U-BT Cluj-Napoca (13-5) hosts the London Lions (13-6) on Wednesday in a never-seen-before showdown that will send the winner to the BKT EuroCup Semifinals for the first time. 

Quarterfinals breakdown: U-BT Cluj-Napoca vs. London Lions

[U-BT Cluj-Napoca (13-5) hosts the London Lions (13-6) on Wednesday](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/game-center/2023-24/u-bt-cluj-napoca-london-lions/U2023/186/) in a never-seen-before showdown that will send the winner to the BKT EuroCup Semifinals for the first time. 

### Parallel roads

There are many similarities between the teams, on and off the court. Cluj and London are in their second EuroCup seasons and the competition has allowed them to grow and get better. Last season, London made the playoffs with an 8-10 record but lost against Joventut Badalona in the eighthfinals. Cluj did not advance past the first stage, placing ninth in its regular season group with a 5-13 record.

Joventut Badalona - London Lions | Eighthfinals Highlights | 2022-23 7DAYS EuroCup

Cluj retained the core of players who worked well for years, featuring [Patrick Richard](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/patrick-richard/011801/), [Karel Guzman](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/karel-guzman/011797/), [Andrija Stipanovic](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/andrija-stipanovic/005113/) and [Emanuel Cate](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/emanuel-cate/005373/), and added experienced players such as [D.J. Seeley](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/dennis-seeley/004862/) and [Jarell Eddie](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/jarell-eddie/010569/). London went in the same direction, signing well-rounded players [Gabe Olaseni](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/gabe-olaseni/006600/), [Conor Morgan](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/conor-morgan/009680/), [Tarik Phillip](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/tarik-phillip/009649/) and [Matt Morgan](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/matthew-morgan/012585/) to play alongside [Sam Dekker](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/sam-dekker/009672/), [Josh Sharma](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/josh-sharma/012020/) and [Jordan Taylor](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/jordan-taylor/005247/). Both teams dominate their domestic competitions, too. London won three domestic titles last season, and Cluj lifted the Romanian League trophy in each of the last three seasons.

### History in the making

No teams from either Romania or Great Britain have reached this far in the EuroCup. The winner will make history by being the first team in its country to make it to the semifinals. Cluj-Napoca is just the third Romanian team to ever play in the EuroCup. Asesoft Ploiesti played three EuroCup seasons and only got past the regular season once, making it to the 2014-15 Last 16. It had a combined record of 12-22 over those three season. Steaua Bucharest took part in the 2015-16 EuroCup and finished the regular season with a 2-8 record.

The same can be said about British teams. Brighton Bears was the best British team in EuroCup history, finishing the 2003-04 regular season with a 4-6 record despite a 0-5 start. In its final game, Brighton beat Cholet Basket 112-103 in double overtime. Randy Duck scored 49 points, which remains the competition's all-time scoring record more than 20 years later. Guildford Heat went 0-10 in the 2007-08 regular season, breaking other types of records in a 116-53 road loss against Joventut Badalona. It goes without saying that London is already the best British team in EuroCup history, by far.

### Road warrior on a tough court

London has been just unstoppable on the road this season, winning eight of its nine games away from the British capital. Its only loss came against Paris Basketball on December 26, 2023, 94-77. London has struggled at home, winning only half of its 10 games, but managed to score road victories against last season's semifinalists Joventut and Prometey Slobozhanske, as well as in tough environments such as against Besiktas Emlakjet Istanbul. Paris is the only undefeated team on the road.

Following defeat to Gran Canaria, Cluj endeavour to restore winning-ways and regain ground when they entertain a flourishing Lietkabelis roster, which have won three European outings in succession. Can the Romanians get closer to the summit or will the visitors resume their rise?

U-BT Cluj-Napoca-7bet-Lietkabelis Panevezys | Round 9 Highlights | 2023-24 BKT EuroCup

On the other hand, Cluj has the home-court advantage in this game and that is great news for the Romanian team. First, a sellout crowd of 10,000 fans is expected at U-BT Arena in what arguably is the biggest game in club history. Cluj has also been strong at home, winning seven of its nine games. It only lost against Mincideice JL Bourg en Bresse and outgoing champion Dreamland Gran Canaria. Those seven wins came by an average margin of 9.9 points. One of its wins came in overtime against 7bet-Lietkabelis Panevezys, 120-111.

### Cluj's balanced offense

Cluj has shot the ball well, ranking sixth in two-point shooting (59.3% 2FG) and fifth from beyond the arc (38.2% 3FG). Cluj usually runs its offense through old-school centers Stipanovic and Cate, who guarantee Coach Mihai Silvasan a solid scoring option in the paint. Stipanovic and Cate have combined for 20.6 points, 8.7 rebounds and a PIR of 25.5 in less than 40 minutes, as they rarely play together.

Andrija Stipanovic and Emanuel Cate combine for 20.6 points, 8.7 rebounds and a PIR of 25.5 in less than 40 minutes so far this season.

Stipanovic, Cate anchor Cluj's offense

When double-teamed, Cluj can rely on elite three-point shooters such as Eddie (48.5 3FG), Seeley (47.4%) and Richard (43.3%), all of them hitting over 43.0% this season despite combining for 14.1 shots from downtown per game. That's three good options to open any defense from beyond the arc. One of Cluj's main strengths is second-chance opportunities, as it leads the EuroCup in fewest defensive rebounds allowed (20.6 drpg.) and grabs 10.9 offensive boards on average. 

#### London relies on Nwaba, Dekker

London has battled injuries all season long but it seems to be clicking at the right time. Only three players have taken part in all 19 games thus far: Conor Morgan, Matt Morgan and Gabe Olaseni. London worked well in the market to find ways to improve its team and was patient enough to bring back a star forward. [David Nwaba](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/david-nwaba/012797/) has shined and now that Sam Dekker is back, London is definitely a tougher opponent.

Sam Dekker and David Nwaba combine for 15 EuroCup appearances this season and are ready to face U-BT Cluj-Napoca in the quarterfinals.

Dekker, Nwaba take London to another level

Nwaba had never played on this side of the Atlantic Ocean, spending the best part of the last eight seasons between the NBA and the G League. He has made a sudden impact in the EuroCup, averaging 14.5 points on 68.3% two-point shooting, 4.2 rebounds and 2.3 assists in six games for an average PIR of 18.8. Dekker has only been able to play four consecutive EuroCup games this season. Despite all that, he is averaging 11.5 points, 4.6 rebounds and a PIR of 13.0. Given his stellar numbers last season (18.2 ppg., 5.6 rpg., 19.6 PIR), it is safe to think Dekker could take London to bigger heights as a nightmare mismatch for Cluj forwards Eddie and [Mareks Mejeris](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/mareks-mejeris/005714/).

U-BT Cluj-Napoca v London Lions (2024-03-13T17:00:00.000Z)

Mincidelice JL Bourg en Bresse gets its journey underway in the BKT EuroCup Playoffs on Tuesday night by hosting Prometey Slobozhanske in the quarterfinals. 

Quarterfinals breakdown: Mincidelice JL Bourg en Bresse vs. Prometey Slobozhanske

Mincidelice JL Bourg en Bresse gets its journey underway in the BKT EuroCup Playoffs on Tuesday night by hosting Prometey Slobozhanske in the quarterfinals. Having finished as the leader in Group B following the 18-game regular season, Bourg secured a bye in the eighthfinals. Prometey, meanwhile, defeated Aris Midea Thessaloniki 95-67 in the eighthfinals last Wednesday night but now has to travel to France for an exciting-looking matchup.

This is the third time that Bourg and Prometey have met each other in the EuroCup, with the French side winning 92-85 at Ekinox in Round 7 last season before the Ukrainian side triumphed 96-82 in Riga, Latvia, in Round 16. As such, the home-court factor could end up playing into Bourg’s hands this time around.

<center>
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### A season to remember for Bourg

Bourg closed the regular season with a 14-4 record, which is its best mark to date in its four-year history in the EuroCup. Led by the likes of Zaccharie Risacher, the projected No. 1 overall pick in the 2024 NBA Draft, Isiaha Mike and Jeremy Morgan, Bourg consistently impressed all season long and now enters the playoffs at the quarterfinal stage, the furthest point it has ever reached. Entering the playoffs with the second-best defense in the EuroCup, giving up 81.9 points per game, Bourg will look to make things difficult for Prometey’s array of offensive weapons.

The 18-year-old Risacher was Bourg’s leading scorer in the regular season, posting 13.1 points per game, and his ability to score from both inside and outside the arc makes him a huge weapon for Tuesday night’s hosts. As the campaign wore on, Risacher continued to show just why so many NBA teams are interested in him, posting 20 or more points in three of Bourg’s last four games to close the regular season atop the pile in Group B.

The best plays of Mincidelice JL Bourg en Bresse forward Zaccharie Risacher in the 2023-24 BKT EuroCup Regular Season.

Zaccharie Risacher's 2023-24 highlights

Another youngster, Hugo Benitez, was set for a breakout season this year but injury struck in Round 4 against Dreamland Gran Canaria as he suffered a broken foot. The 23-year-old made his return in Round 18, the last game of the regular season, and finished with 13 points, 4 rebounds, 4 assists and 1 steal. Both Risacher and Benitez certainly have what it takes to continue Bourg’s fairy-tale journey into the postseason.

### Prometey means business

Despite having a potentially tough-looking draw in the eighthfinals, Prometey swatted Aris aside with a 95-67 triumph in Riga. Ondrej Balvin was one of many stars on the night, posting 12 points, 9 rebounds, 4 assists and 3 blocks in 23:39 minutes on the floor, while Prometey also had three players hit 16 points – Gian Clavell, Caleb Agada and Ivan Tkachenko – and Ronald March add 15 plus 7 assists. That’s 75 points between them, so a similar level of performance against Bourg could see a potential upset take place.

Ondrej Balvin had 12 points, 9 rebounds, 4 assists and 3 blocks as Prometey Slobozhanske beat Aris Midea Thessaloniki 95-67 in the 2023-24 BKT EuroCup Eighthfinals.

Ondrej Balvin's highlights vs. Aris

Prometey has won four of its last five games and is 7-3 over its last 10, meaning it should be feeling pretty good about itself after a turbulent first half of the campaign. This is Prometey’s second season in the EuroCup and, having last year reached the semifinals where it lost to Turk Telekom Ankara, there is confidence at the club about what could be achieved during this postseason. However, its visit to Bourg will be its first-ever playoff game played outside of Riga after hosting three postseason fixtures at Arena Riga in 2022-23 and one there this season.

One thing that is for certain is that Prometey will have to try and carry its home form on the road, having gone 7-2 in Latvia and 3-6 on its travels. Bourg, meanwhile, is 8-1 at Ekinox, with its only home loss of the campaign coming in Round 18 against ratiopharm Ulm, 81-85. Will Prometey be able to make it back-to-back home defeats for the No. 1 seed from Group B?

<center><blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/C4OGcIli1Dz/?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/C4OGcIli1Dz/?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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### The key matchup

Plenty of players will be leaned on in this fixture, but the matchup between Risacher and Agada could be key. Risacher is very much aware that Bourg’s hopes are likely to rest on his shoulders, though he’ll have it tough against a two-way player like Agada, who is having another strong season playing under the orders of head coach Ronen Ginzburg.

If Agada is able to keep Risacher quiet, that should provide the platform for March, Clavell and Balvin, among others, to put Prometey on course for a road win. Conversely, if Risacher keeps up his impressive level of performance, that will allow Benitez, Mike and Morgan to also cause damage on the offensive end. The Risacher-Agada matchup could be vital in this playoff tie.

The two faced off for the first time last season, splitting their two meetings

Mincidelice JL Bourg en Bresse v Prometey Slobozhanske (2024-03-12T18:30:00.000Z)

For the third time this season, Hapoel and Besiktas will square off, this time with a ticket to the semifinals on the line.

Quarterfinals breakdown: Hapoel Shlomo Tel Aviv vs. Besiktas Emlakjet Istanbul

The Lithuanian capital of Vilnius [will host Hapoel Shlomo Tel Aviv and Besiktas Emlakjet Istanbul for their single-game quarterfinal clash](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/game-center/2023-24/hapoel-shlomo-tel-aviv-besiktas-emlakjet-istanbul/U2023/188/). The two sides win in very opposite ways and styles of basketball, and even though this is only the second EuroCup season for Hapoel, while Besiktas returned to the competition for the first time in eight years, they have a lot of familiarity being at this stage.

### Earlier this season

These Group A foes faced each other during the regular season, with Hapoel sweeping the two games. First, in Round 9 in late November, Hapoel hosted Besiktas in Belgrade and pulled out [an 81-75 win](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/game-center/2023-24/hapoel-shlomo-tel-aviv-besiktas-emlakjet-istanbul/U2023/82/) thanks to a game-ending 7-0 run in the final 79 seconds of the game. [J'Covan Brown](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/j-covan-brown/011991/) led Hapoel with 19 points and 7 assists, [Jaylen Hoard](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/jaylen-hoard/006835/) had 15 points and 8 rebounds, while [Derek Needham](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/derek-needham/008945/) collected 16 points and 9 assists in the loss.

In their second game, their regular-season finale a month ago, which Besiktas hosted at Stozice Arena in Ljubljana, Slovenia, [Hapoel celebrated a 73-94 victory](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/game-center/2023-24/besiktas-emlakjet-istanbul-hapoel-shlomo-tel-aviv/U2023/172/) as [Tomer Ginat](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/tomer-ginat/010550/) and [Will Cummings](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/will-cummings/007867/) scored 16 apiece. [Angel Delgado](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/angel-delgado/012647/) amassed 15 points plus 12 rebounds for Besiktas, which had nothing to play for, already knowing it would finish sixth in the standings. Hapoel, meanwhile had everything to play for, as the win secured it second place in its group and an automatic quarterfinals berth.

Subsequent to claiming the prestigious prize of Group A leader in Paris, Besiktas faces another major road challenge with a trip to face Hapoel, which boasts the league's most potent offense with an average of 97.9 ppg and was at its fluid best when hitting a century at the expense of Joventut.

Hapoel Shlomo Tel Aviv-Besiktas Emlakjet Istanbul | Round 9 Highlights | 2023-24 BKT EuroCup

### Third game, third different venue

Even though these teams have recent history between them, it is hard to expect another game like their Round 18 clash, but rather a tight battle similar to what took place in Round 9.

What is interesting about this quarterfinal showdown is that it will be played in Vilnius, Lithuania. It means that Hapoel and Besiktas will be playing in a third different "neutral" site this season. The biggest difference from previous matches, however, is that this time it will not be in front of empty stands.

That should suit both sides just fine, as both teams have fiery fan bases and players on both teams are used to, and enjoy, playing in loud environments. Hapoel is the host and will have the chance to get support from its fans, which it did not get much of while in Belgrade due to the ongoing situation in Israel. The club has already filled two charter flights to Vilnius and is selling tickets for a third. This is also an opportunity for Besiktas fans to come out and support their team. It should be electric.

### Familiar stage for so many

Besiktas may be in the EuroCup Quarterfinals for the first time in more than 15 years, but its head coach Dusan Alimpijevic and his right-hand man on the floor, starting point guard Derek Needham (11.5 ppg., 3.2 apg.) have a 4-2 record together in single-game eliminations in the EuroCup.

Together for the third consecutive season with two different clubs, the two led Frutti Extra Bursaspor to the 2022 EuroCup Finals, when Needham was named to the All-EuroCup First Team while Alimpijevic was voted Coach of the Year.

Derek Needham's best plays 2023-24 BKT EuroCup regular season

Derek Needham's best plays from the 2023-24 BKT EuroCup regular season

What's interesting, all six of those single-elimination games were on the road, and four of the wins came in pretty tough places to play, let alone win: at Partizan Belgrade, Cedevita Olimpija Ljubljana and MoraBanc Andorra in 2021-22 and at Dreamland Gran Canaria this week in the eighthfinals.

Interestingly, on that 2021-22 journey with Alimpijevic and Needham was Hapoel forward [John Holland](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/john-holland/004267/) (7.3 ppg, 2.1 rpg.), who had one of the most memorable halftime interviews in EuroCup history during the Bursaspor run. Holland, who also reached the EuroCup Finals with UNICS Kazan in 2021, has connections with the club too, having played for Besiktas in the 2014-15 campaign.

<center>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">.<a href="https://twitter.com/Jholland_23?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Jholland_23</a> makes it clear!🐶<a href="https://twitter.com/BsBasketbol?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@BsBasketbol</a> <a href="https://t.co/mw95Vo4zQR">pic.twitter.com/mw95Vo4zQR</a></p>&mdash; BKT EuroCup (@EuroCup) <a href="https://twitter.com/EuroCup/status/1519392961351540739?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 27, 2022</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

In addition, no player or coach has more experience at this stage than Hapoel's mid-season addition, playmaker Will Cummings (12.8 ppg, 3.6 apg.). A 2018 EuroCup champion with Darussafaka Istanbul, he also played in the EuroCup Quarterfinals in 2021 with Lokomotiv Kuban Krasnodar and in 2022 with Boulogne Metropolitans 92. Cummings's career-highs of 31 points and 37 PIR came in a 2022 quarterfinals loss at Valencia Basket.

Holland and Cummings are far from being the only Hapoel representatives with experience in EuroCup elimination games.

Head coach Danny Franco's team is in the EuroCup Quarterfinals for the second consecutive season. A year ago, Hapoel eliminated Umana Reyer Venice before bowing out in the quarters against Joventut Badalona. That experience will certainly be very valuable for Coach Franco and the half-dozen players who were part of the team's journey last season, including Brown, Hoard, Ginat, [Bar Timor](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/bar-timor/004846/) and [Idan Zalmanson](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/idan-zalmanson/003533/).

### Offense vs. defense

A glance at the stats shows what each team's strengths are. Hapoel ranks second in scoring (96.1 ppg.) and second in assists (22.4 apg.), and is also second-best in making two-point shots (60.3% 2FG) and three-pointers (39.7% 3FG), all while committing the fourth-fewest turnovers (12.7 tpg.) in the competition.

Hapoel ranks second in scoring (96.1 ppg.) and second in assists (22.4 apg.), and is also second-best in making two-point shots (60.3% 2FG) and three-pointers (39.7% 3FG)

Hapoel Tel Aviv top plays of the 2023-24 Regular season

Hapoel has incredible depth with seven different players averaging double figures. That includes Hoard (16.2 ppg.), mid-season addition Dezmine Wells (13.8 ppg.), Ginat (13.6 ppg.) and Brown (12.2 ppg., 6.5 apg.). Defensively, however, only two teams allow more points than Hapoel (88.9 ppg.), which has also suffered from opponents knocking down three-pointers at 39.1% accuracy, the third highest in the competition this season.

Besiktas, on the other hand, makes the second-fewest triples in all of the EuroCup (7.5 per game) and has scored the third-fewest points (79.0 ppg.). Besiktas has also shot at a league-low 50.0% two-point accuracy and made 21.4 two-pointers, the second-fewest among the eight teams remaining in the playoffs.

But Besiktas can win games despite all those low numbers, like making just 6 threes on 20.7% shooting in the eighthfinals, thanks to its offensive rebounding which is a league-best 13.3 per game, and due to its defense, which has held opponents to 80.3 points, which is fourth-fewest, and limited them to 16.5 assists, also the second-best mark in the competition.

The team has a very strong presence inside with Delgado (11.8 ppg., 9.6 rpg.) and Marko Simonovic (7.3 ppg., 4.3 rpg.), has go-to guys in Jonah Mathews (14.9 ppg.), while Matthew Mitchell (11.9 ppg, 4.8 rpg.) does tremendous work on both ends of the floor.

Hapoel Shlomo Tel Aviv v Besiktas Emlakjet Istanbul (2024-03-13T17:30:00.000Z)

The final game of the last eight takes place in the French capital

Quarterfinals breakdown: Paris Basketball vs. Joventut Badalona

We are now into the final single-elimination round of the 2023-24 BKT EuroCup season, with Paris Basketball set to face Joventut Badalona in the quarterfinals following the Spanish side’s last-16 triumph over ratiopharm Ulm. Paris, having ended the regular season atop the standings in Group A, had a bye and thus begins its postseason journey on Thursday night.

Not only will this quarterfinal matchup be a colossal test between two of the favorites to go all the way this season, but it will also be the first EuroCup game that takes place at the brand-new adidas arena. Paris played all of its regular-season games at Halle Georges Carpentier, which holds up to 5,009 people, but it should be able to count on an even bigger crowd from now on, with adidas arena able to seat 8,000 spectators.

<center>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="fr" dir="ltr">Le seul et unique opening de l’adidas arena 🏁<br><br>Notre nouvelle maison inaugurée de la meilleure des manières avec la win, du show, des guest de qualité, un public de 8000 personnes… 💫<br><br>Gravé à jamais ♾️<br><br>On aura besoin de cette énergie pour notre 1/4 de finale d’EuroCup🔥 <a href="https://t.co/k8QX96WXF3">pic.twitter.com/k8QX96WXF3</a></p>&mdash; Paris Basketball (@ParisBasketball) <a href="https://twitter.com/ParisBasketball/status/1765408595221385660?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 6, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

### Paris has been close to unstoppable

Paris enjoyed a decent debut season in the EuroCup last year, going 10-8 in the regular season before beating 7bet-Lietkabelis Panevezys 97-98 on the road in the first round of the playoffs. Its postseason journey ended the following week, however, as it suffered a heavy 104-74 defeat to eventual champion Dreamland Gran Canaria in the quarterfinals. As such, a win over Joventut in this year’s last eight would see Paris make club history by reaching the EuroCup Semifinals for the first time.

This Paris team seems capable of doing something special, too, with guards [TJ Shorts](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/tj-shorts/012608/) and [Nadir Hifi](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/nadir-hifi/012640/) both lighting up the EuroCup during the 2023-24 campaign. Shorts leads the EuroCup in PIR (22.6), assists (7.6 apg.) and two-pointers made (5.8), while he’s third in points (17.3 ppg.). Hifi, meanwhile, is fifth in both scoring (16.9 ppg.) and three-pointers made (2.6). Together, they form arguably the most threatening backcourt in the entire competition.

The best plays of Paris Basketball duo TJ Shorts and Nadir Hifi in the 2023-24 BKT EuroCup Regular Season.

Shorts, Hifi lit up the EuroCup this season

There is also a winning spirit among the Paris squad, with the team having gone a near-perfect 17-1 in the regular season. Its only defeat came at home to Besiktas Emlakjet Istanbul in Round 8, as the Turkish side came away with a 63-68 triumph in the French capital. Given that there are six players who followed head coach Tuomos Iisalo by joining Paris from Telekom Baskets Bonn, last season’s Basketball Champions League winner, that winning DNA has borne fruit during the current season and could be set to continue in the playoffs.

### Joventut twice made Paris sweat

When Paris hosts Joventut next week, it will be the third time this season that they have faced off. The first, which came in Badalona in Round 7, saw an injury-hit Joventut take the game to overtime before Paris came out on top, 94-101. The second game, however, is perhaps the most interesting.

Although Paris was able to sweep the regular-season series against Joventut, winning 89-82 at Halle Georges Carpentier in Round 16, it was a game in which both teams were healthy and went right down to the wire. Joventut even led 77-79 with 3:28 left in the fourth quarter, but Hifi scored 10 points over the next 3 minutes to put Paris 89-82 ahead and put the win on ice. Nevertheless, it was a fascinating battle, which should spell good news ahead of this single-elimination quarterfinal tie.

Two genuine title-contenders collide. Both are enjoying impressive seven-game winning streaks, with the Spanish outfit keeping alive its hopes of a top-two finish by overcoming London, whilst the Parisians reaffirmed their credentials by hitting over a century of points at the expense of Hapoel.

Paris Basketball-Joventut Badalona | Round 16 Highlights | 2023-24 BKT EuroCup

### Joventut is going to be a threat

Joventut finished the regular season with an 11-8 record, but it was very much a season of two halves for Coach Carles Duran’s squad. Injuries and a lack of cohesion with the new signings meant that the Spanish side got off to a 3-5 start. However, as players began to return, Joventut then went on a seven-game winning streak to improve to 10-5. It was a wobbly end to the regular season, with its loss to Paris in Round 16 being followed by defeats to Hapoel Shlomo Tel Aviv and Prometey Slobozhanke.

The good news is that Joventut managed to stop that trend in the eighthfinals, beating Ulm 79-88 on the road. [Andres Feliz](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/andres-feliz/011247/), who has emerged as one of the EuroCup’s best players this season, was the star on the night, netting a career-high 28 points and posting a career-best 36 PIR. Feliz is the player Paris needs to be the wariest of, but there are a plethora of options at Coach Duran’s disposal, namely [Ante Tomic](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/ante-tomic/002507/), [Andrew Andrews](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/andrew-andrews/011248/) and [Shannon Evans](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/shannon-evans/010677/). That’s not all, though, as there’s also [Vladimir Brodziansky](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/vladimir-brodziansky/010458/), [Tyler Cook](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/tyler-calvin-cook/012780/), [Pau Ribas](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/pau-ribas/jug/) and [Guillem Vives](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/guillem-vives/002361/).

<center>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="ca" dir="ltr">🔥 El millor partit, en el millor moment 🔥<br><br>🐯 Una actuació DESCOMUNAL, <a href="https://twitter.com/verdadero_andre?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@verdadero_andre</a> <br><br>2⃣8⃣ punts (rècord personal)<br>6⃣ assistències<br>6⃣ rebots<br>3⃣6⃣ de valoració (rècord personal)<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Badalona%C3%89sFutur?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#BadalonaÉsFutur</a> <a href="https://t.co/uoLDPi2xeg">pic.twitter.com/uoLDPi2xeg</a></p>&mdash; Club Joventut Badalona (@Penya1930) <a href="https://twitter.com/Penya1930/status/1765135204044165616?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 5, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Joventut certainly has experience on its side, but it will not be easy against a Paris team that feels like the sky is the limit. Following an 89-86 semifinal to eventual champion Dreamland Gran Canaria last season, Joventut is keen to go another step further this year and claim its second EuroCup championship, having last lifted the trophy in the 2007-08 campaign. But first, it must defeat many people’s favorite to go all the way in Paris.

Paris Basketball v Joventut Badalona (2024-03-14T19:45:00.000Z)

Look back at all the action in the Eighthfinals by checking out the best photos of the week! 

Top 10 photos of Eighthfinals

The teams from Group A went 4-0 against their opponents in the eighthfinals.

The eighthfinals results prove: Group A was tougher

Back on July 7, 2023, when the draw was completed for the 2023-24 BKT EuroCup Regular Season, the initial reaction among many was that there was some disparity between the two groups. Group A appeared to be the tougher group.

In fact, when club representatives were asked for their thoughts, many used the same adjective about Group A. “Tough”.

Front office members from Group A teams Paris Basketball, Hapoel Shlomo Tel Aviv, Wolves Vilnius, Umana Reyer Venice and Cedevita Olimpija Ljubljana all described the group as tough. Meanwhile, some of their Group B counterparts described their draws as “interesting”.

Eight months have passed since then and while it may have been difficult to make an unequivocal claim about which was the stronger group during or immediately after the regular season, the testimony from the EuroCup Eighthfinals screams out: Group A was stronger.

The eighthfinals pitted the four teams ranked third through sixth in each group against opponents from the other group, with the third-placed teams facing the sixth-placed sides and the fourth- and fifth-placed teams meeting. All four teams from Group A won their single-elimination games and advanced to the quarterfinals.

These sides have been longing for form, with the Spaniards losing three of its last four EuroCup encounters, while the visitors concluded with three straight defeats. Besiktas are leaders in offensive rebounding with 13.3 ppg, while Gran Canaria ranks fourth-worst in protecting its backboard.

Dreamland Gran Canaria-Besiktas Emlakjet Istanbul | Eighthfinals Highlights | 2023-24 BKT EuroCup

In most cases, it wasn’t even close. Only outgoing champion Dreamland Gran Canaria managed to take the game to the wire before missing a potential game-winner at the buzzer and falling to Besiktas Emlakjet Istanbul at home.  

In the other games, Joventut Badalona, ranked fifth in Group A, bested ratiopharm Ulm, fourth in Group B, by 9 on the road. Both higher-ranked Group A teams, third-placed London Lions and fourth-placed Prometey Slobozhanske, won in blowouts. London torched Turk Telekom Ankara 100-77 and Prometey plastered Aris 95-67.

All this proves is that in the middle of the pack, Group A packed more of a punch than Group B. The next stage in the argument will come in the quarterfinals, when the top two teams from each group, which all earned eighthfinals byes, enter the fray with home games.

Two of those quarterfinals will be exclusively Group A teams. Group A winner Paris will host Joventut and the group runner-up Hapoel will meet Besiktas. Will the other two pairings shed any light on the group comparisons? Those games will feature Group B winner Mincidelice JL Bourg en Bresse against Prometey, which reached the semifinals last season, and Group B runner-up U-BT Cluj-Napoca against London Lions.  

If either Bourg or Cluj falls, it will cement the claim that Group A is stronger by making the majority of the semifinals teams from Group A. Could it be a clean sweep?

The teams from Group A went 4-0 against their opponents in the eighthfinals.


Petar Bozic is aware his men face a stern test of their credentials in the quarterfinals

London Lions face moment of truth in Cluj after big win over Turk Telekom 

The London Lions are one game away from reaching the BKT EuroCup last four after [an emphatic 100-77 home win](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/game-center/2023-24/london-lions-turk-telekom-ankara/U2023/181/) over Turk Telekom Ankara in the quarterfinals, but their head coach Petar Bozic has urged his players to keep their feet on the ground ahead of next week’s tricky trip to Romania.

The Lions face a one-and-done quarterfinal road game against U-BT Cluj-Napoca in front of what will certainly be a raucous home crowd, an environment London has thrived in this season. London has an 8-1 road record this term, with its solitary defeat coming at the hands of Group A winner Paris Basketball which booked an automatic last-eight spot.

Two teams who stuttered towards the end of the regular season, both ending with 10-8 records, look to recover their form as Ulm faces Joventut. The Spanish side lost three straight to slide to fifth, while Ulm suffered three consecutive home losses to sow seeds of doubt ahead of this knockout showdown.

London Lions-Turk Telekom Ankara | Eighthfinals Highlights | 2023-24 BKT EuroCup

Paris and London, a couple of emerging cities on Europe’s basketball map, could meet in the best-of-three semifinals, but Bozic will surely tell his Lions squad to be fully focused on the tough task ahead when they cross paths with Cluj.

“It’s a big challenge ahead of us because they are a great team on their home court, so we’ll have to keep the same level of aggressiveness, physicality and unselfishness that we had tonight,” Bozic told the post-game press conference after seeing his outfit blow away Turk Telekom.

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">ON TO THE <a href="https://twitter.com/EuroCup?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@EuroCup</a> QUARTERFINALS! 🦁🔥<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/EyThY3zHJK">pic.twitter.com/EyThY3zHJK</a></p>&mdash; London Lions (@LondonLions) <a href="https://twitter.com/LondonLions/status/1765474482263601525?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 6, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

### London dominated on the interior

London broke the club’s record for most points in a half when it poured in 60 in the opening period against Turk Telekom, shooting a staggering 19-of-23 from inside the arc and 4-of-8 from downtown. Bozic was purring with delight and pointed out that that his team had stuck with a winning strategy that bore so much fruit this season.

“We scored most of the points from the paint in the first half – our pace was great and that’s something we’ve been doing throughout the season,” said the 45-year-old Serbian tactician.  “We were decisive on the pick and roll and also very active on the offensive boards, which gave us extra possessions and hence we were very efficient offensively.”

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Post game scenes from an unforgettable night! 🤩🔥<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/ecI3GbXq45">pic.twitter.com/ecI3GbXq45</a></p>&mdash; London Lions (@LondonLions) <a href="https://twitter.com/LondonLions/status/1765686419048087786?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 7, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Asked to elaborate on the domination of Gabe Olaseni and Josh Sharma against their Turk Telekom rivals, Bozic highlighted it was business as usual for the two big men after they made their athleticism count.

“There’s a lot of things we’ve been working on since the beginning of the season, like setting the screens and reading the defense,” Bozic commented. “We’ve been preaching that all season and they got their reward.”

### A tough challenge awaits

Cluj, which has won eight Romanian League titles including the last three, finished the regular season as the Group B runner-up with a 13-5 record, having gone an impressive 7-2 at home. That clinched the team a bye in the eighthfinals and hence Cluj will likely head into the game against London confident it can go at least a step further.

However, Cluj will take nothing for granted against Bozic’s high-flying unit which proved its worth against top-quality opposition, meaning that a spectacular clash is on the cards when the two teams meet in search of a semifinal spot.

London Lions face moment of truth in Cluj after big win over Turk Telekom

London Lions v Turk Telekom Ankara (2024-03-06T18:00:00.000Z)

Joventut Badalona playmaker Andres Feliz stepped up when he was needed most, posting a career performance in his team's 79-88 road win over ratiopharm Ulm in BKT EuroCup Eighthfinals. That effort earned Feliz his first career MVP of the Round honor.

BKT EuroCup Eighthfinals MVP: Andres Feliz, Joventut

Joventut Badalona playmaker [Andres Feliz](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/andres-feliz/011247/) stepped up when he was needed most, posting a career performance in his team's 79-88 road win over ratiopharm Ulm in BKT EuroCup Eighthfinals. That effort earned Feliz his first career MVP of the Round honor.

Feliz scored a personal best 28 points, making a career-best 9 two-pointers on 11 attempts, and also sank 3 of 6 triples. He also posted 6 assists and 6 rebounds in accumulating a PIR of 36, which was a career-best and the highest in the eighthfinals.

Joventut Badalona playmaker Andres Feliz stepped up when needed most, posting a career performance in his team's 79-88 road win over ratiopharm Ulm in EuroCup Eighthfinals, earning his first career MVP of the Round honor.

Andres Feliz |  Eighthfinals MVP | 2023-24 BKT EuroCup

[Ondrej Balvin](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/ondrej-balvin/002644/) of Prometey Slobozhanske had the second-best PIR of the week with a 31 in leading his team to a 95-67 rout of Aris Midea Thessaloniki. Balvin boasted a line of 12 points, 9 boards, 4 assists and 3 blocks.

[Tyrone Wallace](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/tyrone-wallace/011925/)’s final EuroCup game of the season was another impressive effort as he posted a PIR of 28 for Turk Telekom Ankara in their 100-77 loss at London Lions. Wallace scored 25 points, dished 4 assists and collected 3 steals.

Rounding out the top performers of the eighthfinals were London’s [Gabe Olaseni](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/gabe-olaseni/006600/) and [David Nwaba](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/david-nwaba/012797/) and Ulm's [Trevion Williams](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/trevion-lamon-williams-/012604/). Olaseni posted 18 points and 8 rebounds for a PIR of 26. Nwaba paired 19 points with 4 boards and 3 assists for a PIR of 25, which Williams matched by collecting 20 points, 10 rebounds and 3 steals.

Eighthfinals MVP: Andres Feliz, Joventut

ratiopharm Ulm v Joventut Badalona (2024-03-05T18:30:00.000Z)

Here are the leaders in the main statistical categories for Round 18 of the 2023-24 BKT EuroCup Regular Season. 

Individual highs: David Nwaba, London Lions, 4 blocks

[Points](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/stats/expanded/?size=1000&viewType=traditional&seasonCode=U2023&statisticMode=perGame&seasonMode=Single&sortDirection=descending&statistic=score)

Andres Feliz of Joventut Badalona was not only the BKT EuroCup Eighthfinals MVP, but he was also its top scorer with 28 points.

[Rebounds](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/stats/expanded/?size=1000&viewType=traditional&seasonCode=U2023&statisticMode=perGame&seasonMode=Single&sortDirection=descending&statistic=totalRebounds)

Trevion Williams of ratiopharm Ulm had the only double-double in the eighthfinals with 20 points and 10 rebounds. His rebound total was the most of this stage of the competition and he finished his debut EuroCup season with a competition-best 10.8 rebounds.

[Assists](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/stats/expanded/?size=1000&viewType=traditional&seasonCode=U2023&statisticMode=perGame&seasonMode=Single&sortDirection=descending&statistic=assistances)

Dreamland Gran Canaria’s Andrew Albicy dished 8 assists to lead all players in the eighthfinals. He raised his season average to 4.8, which is eighth-best in the EuroCup.

[Steals](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/stats/expanded/?size=1000&viewType=traditional&seasonCode=U2023&statisticMode=perGame&seasonMode=Single&sortDirection=descending&statistic=steals)

Ronnie Harrell of Aris Midea Thessaloniki became the EuroCup leader in steals for the season when he took 4 in an eighthfinals loss at Prometey Slobozhanske. He pushed his average to 2.3 per game while taking the most of any player in the eighthfinals.

[Blocks](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/stats/expanded/?size=1000&viewType=traditional&seasonCode=U2023&statisticMode=perGame&seasonMode=Single&sortDirection=descending&statistic=blocksFavour)

Ondrej Balvin of Prometey Slobozhanske was the leading shot-blocker in the eighthfinals with 3 blocked shots. He remains fourth in the EuroCup and upped his season-long average to 1.3 blocks per game.

[Double-doubles](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/stats/expanded/?size=1000&viewType=miscellaneous&seasonCode=U2023&statisticMode=accumulated&seasonMode=Single&sortDirection=descending&statistic=doubleDoubles)

Trevion Williams of ratiopharm Ulm had the only double-double in the eighthfinals with 20 points and 10 rebounds. 

Quarterfinals breakdown: U-BT Cluj-Napoca vs. London Lions

Quarterfinals breakdown: Mincidelice JL Bourg en Bresse vs. Prometey Slobozhanske

Quarterfinals breakdown: Hapoel Shlomo Tel Aviv vs. Besiktas Emlakjet Istanbul

Quarterfinals breakdown: Paris Basketball vs. Joventut Badalona

Top 10 photos of Eighthfinals

The eighthfinals results prove: Group A was tougher

London Lions face moment of truth in Cluj after big win over Turk Telekom

Eighthfinals MVP: Andres Feliz, Joventut

Individual highs: Ronnie Harrell of Aris, 4 steals