U-BT Cluj-Napoca guard Sasu Salin spoke to Euroleague.net's Javier Gancedo ahead of the team's quarterfinal tie against Valencia Basket in the 2025 EuroCup Playoffs.

Sasu Salin: 'All the pressure is on Valencia'

Despite not playing in the BKT EuroCup for the last six seasons, [U-BT Cluj-Napoca](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/teams/u-bt-cluj-napoca/clu/) guard [Sasu Salin](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/sasu-salin/002820/) has a lot of experience in the competition, taking part in 101 games and ranking fifth all-time in three-point shots made (222).

Last week, the Finn helped [Cluj beat Wolves Twinsbet Vilnius 99-100](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/news/cluj-eliminates-wolves-in-2ot-99-100/) in double overtime to make it to the quarterfinals with a third different team after previously doing so with Dreamland Gran Canaria and Unicaja Malaga. Salin had 8 points, 4 assists, 2 steals and a PIR of 13, proving once again that he is way more than a three-point specialist.

Cluj now faces Valencia Basket, a team that Salin has regularly gone up against in the last decade. He believes that if Cluj can focus on doing what they do well, this could be the last-ever EuroCup game played at La Fonteta, as he explained in an interview with [Euroleague.net](http://Euroleague.net)'s Javier Gancedo.

Sasu Salin is back in the BKT EuroCup after a six-year stint.

2024-25 EuroCup highlights: Sasu Salin, Cluj

**Hello, Sasu. First things first, what a way to start the playoffs with a double-overtime road win! What allowed you to stay in the game after a slow first half and win it down the stretch?**

"Thanks. Yes, we were behind all the time in the first half and we were missing all the little things on defense. We gave them easy dunks and easy looks, and just looked bad from the beginning. But luckily, we were able to turn it around in the second half. We showed character after the break – it's never easy when you go play one game away and you have to win on their court. I think we showed a lot of character."

**And Zavier Simpson had an extraordinary performance with 26 points and 14 assists. You have played with many great point guards, but what do you like about him?**

"Well, it is just his ability to go to the basket and to beat his own guy. It's extraordinary. I played with great passers and great minds that helped my game, and Zavier can play like the typical point guard, passing the ball and everything. But his ability to score, I think, it is at another level. And that's why he scored 26 \[points against the Wolves\] and we can rely on him in difficult moments, too. He makes our easy game easier."

**Man, he can also hit hooks shots, it's unbelievable...**

"Yeah! That's one of the things that of course I knew before he came here to Cluj. All my teammates said, 'Oh, you have Captain Hook, the hook guy' and I was like, 'yeah, that's his thing'. He said he got tired of the big guys blocking his shots so many times, so he started to do something else, and he is mastering it!"

**Yeah, totally. Moving on, you have been to the quarterfinals with three teams: Gran Canaria (even to the semifinals), Unicaja and now with Cluj. From your experience, what's most important to do in these do-or-die games?**

"Now it is just one game and you just have to think about that. We are the underdogs here. Everybody has been talking about Valencia and how tough they are, and how they are going to probably win the EuroCup, so all the pressure is on them. We just have to think about our stuff, what we can do better comparing to the other games that we played against them and if we can play the 40 minutes as we want, making no mistakes. If we play our best game of the season, we have a chance. We have nothing to lose."

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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/DB8I27ZtNEV/?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 sasu salin (@sassuli)</a></p></div></blockquote>
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**During your career, you have played a good number of times at La Fonteta, with not many good results (3-12 in all competitions). How can Cluj turn that into an advantage, Valencia being the heavy favorites to win the game?**

"First of all, I think it helps that we have experienced guys in our team. We are not new to international competitions, and we know pretty much how to prepare for this. And like I said before, we have to make their game harder and don't let them get into their flow, which they did against us and what I see now in the ACB against Zaragoza (Valencia won 71-115). They run, take open threes and make them, and they can really, really hurt teams. But we just have to keep them to five-on-five offense, limit their ability to run and just make every shot for them harder. On the other side, we have to take good shots, not let them run and get those easy points and take some rebounds. It's going to be a dogfight!"

**In the first of these two games, you built a 16-point lead in the opening 16 minutes. Is that an extra motivation for this game?**

"Yeah, we did play well and, of course, they were kind of struggling with their shots in the first three quarters if I remember right. And in the last quarter, they just did what Valencia has been doing this season. I think we were great on defense from the beginning and were aggressive. We showed them all the time that we were ready and we want to really stop them, and we didn't give them anything easy. We were fighting for the rebounds and through that, everybody in our team got confidence. We were making shots and were up 16, but that told us about Valencia's level; they came back even when they didn't have their best game, they were still able to win. So yes, it's not going to be easy for sure, but we have confidence in our own game and I think we have a chance to win."

**Cluj is one of the fastest-rising clubs in Europe. After a decade in Spain, what do you like about the club, its organization and, of course, the fans?**

"Yes, we have great fans in here and when we play at home in the EuroCup, it is pretty much a full gym. They do a lot of spectacular things, like what they do with fireworks. It's been great. You can see that Cluj has been rising in the European basketball world. They have been doing a good job investing, putting good money and getting better players. And now, people want to come here, but it started from little steps. And then you start winning and right now, we have the chance to take another step. We have a very good chance to do that because last season it was the same; we made it to the quarterfinals and lost against the London Lions. We have a new chance this year and you never know. We never stop believing and I hope it is our turn now."

**Patrick Richard is back with the team. He hit a critical three-pointer in the second overtime period against Wolves. How important is the captain’s presence, on and off the court, for this team?**

"Well, Pat has been here for so long. He is the leader, of course. He is our captain and a guy who likes to talk, and he brings calmness to the team. And there's also his relationship with the coach – he understands him very well. I think it's easier when he is around and we have been much calmer, even though we were losing the last game \[against Wolves\] when Pat was there. He gave us leadership and that really has helped. It's great to have him back on the court and back healthy."

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**You played with DJ Seeley in that Gran Canaria team that made the 2016 semifinals. How cool is it to share a locker room again?**

"He is a funny guy and I have good memories with him in Gran Canaria. Of course, like I said, he is a great dude and is keeping the locker room much more chill. He is a very easy-going guy. It's crazy how the different paths come together again and now we play together in Cluj, so it's been fun."

**Cluj already made history but has a great opportunity to do even better. How exciting is that, and what would it mean for the club to beat Valencia?**

"I think it would be the biggest win in the club's history. I think everybody realizes what's on the table and what we can do. But still, like I said, we don't want to put pressure on us because the pressure is not on us. It's on Valencia. They play at home and were the guys waiting for a quarterfinal opponent. We have to enjoy the moment, enjoy the game that is coming and before that, prepare ourselves and be ready for a fight."

Game News

The Cluj guard is excited ahead of his team's quarterfinal matchup with the Spanish side

Valencia Basket v U-BT Cluj-Napoca (2025-03-12T19:30:00.000Z)

A big make-or-break showdown is expected at Aleksandar Nikolic Hall in Belgrade, Serbia, as Hapoel Bank Yahav Jerusalem takes on Dreamland Gran Canaria. Both teams know what it takes to win the competition, with Jerusalem lifting the trophy in 2004 before Gran Canaria went all the way in 2023.

Jerusalem, Gran Canaria ready for major showdown

A big make-or-break showdown is expected at Aleksandar Nikolic Hall in Belgrade, Serbia, as [Hapoel Bank Yahav Jerusalem](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/teams/hapoel-bank-yahav-jerusalem/jer/) takes on [Dreamland Gran Canaria](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/teams/dreamland-gran-canaria/can/). Both teams know what it takes to win the competition, with Jerusalem lifting the trophy in 2004 before Gran Canaria went all the way in 2023.

This is a rematch of when both teams went to battle in the 2017 EuroCup Quarterfinals, back then played as a best-of-three playoff series. Jerusalem thrashed Gran Canaria 87-67 in Game 1 behind 20 points from Jerome Dyson and swept the series with a 79-85 victory at Gran Canaria Arena. Curtis Jerrells led Jerusalem with 23 points while Amar'e Stoudamire added 15. Their all-time record against one another in the competition is 2-2 as Gran Canaria beat Jerusalem twice in the 2016 Last 32 group stage.

Jerusalem won its last two regular-season games to seal a direct ticket to the quarterfinals. Since then, it lost center [Gabi Chachashvili](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/gabriel-chachashvili/013279/) to a season-ending ACL injury. On the other hand, big man [Austin Wiley](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/austin-wiley/013278/) returned to action after missing 12 regular-season games and is ready to help [Derek Ogbeide](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/derek-ogbeide/013263/) under the boards. [Gran Canaria beat Umana Reyer Venice 84-80](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/news/gran-canaria-outlasts-reyer-84-80/) in the eighthfinals to get to this point.

Gran Canaria's main concern should be stopping [Jared Harper](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/jared-harper/011970/), who is having a career-best season and threatening the competition's single-season scoring record. So far, Harper scored 386 points in 17 games (22.7 ppg.). Andrew Goudelock holds the record since the 2013-14 season, scoring 451 points while playing for UNICS Kazan. Added to his scoring abilities, Harper is averaging 5.7 assists and 7.7 fouls drawn. His 131 fouls drawn are already an all-time record in the competition.

Harper and [Khadeen Carrington](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/khadeen-carrington/008912/) have been Jerusalem's go-to men in the backcourt all season long. Carrington averages 15.7 points this season but boosted his numbers to 18.2 points in his last five regular-season games. Harper will not have it easy against [Andrew Albicy](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/andrew-albicy/003425/), one of the best defensive point guards in EuroCup history. In fact, Albicy needs just seven steals to rank first in the all-time standings.

Albicy is one of seven Gran Canaria players that have lifted the EuroCup title in the past. The Frenchman and four of his current teammates lifted the trophy with Gran Canaria in 2021; the others were [John Shurna](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/john-shurna/006588/), [Nico Brussino](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/nicolas-brussino/008121/), [Jovan Kljajic](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/jovan-kljajic/007560/) and [Miquel Salvo](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/miquel-salvo/005005/). [Mike Tobey](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/mike-tobey/008966/) became a EuroCup champion with Valencia Basket in 2019, and [Mehdy Ngouama](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/mehdy-ngouama/009556/) helped Paris Basketball win the EuroCup championship last season.

<center>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">The matchup you CANNOT miss 🔥<br><br>Both <a href="https://twitter.com/JerusalemBasket?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@JerusalemBasket</a> &amp; <a href="https://twitter.com/GranCanariaCB?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@GranCanariaCB</a> are having a great season, which team will prevail and go the the semifinals? 👀<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/RoadToGreatness?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#RoadToGreatness</a> <a href="https://t.co/00XKctgq68">pic.twitter.com/00XKctgq68</a></p>&mdash; BKT EuroCup (@EuroCup) <a href="https://twitter.com/EuroCup/status/1898455949511118894?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 8, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Gran Canaria has been extremely solid in road games this season, being 6-3 away. This is its first playoff road game since the 2021 semifinal, when it registered an 82-77 loss against AS Monaco. Since then, Gran Canaria has played eight playoff games, all of them at Gran Canaria Arena. It is the club's first single-game elimination showdown on the road in club history, which is remarkable given that Gran Canaria leads the competition in most games played (266).

Jerusalem should try to impose its aggressive playing style. It leads the EuroCup in most free throws attempted per game (28.9), with Gran Canaria ranking last at 16.6 attempts per night. Gran Canaria has been able to limit fouls committed to just 19.5 per contest, so if it is able to prevent Jerusalem from going to the foul line very often, it has much better percentages from almost all distances (Gran Canaria 56.0% 2FG, 33.7% 3FG, 79.4% FT; Jerusalem 50.9% 2FG, 33.4% 3FG, 72.9% FT).

As you see, both teams can impose their respective strengths to win the game and advance to the best-of-three semifinals. As often happens in this kind of games, it will go down to who wants it more, so every 50-50 ball, rebound and small decision should have an impact in its final outcome. Expect nothing but a top-class basketball game played point to point, possession by possession on one of the most iconic basketball courts in Europe!

Both teams meet again in the EuroCup Quarterfinals eight years later

Hapoel Bank Yahav Jerusalem v Dreamland Gran Canaria (2025-03-11T19:00:00.000Z)

They say that the European basketball community is close-knit, but for Dejan Radonjic and Zvezdan Mitrovic, their bond goes beyond basketball.

Best friends come head to head when Bahcesehir, Cedevita face off in quarterfinal bout

They say that the European basketball community is close-knit, but for coaches [Dejan Radonjic](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/teams/bahcesehir-college-istanbul/bah/radonjic-dejan/?season=U2024) and [Zvezdan Mitrovic](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/teams/cedevita-olimpija-ljubljana/lju/mitrovic-zvezdan/?season=U2024), their bond goes beyond basketball.

For Mitrovic, it provided added motivation as his [Cedevita Olimpija Ljubljana](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/teams/cedevita-olimpija-ljubljana/lju/) team took on Besiktas Fibabanka Istanbul in the last 16 of the BKT EuroCup Playoffs, too.

“My goal right now is to move to the next stage and play against my best man Dejan Radonjic in the quarterfinals,” Mitrovic told Eurohoops last week.

Yes, you read that correctly – Radonjic was the best man at Mitrovic’s wedding. So, with [Bahcesehir College Istanbul](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/teams/bahcesehir-college-istanbul/bah/) set to take on Cedevita in the first game of the quarterfinals on Tuesday (18:00 CET), it adds even more intrigue to an already fascinating fixture.

Both Radonjic and Mitrovic hail from Podgorica, Montenegro, and were born 17 days apart in 1970. That their journeys would cross felt like destiny. They got into basketball as teenagers and were twice at the same club, Buducnost VOLI Podgorica, with Mitrovic as an assistant coach and Radonjic as a player.

Since then, they have gone on to become two of the most prominent coaches in European basketball over the last decade. Radonjic is a five-time ABA League champion, all of which came with Crvena Zvezda Meridianbet Belgrade, and he has also won domestic championships in Montenegro (seven times), Serbia (five) and Germany (two). Mitrovic’s crowning hour, meanwhile, came in 2021 when he led AS Monaco to the EuroCup title – something he is hoping to replicate this year with Cedevita.

Twice before, Radonjic and Mitrovic faced off as coaches in the Turkish Airlines EuroLeague. The first saw Radonjic earn bragging rights in some style as [his FC Bayern Munich squad defeated Mitrovic’s LDLC ASVEL Villeurbanne 104-63](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/news/eb-2019-20-game-report-bayern-asvel/) in October 2019. But upon Monaco’s promotion to the EuroLeague, Mitrovic avenged that loss to his best friend with [the principality side triumphing 70-62 over Crvena Zvezda](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/news/eb046-diallo-helps-monaco/) in October 2021.

Now, for the first time, they will be on opposite benches in the EuroCup – and a spot in the semifinals is up for grabs. Bahcesehir made light work of the regular season, despite being in tough-looking Group A, by going 14-4 and securing the one seed, which gave the Turkish side a bye in the round of 16. Cedevita, however, had to do it the hard way.

Mitrovic has transformed a club that went 4-32 over the last two seasons – finishing bottom of their group each time – by leading the Slovenian team to a 10-8 record in Group B, good for fourth place. Cedevita then made its home-court advantage account by [defeating Besiktas 96-86](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/news/cedevita-olimpija-downs-besiktas-96-86-to-reach-quarterfinals/), with star forward [Devin Robinson](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/devin-robinson/012042/) leading the way by posting a 21-point, 12-rebound double-double.

Bahcesehir – competing in its first-ever playoff game in the EuroCup – comes into Tuesday’s quarterfinal matchup as the favorite, in large part due to the depth and experience of its roster. [Jaleen Smith](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/jaleen-smith/011192/), [Tyler Cavanaugh](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/tyler-cavanaugh/009601/) and [Sehmus Hazer](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/sehmus-hazer/011201/) all have at least three years of EuroLeague experience under their belts, while [Tai Odiase](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/tai-odiase/011823/), [Axel Bouteille](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/axel-bouteille/003840/) and [CJ Massinburg](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/cj-massinburg/011821/) know what it takes to perform at the EuroCup level.

Bouteille, in particular, showed in his time with Turk Telekom Ankara that he can step up when the lights are the brightest, averaging 18.0 points in four playoff games as his team reached the 2023 EuroCup Final. And then there is [Furkan Korkmaz](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/furkan-korkmaz/005763/), Bahcesehir’s trump card. Despite having a slow start to life with Bahcesehir in the EuroCup, having joined mid-season after an injury-hit spell with EuroLeague force Monaco, Korkmaz has started to find his feet in the Turkish League and could be a decisive factor in the postseason.

Cedevita, on the other hand, leans heavily on the play of Robinson, but also [Brynton Lemar](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/brynton-lemar/013261/) (15.1 PPG). Playing in his first EuroCup season, Lemar provides added offensive punch and is coming off a 20-point night in the eighthfinals. That Cedevita has four other players averaging between 10.2 PPG and 9.5 PPG shows the variety of its offense as [DeVante Jones](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/devante-jones/013260/) (10.2 PPG), [Aleksej Nikolic](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/aleksej-nikolic/003703/) (9.9 PPG) and [DJ Stewart](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/dj-stewart/012700/) (9.5 PPG) are all capable of coming up with big plays. [Jaka Blazic](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/jaka-blazic/003452/) (9.5 PPG), however, will miss out due to a wrist injury.

If Korkmaz is Bahcesehir’s trump card, Cedevita’s surprise player could be [Joan Beringer](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/joan-beringer/012996/). The 18-year-old Frenchman’s season averages of 4.9 points and 5.5 rebounds are impressive given his age, but he showed against Besiktas that his offensive game is evolving at rapid speed by pouring in 12 points. Don’t be surprised if Beringer ends up causing some headaches for Odiase and [Marko Simonovic](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/marko-simonovic/012711/) in the Bahcesehir paint.

Everything is set for a mouth-watering game between these two sides. Will Bahcesehir take another step towards achieving its dream of reaching the EuroLeague for the first time or will Cedevita secure its first appearance in the EuroCup Semifinals since the Cedevita-Olimpija merger? Tune in on Tuesday evening to find out.

The two teams’ head coaches share a special bond

Best friends come head to head when Bahcesehir, Cedevita face off

Bahcesehir College Istanbul v Cedevita Olimpija Ljubljana (2025-03-11T17:00:00.000Z)

As another exciting BKT EuroCup season enters the final stretch, it is time to consider which stars are most deserving of end-of-season honors. And the fans will of course have their voices heard!

Vote for your 2024-25 All-EuroCup Team!

As another exciting BKT EuroCup season enters the final stretch, it is time to consider which stars are most deserving of end-of-season honors. And the fans will of course have their voices heard!

The voting for the All-EuroCup Team will be open from Monday, March 10 and will run through Thursday, April 3, the day after the semifinals conclude.

This season the votes of head coaches and team captains will each account for 35 percent of the total, while media members will make up another 20% and the fan vote will be worth 10%. Upon completion of all voting, the player with the most votes will become this season's BKT EuroCup MVP. He and the next four top vote-getters will comprise the All-EuroCup First Team and the next five will make up the All-EuroCup Second Team.

To make sure your vote is counted, go to <https://alleurocupteam.eurocupbasketball.com> to register your vote for the most deserving players from the 2024-25 season! Please base your selections on each player's performances for the entirety of the EuroCup Regular Season and knock-out phases.

The player with the most votes will become this season's EuroCup MVP

Stats review: A telling number for each of the quarterfinalists

The BKT EuroCup Quarterfinals have arrived with the league’s top-seven teams in regular season point differential advancing to the second of three single-elimination rounds. With only one team technically scoring an upset to set up a rematch with a team it faced in the regular season, a great deal of uncertainty looms. What does the tracking data suggest we should look for from each of the teams still vying for the championship?

 

### Bahcesehir College Istanbul vs. Cedevita Olimpija Ljubljana

**4 fouls**

[Bahcesehir College Istanbul](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/teams/bahcesehir-college-istanbul/roster/bah/?season=2024-25) has been one of the most balanced teams in the EuroCup this season, ranking in the top-four in both offensive and defensive efficiency. As good as the team is, one of the qualities that has made Bahcesehir so tough to beat has been the fact that it does not beat itself. Drawing 4 fouls more than it commits, Bahcesehir does not bail out opposing scorers with mistakes and outscores them at the line by 4.5 points per game as a result - and that’s especially notable as it plays at the competition's slowest pace.

**52% at the rim in the half-court**

[Cedevita Olimpija Ljubljana](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/teams/cedevita-olimpija-ljubljana/roster/lju/?season=2024-25) turned a corner protecting the rim during the second half of the season. After allowing opponents to shoot 65% around the rim against its half-court defense over the first nine games, Cedevita has allowed only 52% to close the year. That has paid big dividends for its overall defense and is something to watch as it takes on the top team from Group A.

Jared Harper leads the EuroCup in scoring with 22.7 points per game

### Hapoel Bank Yahav Jerusalem vs. Dreamland Grand Canaria

**0.89 points per possession**

[Hapoel Bank Yahav Jerusalem](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/teams/hapoel-jerusalem/roster/jer/?season=2024-25) has been the best defensive team in the EuroCup on a per-possession basis this season. Doing an excellent job closing out shooters and guarding pick-and-rolls, Jerusalem is especially effective when it not only limits opposing guards on the perimeter but forces mistakes and turns defense into offense.

**23.8% of possessions used in the last 4 seconds of the clock**

[Dreamland Grand Canaria](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/teams/dreamland-gran-canaria/roster/can/?season=2024-25) grinded the clock as often as any team in the EuroCup. Not only has it run time off the clock consistently on the offensive end, but it has scored at a solid rate when it has, presenting a challenge for opposing defenses and magnifying the importance of each possession on both ends.

 

### Valencia Basket vs. U-BT Cluj Napoca

**39% three-point shooting**

[Valencia Basket](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/teams/valencia-basket/roster/pam/?season=2024-25) has done several things at a superlative level this season, especially early on as it started the season 11-0. The most sustainable of its many strengths has been its shooting from beyond the arc. Valencia not only leads the EuroCup in three-point percentage, but leads all teams in three-pointers attempted by over 4 per game. Valencia shot 46% over 72 shots from three-point range across its two wins over Cluj on its way to the top of Group B.

**58% in one-on-one situations**

[U-BT Cluj-Napoca](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/teams/u-bt-cluj-napoca/roster/clu/?season=2024-25) has been this season’s most effective one-on-one scoring team.  While it does not force the issue, it is adept at exploiting matchups and will have to be effective on the margins to beat a Valencia team that had its number during the regular season.

Kyle Alexander leads the EuroCup with 2.1 blocks per game

### Hapoel Shlomo Tel Aviv vs. Turk Telekom Ankara

**1.05 points per possession**

[Hapoel Shlomo Tel Aviv](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/teams/hapoel-shlomo-tel-aviv/roster/hta/?season=2024-25) has been the most efficient offensive team in the EuroCup this season, climbing above Valencia over the second half of the year following the addition of [Yam Madar](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/yam-madar/011052/). Finishing at an exceptional rate in transition while scoring midrange jumpers and floaters at an excellent rate in the half-court, Hapoel has been very effective inside the arc. 

**88 blocks**

[Turk Telekom Ankara](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/teams/turk-telekom-ankara/roster/ttk/?season=2024-25) has blocked 30 more shots than any other team this season. [Kyle Alexander](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/kyle-alexander/011973/) and [Yoan Makoundou](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/yoan-makoundou/011935/) give them two of this season’s three most prolific shot blockers on a per-minute basis. They have held teams to a EuroCup-best 57% shooting at the rim overall on the year as their length up front impacts the shots they do not block as well.

What statistics can shed light on the eight teams that will take the court for the EuroCup Quarterfinals? Let's see!

Hapoel Shlomo Tel Aviv v Turk Telekom Ankara (2025-03-12T17:00:00.000Z)

Look back at all the action in Eighthfinals of the 2024-25 BKT EuroCup season by checking out the best photos of the week! 

Top 10 photos from Eighthfinals

Look back at all the action from Eighthfinals of the 2024-25 BKT EuroCup season by checking out the best photos of the week! 

After a dismal EuroCup campaign last season, Zvezdan Mitrovic's KK Cedevita Olimpija fancies is chances of a deep postseason run in the 2025 EuroCup Playoffs.

Revamped Cedevita Olimpija aiming for giddy EuroCup heights

[Cedevita Olimpija Ljubljana](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/teams/cedevita-olimpija-ljubljana/lju/) enjoyed a memorable night inside Stozice Arena on Wednesday night as the Slovenian side celebrated [a 96-86 win over Besiktas Fibabanka Istanbul](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/news/cedevita-olimpija-downs-besiktas-96-86-to-reach-quarterfinals/) to advance to the BKT EuroCup Quarterfinals, where a mouth-watering matchup with [Bahcesehir College Istanbul](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/teams/bahcesehir-college-istanbul/bah/) awaits.

It was a sweet reprieve for Cedevita, which endured a forgettable campaign last term as it finished on a 1-17 record in the regular season, with the team looking disjointed and devoid of any chemistry.

It was a very different story this season, however, as Cedevita engineered a 10-8 record and finished fourth in Group B, enough to earn home-court advantage in the playoffs and book a clash with Besiktas, which reached the competition’s semifinals last season.

A reconstructed Cedevita team, bolstered by the arrival of coach Zvezdan Mitrovic and an array of key players during the close season, fired on all cylinders in the second half of an enthralling contest against Besiktas, wiping out a 13-point deficit to prevail in a cracking atmosphere generated by the home fans.

Mitrovic was elated after seeing his team bounce back to brush Besiktas aside after the break, as first-year players [Devin Robinson](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/devin-robinson/012042/) and [Brynton Lemar](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/brynton-lemar/013261/) combined for 41 points, with Robinson also racking up 11 boards.

“It was a game of two totally different halves,” Mitrovic said during the postgame press conference. “I want to thank the fans for pushing us across the finish line, as having a full house is the biggest victory and reward. We were able to make home court advantage count in a fantastic atmosphere. Now we will shift our attention to the quarterfinal at Bahcesehir, which is going to be a massive challenge.”

[DeVante Jones](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/devante-jones/013260/) and [Joan Beringer](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/joan-beringer/012996/), who also joined Cedevita last summer, were instrumental as the former amassed 14 points, 6 boards and 5 assists while the latter chipped in with 12 points and 5 rebounds in a smooth all-round effort.

Stalwarts [Aleksej Nikolic](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/aleksej-nikolic/003703/) and [DJ Stewart](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/dj-stewart/012700/) netted 25 points between them to cap Cedevita’s selfless team performance which generated 39 rebounds, 12 of them on offense, as the home team turned the tide in the second half.

<center>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="sl" dir="ltr">Najboljši trenutki včerajšnje zmage – od parketa do tribun!<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ZmajevaDruzina?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ZmajevaDruzina</a> <a href="https://t.co/NXz2eVRQFC">pic.twitter.com/NXz2eVRQFC</a></p>&mdash; Cedevita Olimpija Ljubljana (@KKCedOL) <a href="https://twitter.com/KKCedOL/status/1897678561323982883?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 6, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Mitrovic, who joined Cedevita from Besiktas’s archrival Galatasaray Istanbul and was hence able to offer his team a first-hand insight into the Turkish side’s structure, seems to have timed the Slovenian outfit’s form to perfection.

Having lost its previous three EuroCup games and the last two in the regional ABA League, Cedevita ripped through the Slovenian Cup to win its first domestic trophy of the season and boost its confidence ahead of the epic clash with Besiktas.

Bahcesehir, however, could turn out to be a different prospect after taking Group A by storm and finishing top of Group A on a 14-4 record, thus earning home-court advantage in the quarterfinals and possibly the semifinals if the Istanbul side goes through.

The Turkish team will start as a strong favorite as it boasts several former Turkish Airlines EuroLeague players in its ranks, namely [Jaleen Smith](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/jaleen-smith/011192/) and [Marko Simonovic](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/marko-simonovic/012711/) as well as the homegrown duo of [Furkan Korkmaz](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/furkan-korkmaz/005763/) and [Kenan Sipahi](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/kenan-sipahi/005275/). [Mateusz Ponitka](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/mateusz-ponitka/004172/) is another with plenty of EuroLeague experience, but [he is out injured](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/news/mateusz-ponitka-undergoes-surgery-on-meniscus-injury/).

Korkmaz also enjoyed a seven-year spell in the NBA with the Philadelphia 76ers while Sipahi had two stints each with Fenerbahce Beko Istanbul and Besiktas before he joined Bahcesehir earlier this season.

If the inspired performance against Besiktas is anything to go by, though, this galvanized Cedevita side has a decent chance of completing a postseason double over Turkish opposition in its bid to go at least a step further in the EuroCup.

The Slovenian side has turned out to be the surprise package of the season after a dismal campaign last term

Cedevita Olimpija Ljubljana v Besiktas Fibabanka Istanbul (2025-03-05T18:30:00.000Z)

Turk Telekom put together a strong performance at both ends of the court in eliminating Buducnost VOLI Podgorica 93-73 in the BKT EuroCup Eighthfinals.  

Turk Telekom another step closer to goal but still a long way to go

[Turk Telekom Ankara](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/teams/turk-telekom-ankara/ttk/) is exactly where it envisioned itself before the season. But a spot in the quarterfinals is not the final goal. For that, the Turkish team must remain focused after an exciting show in front of its home fans.

Turk Telekom put together a strong performance at both ends of the court in [eliminating Buducnost VOLI Podgorica 93-73](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/news/turk-telekom-takes-care-of-buducnost-93-73-to-sets-quarterfinal-date-with-hapoel/) in the eighthfinals.

“We were so aggressive. This is what we wanted to do. At the end of the day, we gave up 19 offensive rebounds. But we managed our aggressiveness and played the right defense,” Turk Telekom head coach [Erdem Can](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/teams/turk-telekom-ankara/ttk/can-erdem/) said afterward.

“This is just one game. We need to go step by step. We have a long way to go.”

Turk Telekom has reached this stage before - going all the way to the final in 2023, when it lost 71-67 to Gran Canaria. The club was eliminated in the eighthfinals in both 2022 and last season.

Can and his team have been through a lot this season, losing players to injuries, seeing players leave and having to incorporate new players. But this game showed just how tough the team is.

“We’ve had a lot of ups and downs this season but we’ve been resilient and we’ve been focused,” said [Kyle Alexander](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/kyle-alexander/011973/), who has played 18 of the team’s 19 games this season and scored 17 points against Buducnost.

“We’ve had a goal since the beginning of the season so we are just trying to see that through. It’s a team full of fighters.”

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="ro" dir="ltr">Buducnost VOLI Podgorica karşısında dikkat çeken performanslar!<br><br>Braian Angola - Yoan Makoundou - Anthony Brown<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AnkaraBasketbolu?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AnkaraBasketbolu</a><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Kaizen?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Kaizen</a><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WeAreHereForAReason?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WeAreHereForAReason</a><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/RoadToGreatness?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#RoadToGreatness</a> <a href="https://t.co/l0oFc76IMG">pic.twitter.com/l0oFc76IMG</a></p>&mdash; Türk Telekom Basketbol (@TT_Basketbol) <a href="https://twitter.com/TT_Basketbol/status/1897644205003997401?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 6, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Turk Telekom still needs five victories to take the EuroCup crown and become the third Turkish club to win the competition following Galatasaray Istanbul in 2016 and Darussafaka Istanbul in 2018

But Turkish clubs also have tasted bitter defeat since then. Frutti Extra Bursaspor put together a magical journey in 2022 to the final but lost there to Virtus Bologna. Turk Telekom could not get past Gran Canaria a year later. And then last season, Besiktas Istanbul was defeated by JL Bourg-en-Bresse in the semifinals.

Can can be excited about how his team played - sharing the ball excellently with 26 turnovers while also playing tough defense and holding opponents to just 73 points.

Next up is a date with Hapoel Shlomo Tel Aviv, a game with special meaning for Alexander and [Braian Angola](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/braian-angola/010465/), who both played for Hapoel last season.

“I am excited about the quarters. We have to play the same way as we played tonight: with energy, focus on defense and everything will take care of itself.”

The Turkish side aiming for five more victories to finish the job from 2023 

Turk Telekom Ankara v Buducnost VOLI Podgorica (2025-03-05T16:30:00.000Z)

Last week in an interview with Euroleague Basketball's Javier Gancedo,  Devin Robinson of Cedevita Olimpija Ljubljana promised that he and his team were "ready" and "locked in". The high-flying forward more than delivered on that statement on Wednesday as he led Cedevita to a 96-86 victory over Besiktas Fibabanka Istanbul while claiming Eighthfinals MVP honors.

Eighthfinals MVP: Devin Robinson, Cedevita 

Last week in an interview with Euroleague Basketball's Javier Gancedo, Devin Robinson of Cedevita Olimpija Ljubljana promised that he and his team were "ready" and "locked in". The high-flying forward more than delivered on that statement on Wednesday as he led Cedevita to a 96-86 victory over Besiktas Fibabanka Istanbul while claiming Eighthfinals MVP honors.

Robinson posted a PIR of 30, which topped all players in the first set of postseason games. He tallied 21 points by making 9 of 15 two-pointers, and all 3 of his free throws. Robinson added to that 12 rebounds, 3 assists, 2 steals and 3 fouls drawn to set a career-high in PIR.

The next-highest PIR in the eighthfinals came from Zavier Simpson of U-BT Cluj-Napoca, who amassed a 28 in his team's double-overtime 99-100 road victory over Wolves Twinsbet Vilnius. Simpson had 26 points, 5 rebounds, a career-high 14 assists, 1 steal and 3 fouls drawn. In that game, Wolves guard Anthony Cowan had 23 points on 6 of 6 free throws, 7 rebounds and 12 assists, good for a PIR of 27. Garrison Brooks also of Wolves, De'Shawn Stephens of Cluj, Kyle Allman of Besiktas and Kyle Alexander of Turk Telekom Ankara, each with PIRs of 24, completed the top individual performances in the eighthfinals.

### Individual highs: Allman, Simpson set EuroCup record

There were a lot of stunning individual performances in the BKT EuroCup Eighthfinals. These are the players who led this round in the main statistical categories.

Zavier Simpson of U-BT Cluj-Napoca was the eighthfinals' top scorer with 26 points in his team's double-overtime 99-100 road victory over Wolves Twinsbet Vilnius.

Devin Robinson of Cedevita Olimpija Ljubljana and Mfiondu Kabengele led all rebounders by pulling down 12 apiece in this round.

Simpson and Kyle Allman of Besiktas Fibabanka Istanbul each dished 14 assists to set a new EuroCup postseason record. The previous playoff record was 12 assists shared by four players: Damir Mulaomerovic of PAOK Thessaloniki (2005), Nemanja Gordic of Cedevita Zagreb (2015), Stefan Markovic of Zenit St Petersburg (2017) and Andrew Albicy of Morabanc Andorra (2019).

Braian Angola of Turk Telekom Ankara collected 4 steals in his team's 93-73 home win over Buducnost VOLI Podgorica.

Angola's teammate, Yoan Makoundou, had 3 blocks, which were more than anyone else in the eighthfinals, and they came against his former team.

Robinson, Allman, Simpson, his Cluj teammate De'Shawn Stephens, Anthony Cowan of Wolves and his teammate Garrison Brooks each recorded a double-double in the eighthfinals.

The high-flying forward delivered on his promise on the big stage