169,79.965 553.369,79.82 C556.562,79.673 558.743,79.167 560.652,78.425 C562.623,77.658 564.297,76.634 565.965,74.965 C567.633,73.296 568.659,71.625 569.425,69.651 C570.167,67.743 570.674,65.562 570.82,62.369 C570.966,59.17 571,58.147 571,50 C571,41.851 570.966,40.831 570.82,37.631"></path></g></g></g></svg></div><div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style=" color:#3897f0; 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transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg)"></div></div><div style="margin-left: auto;"> <div style=" width: 0px; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-right: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(16px);"></div> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; width: 16px; transform: translateY(-4px);"></div> <div style=" width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-left: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px);"></div></div></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center; margin-bottom: 24px;"> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 224px;"></div> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 144px;"></div></div></a><p style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px; margin-bottom:0; margin-top:8px; overflow:hidden; padding:8px 0 7px; text-align:center; text-overflow:ellipsis; white-space:nowrap;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/reel/C43FKciLg37/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none;" target="_blank">A post shared by Valentina Vignali (@valentinavignali)</a></p></div></blockquote>
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**What made you want to become a basketball content creator?**

"I have to say that being a basketball content creator is a consequence of being a basketball player. I started using my social media, with Facebook back in 2008, 2009, when I was at school. I used to post pictures of me playing basketball, some videos, and also some modelling stuff because I became a model when I was 15 years old. Then I just kept it going!" 

**You were diagnosed with thyroid cancer in 2013 at age 21. How did you react when you heard the news?**

"When I realized that I got cancer in 2013, I was 21. At the beginning, I didn't realize how serious the situation was because I was a kid. When you're 21, you think you're invincible, that nothing can stop you, and you're so young that you've got your whole life in front of you. I was like: 'I don't know what's going on. I don't know what I have to do.' But I wasn't scared, I wasn't scared at all. It's crazy. People around me were really, really scared: my parents, my friends, my ex-boyfriend. But I wasn't. I just thought: 'So, what am I supposed to do now?' Then, when the doctors discussed a type of therapy, I was like: 'Whatever I have to do, I'm going to do it.' My mindset was like that at that time."

<center><blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/C0w-iH5oduN/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14" style=" background:#FFF; border:0; border-radius:3px; box-shadow:0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width:540px; min-width:326px; padding:0; width:99.375%; width:-webkit-calc(100% - 2px); width:calc(100% - 2px);"><div style="padding:16px;"> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/C0w-iH5oduN/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" style=" background:#FFFFFF; line-height:0; padding:0 0; text-align:center; text-decoration:none; width:100%;" target="_blank"> <div style=" display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; 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overflow:hidden; padding:8px 0 7px; text-align:center; text-overflow:ellipsis; white-space:nowrap;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/C0w-iH5oduN/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none;" target="_blank">A post shared by Valentina Vignali (@valentinavignali)</a></p></div></blockquote>
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**What sort of impact did that diagnosis have on you in the years that followed? Does it still impact you today?**

"The fact that I had cancer doesn't impact me nowadays because when you've had cancer, you know that anything could happen. Even if you heal it, one day it could happen that when you have a check, the cancer could come back – it's a possibility. I just live my life being the most relaxed I can be and enjoying the small things. The problem was the first years after they told me that I had cancer because they were some really tough years. I had to take this medication, have the surgery, and basketball and my job were everything that I had. When you're 22-23 years old and you play basketball, you're in the middle of your career. I remember that I had to change the league I was in: I was in A \[first division\] and B \[second division\] and I had to play in C \[third division\], but I never stopped playing basketball, I just switched leagues to try to play. But it wasn't easy. I remember during the treatment after the surgery, \[the effects\] lasted for two years. I was really, really weak and I had to sleep 15-18 hours per day, but I always wanted to go to practice with my teammates. But I was really weak, so sometimes I used to run for 15 minutes and then I was done. I couldn't do any more, and it was tough. sometimes I felt really cold, sometimes really hot – the temperature of your body, because of the thyroid, was really tough."

 

**Did basketball act like a safe haven during that time?**

"Basketball was a safe place for me during that time because on my worst days, when I was thinking that I can't get up from my bed, I would think: 'Okay, at 6-7, I have my practice with my teammates. My teammates are rooting for me, they're waiting for me. Even if it's just 10 minutes or 20 minutes running or shooting, they're waiting for me, so Valentina, please get up from this bed and go to practice.' So yes, it was a safe place. The doctors, treatment and everything saved me, but basketball saved my mind."

<center><blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/reel/C3LARc1I8Re/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14" style=" background:#FFF; border:0; border-radius:3px; box-shadow:0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width:540px; min-width:326px; padding:0; width:99.375%; width:-webkit-calc(100% - 2px); width:calc(100% - 2px);"><div style="padding:16px;"> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/reel/C3LARc1I8Re/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" style=" background:#FFFFFF; line-height:0; padding:0 0; text-align:center; text-decoration:none; width:100%;" target="_blank"> <div style=" display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; 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overflow:hidden; padding:8px 0 7px; text-align:center; text-overflow:ellipsis; white-space:nowrap;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/reel/C3LARc1I8Re/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none;" target="_blank">A post shared by Valentina Vignali (@valentinavignali)</a></p></div></blockquote>
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**What is your style of play on the court?**

"I am a power forward. I play 'four', sometimes I play in the post. Usually the girls that play the 'five' are bigger and heavier than me, so I used to play a little bit more outside as a 'four', a power forward. I love shooting!"

 **Which Hoop District team could be the trickiest to face?**

"Oh, this is a tough question. Maybe the Spanish team. In Spain, basketball is big, so maybe they're ready for the war. I'll go with the Spanish team."

<center><blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/CsgzILIoHFZ/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14" style=" background:#FFF; border:0; border-radius:3px; box-shadow:0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width:540px; min-width:326px; padding:0; width:99.375%; width:-webkit-calc(100% - 2px); width:calc(100% - 2px);"><div style="padding:16px;"> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CsgzILIoHFZ/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" style=" background:#FFFFFF; line-height:0; padding:0 0; text-align:center; text-decoration:none; width:100%;" target="_blank"> <div style=" display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; 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overflow:hidden; padding:8px 0 7px; text-align:center; text-overflow:ellipsis; white-space:nowrap;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CsgzILIoHFZ/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none;" target="_blank">A post shared by Valentina Vignali (@valentinavignali)</a></p></div></blockquote>
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 **What does it mean for you to be a team captain?**

"I've never been a captain of a team because of my behavior and who I am. I'm really emotional, I get angry, I get sad sometimes, I get mad sometimes, so I'm really emotional. Every time the coach was looking for a captain, he didn't choose me, so this is my first time. It will be a challenge for me to stay quiet and try to do my best for my teammates. They're all friends, though, so I'll try to do my best!"

Paris Basketball took a 1-0 lead in its best-of-three BKT EuroCup semifinals series by downing the London Lions 99-86 at home. In a high-scoring showdown, Paris's third-quarter difference was critical in this game. 


Paris's defense solves run-and-gun game 

Paris Basketball took a 1-0 lead in its best-of-three BKT EuroCup semifinals series by downing the London Lions 99-86 at home. In a high-scoring showdown, Paris's third-quarter difference was critical in this game. 

After a fun-to-watch first half, Paris had a slim lead at the break due to its better rhythm. The hosts made 19 of 28 two-pointers (67.9% 2FG) and forced London into 12 first-half turnovers. Still, the Lions managed to rally from a double-digit deficit to get within 52-48 near halftime.

T.J. Shorts made a jumper to fix the halftime score at 54-49. It was the start of a game-breaking 14-0 run that bridged the halves. Shorts scored 9 of those 14 points and fed Mikael Jantunen for a three. All of a sudden, Paris had a 66-49 margin and was well on its way to winning the game.

"Certainly, the way we started that quarter and built a big lead was the key to this game," head coach Tuomas Iisalo said after the game. "It generally helps to score 12 points with the opponent not being able to answer," he joked.

Paris kept going, limiting London to just 8 third-quarter points. The visitors only made 2 of 8 two-pointers (25%) and missed all of 7 shots from beyond the arc while committed 3 more turnovers. Moreover, Paris outrebounded London 17-7 in the third quarter.

Paris Basketball went on a 14-0 run in Game 1 of its BKT EuroCup semifinals series against the London Lions

Paris's game-breaking run

Even though London kept fighting, mainly through an outstanding David Nwaba, Paris kept a safe margin from that moment until the final buzzer.

"We just stuck to our identity, playing with speed, forcing tough shots, getting out and doing the things that got us here in the first place," Shorts said about his team's fantastic start of the third quarter. "I think that is what we did to start that second half and it separated the lead a little bit. And then from there, you are feeling more confident and were able to close the game."

Paris ended up outrebounding London 40-26, including 14 of those on the offensive end. London finished the game with 19 turnovers and made 4 of 19 three-pointers. Despite a slow start to the game, Shorts had an all-around performance that cemented his MVP candidacy: 23 points on 9 of 11 two-point shooting, 6 rebounds, 7 assists and 3 steals.

London will host Game 2 on Friday.

The hosts decided the game with a monster third quarter

Paris's defense solved run-and-gun game 

Paris Basketball v London Lions (2024-03-26T19:45:00.000Z)

Paris Basketball moved closer to its first-ever BKT EuroCup Finals by downing the London Lions 99-86 at Adidas Arenas in Game 1 of their best-of-three semifinal series on Tuesday. Paris has a 1-0 lead in the series, that now travels to London for Game 2. 

Paris outguns London in Game 1, 99-86! 

Paris Basketball moved closer to its first-ever BKT EuroCup Finals by downing the London Lions 99-86 at Adidas Arenas in Game 1 of their best-of-three semifinals series on Tuesday. Paris has a 1-0 lead in the series, which now moves to London for Game 2. 

T.J. Shorts paced the winners with 23 points, 6 rebounds, 7 assists and 3 steals. Nadir Hifi added 22 points, Tyson Ward had 11 while Justin Simon and Mikael Jantunen each had 10 for Paris. David Nwaba led London with 24 points. Gabe Olaseni added 15 while Sam Dekker and Tarik Phillip each had 11 for the guests.

### Paris shakes off slow start

Olaseni got London going with a three-point play and a layup before Donte Grantham gave the visitors a 0-7 lead. Sebastian Herrera and Hifi each struck from downtown and Ward scored down low to get Paris within 8-9. London found a new go-to guy in Nwaba, who scored 4 points in a 0-6 run. Hifi kept pushing Paris, getting help from Simon and Mehdy Nguoama to bring the hosts within 18-19. Hifi scored again, Shorts found his first points and Simon's layup gave Paris its first lead, 26-24. Shorts and Herrera kept their team in charge, 30-27, after 10 minutes.

### Nwaba keeps London in the game

Dekker made his second triple early in the second quarter. Leon Kratzer dunked twice in a 9-0 run that Herrera capped with a triple for a 39-30 Paris lead. Grantham took over with a dunk off the baseline but Simon and Hifi soon made it a double-digit game, 42-32. Nwaba stepped up with 8 quick points and Olaseni scored twice in the paint to give London hope at 52-46. Conor Morgan's three-point play and Shorts's jumper fixed the halftime score at 54-49.

### Paris takes off

Jantunen hit a triple right after the break and then Shorts followed Ward's coast-to-coast layup with a bomb from deep downtown, prompting London to call timeout at 62-49. Shorts capped a game-breaking 14-0 run with a wild three-point play for a 66-49 Paris lead. Nwaba and Dekker tried to change things for London but Shorts remained unstoppable and Collin Malcolm struck from beyond the arc to keep Paris in charge, 71-53. Paris kept running its offense through Shorts and Hifi, boosting its margin to 79-57 after 30 minutes.

### Hosts keep a safe lead

Nwaba tried to ignite London's comeback with 9 quick points early in the fourth quarter, singlehandedly bringing London within 79-66 with over 8 minutes left. Ward scored around the basket and Simon added a driving layup that gave Paris fresh air at 83-66. Shorts hit a jumper and fed Ward for a corner triple that sealed the outcome, 88-68. London did not give up but Paris fans had plenty of time to celebrate an important, no-doubt-about-it victory!

T.J. Shorts shined for the hosts, who never trailed after the first quarter. 

Paris outguns London in Game 1, 99-86

When JL Bourg en Bresse needed a boost in the fourth quarter of Game 1 of the EuroCup Semifinals, Zaccharie Risacher rose to the occasion.

Risacher’s big threes helped Bourg hang on

The eyes of the basketball world are on Zaccharie Risacher. The 18-year-old forward is the purported No. 1 overall pick in the 2024 NBA Draft, which means every move of his is being followed closely. And all the more so in Game 1 of the BKT EuroCup semifinals with his Mincidelice JL Bourg en Bresse hosting Besiktas Emlakjet Istanbul.

In the first three-plus quarters, he didn’t give his fans or scouts much to get excited about, spare 2 first quarter free throws and a spectacular block of Kyle Allman in the second quarter. But when Bourg needed a boost in the fourth quarter, Risacher rose to the occasion.

Besiktas had already slashed an 18-point second-quarter lead to 6 at the end of the third quarter. And after Bourg recreated a 13-point lead early in the fourth, Derek Needham had the visitors had the visitors on the move again. His three-pointer made it 71-63 and Bourg needed to respond.

Risacher highlights from Game 1

The response came from Risacher. Only seconds later, he took on Besiktas Berk Ugurlu and created space to drain a step-back three-pointer. Then, after a Jequan Lewis steal, Risacher led Bourg in transition and was only stopped by a Needham foul. On the ensuing play, Lewis fed Risacher for a three from the corner. Suddenly the margin was 77-63 and Bourg was in full control.

He added a rebound and an assist later in the fourth quarter to finish with 8 points, 4 rebounds, 1 assist, 3 turnovers and 1 block. Though it may not be among the rising star’s finest efforts in the EuroCup this season, he was ready for the pressure when his team needed him most.

And as Bourg readies for Game 2 in Istanbul on Friday, when a win would be worth a historic ticket to the finals, it is good for fans and scouts to know that Risacher is not afraid of big moments.

The eyes of the basketball world are on Zaccharie Risacher. 

Mincidelice JL Bourg en Bresse opened the EuroCup Playoffs with an 86-74 victory over Besiktas Emlakjet Istanbul at Ekinox. 

Bourg beats Besiktas 86-74 in semifinals opener

Mincidelice JL Bourg en Bresse opened the EuroCup Playoffs with an 86-74 victory over Besiktas Emlakjet Istanbul at Ekinox. The hosts never trailed after the opening minutes and led by as many as 18.

Isiaha Mike scored 16 points and to lead a balanced Bourg attack that featured seven players with at least 8 points. Jequan Lewis added 14 points, 5 assists and 3 steals for the winners. Axel Julien contributed 11 points and Bodian Massa and Bryce Brown had 10 each.

Angel Delgado was Besiktas’s top performer with 15 points and 16 rebounds. Marko Simonovic netted 14 before fouling out, Derek Needham tallied 13 points and 5 assists and Matthew Mitchell scored 10. Besiktas will host Game 2 of the best-of-three series on Friday.

### Bourg noses ahead in defense-minded opening quarter

Jonah Mathews opened the scoring for the visitors thanks to Kerem Konan’s offensive rebound and assist, while Jeremy Morgan turned the ball over on Bourg’s first two possessions. Morgan made up for that with a go-ahead triple. Bourg made an impact on defense to lead 9-7 midway through the opening quarter. A series of fouls and free throws grinded the pace to a halt. Massa heated up for the hosts, who led 16-13 after 10 minutes.

### 11-0 run puts hosts in charge

While Besiktas struggled to make shots, Angel Delgado remained a force inside with rebounds and drawing fouls. A Julien coast-to-coast layup prompted a Besiktas timeout at 20-13. It was to no avail as Bourg stretched its run to 11 unanswered points, while keeping Besiktas scoreless for nearly 4 minutes before Kyle Allman’s free throw made it 27-14. Brown further extended the margin to 16 before Konan scored for the visitors on consecutive possessions. Julien took over with a great assist to Mike and a pair of layups to make it 44-26. Simonovic narrowed the gap to 44-30 at the break.

### Delgado inspires a comeback

Delgado continued to shine for Besiktas as he scored twice more while controlling the glass. A triple by Needham made it 50-39. Massa provided answers for Bourg before Lewis drilled a three. Delgado and Simonovic rallied the visitors and a triple by Yigit Arslan made it 60-54. Simonovic scored again, capping a 0-8 run, before Salash stopped the bleeding for Bourg to end the quarter at 62-56.

### Risacher helps put the game away

Massa and Mike combined to score the first 5 points of the fourth quarter, which reestablished a double-digit Bourg lead. A tough bucket by Brown put Bourg up by 13 before Simonovic scored Besiktas’s first points of the quarter from the line. Needham stepped up to bring Besiktas within 71-63 only to see Zaccharie Risacher respond from deep, twice. Lewis helped keep Bourg in control and, despite a late flurry, the hosts held on to take the series opener.

The French club will seek a spot in the finals when it visits Besiktas for Game 2 on Friday 

The two series will open in France on Tuesday, with the two regular season group winners hosting the first contests on the best-of-three series. The second legs will be on Friday night with Game 3, if necessary, next week. 

This week: The BKT EuroCup Semifinals begin

[Mincidelice JL Bourg en Bresse 86-74 Besiktas Emlakjet Istanbul](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/game-center/2023-24/mincidelice-jl-bourg-en-bresse-besiktas-emlakjet-istanbul/U2023/190/)

Mincidelice JL Bourg en Bresse opened the EuroCup Playoffs with an 86-74 victory over Besiktas Emlakjet Istanbul at Ekinox. The hosts never trailed after the opening minutes and led by as many as 18. Isiaha Mike scored 16 points and to lead a balanced Bourg attack that featured seven players with at least 8 points. Jequan Lewis added 14 points, 5 assists and 3 steals for the winners. Angel Delgado was Besiktas’s top performer with 15 points and 16 rebounds.

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="fr" dir="ltr">🔥 AVANTAGE JL Bourg<br><br>La JL Bourg s&#39;impose dans le match 1 de la demi-finale d&#39;EuroCup face à <a href="https://twitter.com/BJK_Basketbol?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@BJK_Basketbol</a> (86-74)<br><br>⏰ Rendez-vous dès vendredi pour le match 2 à Istanbul (18h45)<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WeRedy?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WeRedy</a> <a href="https://t.co/HcEuWT2RUA">pic.twitter.com/HcEuWT2RUA</a></p>&mdash; JL Bourg Basket (@JLBourgBasket) <a href="https://twitter.com/JLBourgBasket/status/1772722347591565551?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 26, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

[Paris Basketball 99-86 London Lions](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/game-center/2023-24/paris-basketball-london-lions/U2023/189/)

Paris Basketball moved closer to its first-ever BKT EuroCup Finals by downing the London Lions 99-86 at Adidas Arenas in Game 1 of their best-of-three semifinals series on Tuesday. Paris has a 1-0 lead in the series, which now moves to London for Game 2. T.J. Shorts paced the winners with 23 points, 6 rebounds, 7 assists and 3 steals. Nadir Hifi added 22 points, Tyson Ward had 11 while Justin Simon and Mikael Jantunen each had 10 for Paris. David Nwaba led London with 24 points and Gabe Olaseni scored 15.

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="fr" dir="ltr">Avantage Paris⚡️<br><br>First job done. See you in London 🔐<br><br>Merci à notre public pour cette ambiance de fou 🤯🌋<br><br>On se retrouve très vite à la maison 🫂 <a href="https://t.co/LF0SuNDzjE">pic.twitter.com/LF0SuNDzjE</a></p>&mdash; Paris Basketball (@ParisBasketball) <a href="https://twitter.com/ParisBasketball/status/1772748420018565411?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 26, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Game Center: Bourg, Paris protect home courts in semifinals openers

London Lions v Paris Basketball (2024-03-29T19:30:00.000Z)

Besiktas Emlakjet Istanbul v Mincidelice JL Bourg en Bresse (2024-03-29T17:45:00.000Z)

The EuroCupBasketball.com staff members offered their predictions ahead of Game 1 between Paris Basketball and the London Lions.

Semifinals predictions: Game 1, Paris Basketball vs. London Lions

The best-of-three BKT EuroCup Semifinals are historic already as Paris Basketball and London Lions bring the highest-level European club game yet to the French capital.

### Paris will keep on going

#### *by Igor Petrinovic*

When I filled out my EuroCup Challenge bracket, I had Paris go all the way and sweep its way through the playoffs. I am (still) sticking to it. Yes, London has been clicking on all cylinders in both playoff games. Head coach Petar Bozic's men dismissed Turk Telekom by 23 and U-BT Cluj-Napoca by 12 points, averaging 95.5 points while allowing 78.0. They got Sam Dekker back and David Nwaba is playing excellent basketball ever since joining the team. But there is a reason Paris is 18-1 this season, that sole loss coming back in late November. T.J. Shorts is hard to stop, and Paris has so many great weapons, so much quickness and athleticism, and move the ball so well. I say they protect the home floor in the series opener. **My pick: Paris.**

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="fr" dir="ltr">THE CLASH IS BACK ⚡️😈 <br><br>Après deux games remportés par la team en saison régulière, on retrouve notre rival européen London en 1/2 finale mardi soir à la maison 💥<br><br>2 équipes ambitieuses🔝<br>1 seule pour atteindre la dernière marche☝️<br><br>PRENDS TA PLACE 🎟️<a href="https://t.co/9oT7p2SxzJ">https://t.co/9oT7p2SxzJ</a>🔗 <a href="https://t.co/hLhBWFYSDp">pic.twitter.com/hLhBWFYSDp</a></p>&mdash; Paris Basketball (@ParisBasketball) <a href="https://twitter.com/ParisBasketball/status/1771236658332963169?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 22, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

### The Lions will roar in Paris

#### *by Geoff Gillingham*

Petar Bozic's London Lions have proven to be a better road team than they are at home, going 8-1 on their travels in the regular season before beating U-BT Cluj-Napoca – a team with a 7-2 home record prior to the playoffs – in its own back yard in the quarterfinals. London has a curious history with Paris, [something you should read more about here](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/news/paris-basketball-london-lions-rivalry-is-ready-to-go-to-new-heights/), but I think we'll see big performances from Sam Dekker, David Nwaba and Gabe Olaseni at the brand-new Adidas Arena. Paris's up-tempo style of play should make things difficult, however the Lions have enough quality to cause plenty of problems for the hosts and, in my eyes, steal Game 1 on the road. **My pick: London.**

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Ahead of the HUGE semi-final matchup against <a href="https://twitter.com/ParisBasketball?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ParisBasketball</a> this evening<a href="https://twitter.com/LondonLions?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@LondonLions</a> coach Petar Bozic and star players, <a href="https://twitter.com/dekker?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@dekker</a> and <a href="https://twitter.com/TheRealMM10?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@TheRealMM10</a> sat down to talk about their historic season 🎥 <br><br>Watch the full feature now! <a href="https://t.co/i8m3aE4wrn">pic.twitter.com/i8m3aE4wrn</a></p>&mdash; BKT EuroCup (@EuroCup) <a href="https://twitter.com/EuroCup/status/1772538081448439885?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 26, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

### Paris will prevail in the opener

#### *by Javier Gancedo*

There is little doubt about it, Paris and London will be a fast-paced semifinal and it will be a matter of outgunning the opponent. London got better since these eam last met, with David Nwaba joining the team and Sam Dekker returning from an injury he suffered just after halftime of their second game. In that Round 13 showdown, London limited T.J. Shorts to a season-low PIR of 6 but lost 94-77 in the French capital. I expect Shorts to confirm he is the front-runner in the MVP race, leading Paris to a very convincing victory. The core of this team is used to winning big games and that will matter in Game 1. **My pick: Paris.**

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="fr" dir="ltr">JOUR DE DEMI-FINALE ⚡️ <a href="https://t.co/sek3nTr7cp">pic.twitter.com/sek3nTr7cp</a></p>&mdash; Paris Basketball (@ParisBasketball) <a href="https://twitter.com/ParisBasketball/status/1772550876806123843?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 26, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

### London will pull off a stunner

#### *by Frankie Sachs*

I can't back this one up except to say that somewhere in my gut, I have a hunch that London takes this game. When picking my EuroCup Fantasy Challenge team, I kept wanting more and more London players. I am assuming, of course, that London arrives at full strength. And if so, the Lions improved lineup with Olaseni, Dekker, Nwaba and Grantham all healthy and in uniform could make the difference. Not that I am picking London to win the series, but I have a feeling about its chances in the opener. **My pick: London wins a squeaker.**

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">EURO SEMIFINAL GAME DAY! 🦁🔥<br><br>🏆 <a href="https://twitter.com/EuroCup?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@EuroCup</a> semifinal game 1️⃣<br>🆚 <a href="https://twitter.com/ParisBasketball?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ParisBasketball</a> <br>⏰ 7:45pm GMT<br>📍 Adidas Arena<br>📺 <a href="https://twitter.com/tntsports?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@tntsports</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WeAreLondon?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WeAreLondon</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/RoadToGreatness?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#RoadToGreatness</a> <a href="https://t.co/R6dE7oulMi">pic.twitter.com/R6dE7oulMi</a></p>&mdash; London Lions (@LondonLions) <a href="https://twitter.com/LondonLions/status/1772571214067782018?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 26, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

### Paris is primed for Game 1 win

#### *by Frank Lawlor*

Paris has not only forged an 18-1 record but has done so with historic numbers in the same group as London, obliterating opponents by 19.1 points per game. True, Paris's dynamic, fast-paced game is more or less up London's alley and the British visitors have proven themselves even better on the road than at home. But the same can be said of Paris, making this the rare series that could easily have two road winners before Game 3. That said, Paris deserves the nod in Game 1 for what it has done until now, which is simply mow down every obstacle in its path with a blaze of speedy execution that has been all but impossible to stop. **My pick: Paris.**

Check out the Game 1 predictions from EuroCupbasketball.com staff members.

Semifinals predictions: Game 1, Paris vs. London

Semifinals predictions: Game 1, Bourg vs. Besiktas

The best-of-three BKT EuroCup Semifinals feature an intriguing showdown between Mincidelice JL Bourg en Bresse and Besiktas Emlakjet Istanbul. 

### Bourg will find a way in opener

#### *by Igor Petrinovic*

In the quarterfinals, Bourg showed why it won its regular season group, dismissing dangerous Prometey Slobozhanske thanks to a 34-13 third quarter. Not many view Bourg as a team that runs all over you, but that's just what happened that third quarter, and Prometey was not the first team this season to experience how solid and well-coached Bourg is by Frederic Fauthoux. Of course, Besiktas has a strong bench presence in Dusan Alimpijevic, and is super-confident after knocking out the defending champs Dreamland Gran Canaria and then Hapoel Shlomo Tel Aviv on the road. But, I think Bourg will take the first game of this series. My pick: Bourg.

### Bourg by a whisker in Game 1

#### *by Frank Lawlor*

You have to admire Besiktas head coach Dusan Alimpijevic's 2-3 road record in EuroCup elimination games, but I predicted an all-French final series before the postseason started, and Bourg essentially has to win Game 1 for that to happen. Resilience is the word for what Bourg has shown this season, as opposed to last, and the hosts will need all of that and more to withstand a resourceful Besiktas team with veteran grit. [Zaccharie Risacher](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/zaccharie-risacher/010718/) should be back on his game after a tough quarterfinal and that should be enough to give Bourg all the weapons it needs on Tuesday. My pick: Bourg. 

### Besiktas will keep on charging

#### *by Geoff Gillingham*

Bourg has lost at home just once all season long, and that was a Round 18 game with nothing riding on it for Frederic Fauthoux's men. However, Besiktas has already shown in the playoffs that it is ready to turn up and spoil the party – just ask Dreamland Gran Canaria and Hapoel Shlomo Tel Aviv. Besiktas boss Dusan Alimpijevic has become an expert in creating Cinderella-type stories in the EuroCup, and it seems he's on his way to writing another fairy-tale story with Besiktas, two years on from leading Frutti Extra Bursaspor to the EuroCup Finals. I think we'll see big games from [Jonah Mathews](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/jonah-mathews/011936/), [Angel Delgado](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/angel-delgado/012647/) and [Derek Needham](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/derek-needham/008945/) in a Game 1 road win. My pick: Besiktas.

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Watch out for the black eagles 🦅<a href="https://twitter.com/BJK_Basketbol?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@BJK_Basketbol</a> <a href="https://t.co/fydAL13NyF">pic.twitter.com/fydAL13NyF</a></p>&mdash; BKT EuroCup (@EuroCup) <a href="https://twitter.com/EuroCup/status/1772305009352282426?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 25, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

### Bourg will go up 1-0

#### *by Javier Gancedo*

I expect this semifinal to be the most tactical one, and the team that dictates the game tempo should probably advice to the final. Both teams have reached this level for the first time but I like Bourg's chances due to its dynamic frontcourt and great creativity at point guard. [Hugo Benitez](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/hugo-benitez/010449/) is back to his best level after the injury and Bourg should find the way to play in transition and win the game. My pick: Bourg. 

### Bourg will make Game 1 look easy

#### *by Frankie Sachs*

I can list many reasons to worry about Bourg. It comes off a loss in the French League. It may be outmatched in the paint by Besiktas's size and strength, etc. Bottom line: Bourg is the better team. Besiktas pulled out a near-miracle to rally from 21 down against Hapoel Shlomo Tel Aviv in the quarters. Head coach Frederic Fauthoux's men should be ready. My pick: Bourg by a dozen.