Congratulations to Panagiotis Tsonis, our 19th winner in the 2024-25 EuroCup Fantasy Challenge! Panagiotis's team, 'Campeones3', posted a score of 232.5.

EuroCup Fantasy Challenge: Round 19 winner

Congratulations to Panagiotis Tsonis, our 19th winner in the 2024-25 [EuroCup Fantasy Challenge](https://euroleaguefantasy.euroleaguebasketball.net/)! Panagiotis's team, 'Campeones3', posted a score of 232.5.

Panagiotis had the following starting lineup: Zavier Simpson of U-BT Cluj-Napoca as team captain, then Devin Robinson of Cedevita Olimpija Ljubljana, and the Wolves Twinsbet Vilnius trio of Anthony Cowan, Garrison Brooks and Jeffrey Taylor. Umana Reyer Venice's Tyler Ennis was the sixth man.

The head coach of Panagiotis's team was Erdem Can of Turk Telekom Anakara, while the four bench players were Turk Telekom's Anthony Brown, Reyer's Mfiondu Kabengele, Nico Brussino of Dreamland Gran Canaria and Brynton Lemar of Cedevita Olimpija Ljubljana.

The prize for finishing first in the 19th round of the [EuroCup Fantasy Challenge](https://euroleaguefantasy.euroleaguebasketball.net/) is a free subscription to Euroleague TV for the 2025-26 season, so congratulations, Panagiotis!

The leader in the overall standings remains Milos Mihajlovic and his squad, 'BallIsLife', which has a total of 3,291.75 points after the first 19 rounds. Trades are now open for the 20th round, which is the EuroCup quarterfinals, and the number of trades is unlimited.

Make new teams now or improve your existing ones and try to become [EuroCup Fantasy Challenge](https://euroleaguefantasy.euroleaguebasketball.net/)'s next winner!

EuroCup Fantasy Challenge offers weekly prizes to the top team manager, so get in the game and go for the gold!


Cedevita Olimpija Ljubljana booked a BKT EuroCup Quarterfinal berth with a 96-86 victory over visiting Besiktas Fibabanka Istanbul after wiping out a 13-point first-half deficit as several home players stepped up in a thrilling matchup. 

Cedevita's strong second half lifted it past Besiktas

[Cedevita Olimpija Ljubljana](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/teams/cedevita-olimpija-ljubljana/roster/lju/?season=2024-25) booked a BKT EuroCup Quarterfinals berth with [a 96-86 victory](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/news/cedevita-olimpija-downs-besiktas-96-86-to-reach-quarterfinals/) over visiting [Besiktas Fibabanka Istanbul](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/teams/besiktas-istanbul/roster/bes/?season=2024-25) after wiping out a 13-point first-half deficit as several home players stepped up in a thrilling matchup.

The outcome marks a tremendous improvement for the Slovenian side, which finished on a dismal 1-17 record last season. Fine performances during the regular season saw Cedevita clinch a postseason berth and the Slovenian side will now face [Bahcesehir College Istanbul](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/teams/bahcesehir-college-istanbul/roster/bah/?season=2024-25) for a semifinal spot, having pulled off a great escape against more fancied Besiktas.

The hosts were subdued through most of the first half as Besiktas ran their defense rugged with lightning transition which yielded a barrage of easy points. Trailing 34-47 late in the first half, Cedevita stayed alive with an 8-2 run which paved the way for a monster second half, particularly the fourth quarter in which the Turkish team’s offense was ground to a halt.

Game Videos

[Devin Robinson](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/devin-robinson/012042/) led Cedevita’s charge with 21 points and 12 boards, shooting 9 of 15 from inside, while [Brynton Lemar](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/brynton-lemar/013261/) chipped in with 20 as he was a perfect 13 of 13 from the foul line.

“The intensity was hard but we came together and the fans came in our support,” Robinson said in his postgame comments after a strength-sapping contest in the Stozice Arena.

“We played at a high level, we didn’t give up and it was a great night overall. We are making history again as we’ve been written off for so many years and this year we have a great opportunity to make something happen,” he added.

Game News

Cedevita head coach Zvezdan Mitrovic was pretty much lost for words after seeing his team stage a valiant fightback in the face of adversity, prevailing 28-17 in the fourth quarter to turn the tide.

“Congrats to both teams, it was a great performance by both sides,” he said. “We grabbed the game after falling behind and won.”

Mitrovic’s Besiktas counterpart, Dusan Alimpijevic, conceded that Cedevita was a worthy winner after his team’s hopes of at least emulating last season’s achievement when it reached the semifinals, were dashed against an inspired Cedevita outfit.

“It was a well-deserved win for Cedevita, we failed to manage the things we had agreed upon,” a grim-faced Alimpijevic said. “We had some good moments but it wasn’t enough as they had two players scoring 41 points between them. Congrats to Cedevita and I wish them luck in the next round.” 

The home team brushed aside its Turkish rival after the break 

Cedevita's strong second half lifted it past Besiktas 

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

Dreamland Gran Canaria edged Umana Reyer Venice 84-80 in the EuroCup Eighthfinals. Mehdy Ngouama paved the way with an outstanding first-half performance.


Mehdy Ngouama was Gran Canaria's X-factor against Reyer

[Dreamland Gran Canaria](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/teams/dreamland-gran-canaria/roster/can/?season=2024-25) recorded [an 84-80 victory](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/news/gran-canaria-outlasts-reyer-84-80/) over [Umana Reyer Venice](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/teams/umana-reyer-venice/roster/vnc/?season=2024-25) in the EuroCup Eighthfinals thanks to [Mehdy Ngouama](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/mehdy-ngouama/009556/), who paved the way with an outstanding first-half performance.

Gran Canaria did not enter the game in the best physical condition. Star guard [Caleb Homesley](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/caleb-homesley/011251/) was slowed down by a knee injury, missed a Spanish League game over the weekend and made an effort to help his team in this do-or-die game. Fortunately for Gran Canaria, Ngouama was able to deliver, surprising fans and experts alike with his energy and all-around game.

Ngouama was simply unstoppable once he entered the game early in the first quarter. He quickly got a three-point play and soon added another layup-plus-foul to put Gran Canaria ahead, 15-11. Ngouama still had time to hit a floater and a bomb from downtown to reach 11 points in the first quarter, giving his team a 25-16 lead.

Mehdy Ngouama of Dreamland Gran Canaria had 18 first-half points in his team's 84-80 eighthfinals win over Umana Reyer Venice.

Ngouama sets the tone for Gran Canaria

He was far from done. Ngouama buried a three-pointer early in the second quarter and provided one of the biggest highlights of the season, getting a steal and dunking over Reyer playmaker [Tyler Ennis](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/tyler-ennis/008858/). The visitors quickly called a timeout, but Ngouama still had time to hit an off-balance shot over [Mfioundu Kabengele](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/mfiondu-kabengele/012796/). At halftime, Ngouama had 18 points, matching his career-high, and Gran Canaria had full control of the game, 46-39.

Gran Canaria head coach Jaka Lakovic opted for more experienced players in the second half, in which Ngouama played less than 4 minutes. Even so, he ended up leading his team in scoring with 18 points in just 16 minutes, making 5 of 6 two-pointers, 2 of 4 three-pointers and 2 of 2 free throws, as well as getting 1 rebound, 2 assists, 1 steal and 2 fouls drawn for a team-high PIR of 21. Until now, Ngouama had struggled to adjust to his new team. In five EuroCup games, he had averaged 4.8 points on poor shooting (25.0% 2FG, 30.8% 3FG), 1.8 rebounds and a PIR of 1.4.

Another shooting guard, [Joe Thomasson](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/joe-thomasson/012095/), stepped up with the game on the line. The game was tied at 72-72 when [Nico Brussino](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/nicolas-brussino/008121/) hit a floater in the lane. Thomasson made the difference with a five-meter jumper and a bomb from downtown which gave his team the cushion it needed to control the game until the final buzzer.

"I'm feeling great. First of all, congratulations to Reyer. They had a great run during the EuroCup season. I'm really proud of the team. We had some ups and downs, but now we are moving up. We now have another challenge and will be ready for the next one," Ngouama said after the game.

Ngouama is one of seven EuroCup champions on Gran Canaria's roster. He lifted the trophy with Paris Basketball last season. If Gran Canaria wins the title, Ngouama would be the second player in competition history to win consecutive EuroCup titles with different teams. [Edu Hernandez-Sonseca](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/edu-hernandez-sonseca/amp/) is the only player on this list, having won the EuroCup with Real Madrid in 2007 and Joventut Badalona in 2008.

"I expect to get my back-to-back Eurocup championships, so I am still on the run to get it, but we will see! We just got to stay ready, go step by step, one game at a time and we will see," Ngouama added. 

A EuroCup champ last season, had his best game yet with Granca on Wednesday

Dreamland Gran Canaria v Umana Reyer Venice (2025-03-05T20:00:00.000Z)

Gran Canaria earned the right to face Hapoel Bank Yahav Jerusalem in the next round

Gran Canaria outlasts Reyer, 84-80! 

Dreamland Gran Canaria reached the BKT EuroCup Quarterfinals for the ninth time in club history by edging Umana Reyer Venice 84-80 at home in the single-game eighthfinals on Wednesday.

Gran Canaria is now set to face Hapoel Bank Yahav Jerusalem in the single-game quarterfinals next week. Mehdy Ngouama led the winners with 18 points, all of which came in the first half. Mike Tobey added 14 while Nico Brussino and Joe Thomasson each had 12 for Gran Canaria. Jordan Parks, Tyler Ennis and Aamir Simms led Reyer with 15 points apiece. Mfiondu Kabengele pulled down 12 rebounds for the visitors.

Brussino got Gran Canaria going with a corner triple. Kyle Wiltjer answered from downtown before Tobey's layup gave the hosts a 5-3 edge. Carl Wheatle sank a jumper which Kabengele followed with a dunk to put Reyer up 5-7. Ngouama stepped up with a three-point play, which Ennis erased with a bomb from beyond the arc. Tobey took over with a tip-in, Thomasson scored in the paint and Ngouama's layup-plus-foul boosted Gran Canaria's lead to 15-11. Pierre Pelos improved on Ennis's jumper with a three-pointer. Ngouama followed a floater with a triple before Brussino made it a double-digit game, 25-14. Amedeo Tessitori brought Reyer within 25-16 after 10 minutes.

Tessitori hit a jump hook and fed Simms for a one-handed slam, prompting Gran Canaria to call a timeout at 25-20. Caleb Homesley and Davide Moretti each struck from downtown and so did Ngouma for a 31-23 Gran Canaria lead. Simms took over with a wild driving layup and matched Tobey's catch-and-shoot triple with his own shot from beyond the arc. Rodney McGruder scored in transition before Brussino gave the hosts fresh air at 39-30. Wiltjer scored around the basket and Parks dunked to keep Reyer close, 39-34. John Shurna ignited the crowd with an off-balance triple and Ngouama added a poster dunk off a steal, but Kabengele and Xavier Munford brought Reyer within 44-39. Ngouama sank an off-balance shot over Kabengele for a 46-39 Gran Canaria lead at halftime.

Reyer found a go-to guy in Parks, who followed a four-point play with consecutive layups. Ennis found space for an uncontested layup, which caused Gran Canaria to call timeout at 46-49, after a 0-10 run. After Thomasson and Kabengele exchanged baskets, Tobey followed a layup with a mid-range jumper. Thomasson tied it at 54-54. Parks kept pushing Reyer with a bomb from downtown and a mid-range jumper off the dribble for a 56-59 edge. Andrew Albicy found his first points, singlehandedly restoring a 60-59 Gran Canaria lead. Simms and Pelos traded triples before Homesley's driving layup fixed the score at 63-62 after three quarters.

Simms insisted from beyond the arc early in the fourth quarter. George Conditt stepped up with a fastbreak slam and Miquel Salvo improved on Moretti's layup with a three-pointer. Albicy made free throws before Moretti tied the game with a three-point play, 70-70. Tobey dunked, but Simms answered with a reverse layup. Brussino banked in a close shot that made it 74-72 with more than 3 minutes to play. Thomasson swished a five-meter jumper off the dribble and improved on Ennis's floater with a critical bomb from downtown for a 79-74 Gran Canaria lead. After Kabengele and Thomasson each split free throws, Munford made both attempts. Pelos struck from downtown to seal the outcome down the stretch.

Gran Canaria earned the right to face Hapoel Bank Yahav Jerusalem in the next round


Gran Canaria outlasts Reyer, 84-80

Cedevita Olimpija Ljubljana booked a quarterfinal berth in the BKT EuroCup where it will meet Bahcesehir College Istanbul for a spot in the last four after an impressive 96-86 home win over Besiktas Fidabanka Istanbul in the eighthfinals on Wednesday. 

Cedevita Olimpija downs Besiktas 96-86 to reach quarterfinals

Cedevita Olimpija Ljubljana booked a quarterfinal berth in the BKT EuroCup where it will meet Bahcesehir College Istanbul for a spot in the last four after an impressive 96-86 home win over Besiktas Fidabanka Istanbul in the eighthfinals on Wednesday.

Devin Robinson led a pack of five Cedevita players who finished in double figures with 21 points and 11 boards. Brynton Lemar scored 20 points for the hosts, while Devante Jones amassed 14 points, 6 rebounds and 5 assists. DJ Stewart added 13 points and Joan Beringer chipped in with 12 for the Slovenian outfit, which erased a 13-point first-half deficit to delight a vocal home crowd in the Stozice Arena.

At the other end, Jonah Mathews paced Besiktas with 18 points while Kyle Allman registered 13 points to go with 14 assists. Yigit Arslan netted 14 points, Dustin Sleva added 12 and Uros Plavsic chipped in with 11 for the Turkish outfit.

Besiktas carved out a 23-24 lead at the end of a rollercoaster first quarter, with the lead changing hands several times. Plavsic got off to a flying start for Besiktas with a couple of early dunks as the visitors carved out a 10-13 lead before Cedevita rallied with a 9-2 run only to let the advantage slip through its fingers.

The see-saw battle continued early in the second before Besiktas pulled away to 29-38 and then 34-47 on the back of fast-flowing offense, with Allman pulling the strings. The guard dished out a flurry of assists and his teammates responded with a barrage of dunks as Besiktas benefited from great teamwork, but Olimpija clawed its way back with an 8-2 run which cut the deficit to 42-49 at halftime.

The home team ramped up its defense in the third quarter and Robinson kept roasting his markers from inside, with Stewart’s triple allowing Cedevita to nose ahead 58-57 midway through. Besiktas led 68-69 ahead of the final 10 minutes and was 70-72 in front early in the fourth, but Cedevita turned the tide for good soon after.

The visiting team was still in it midway through the final period as Cedevita led 83-79, but the writing was on the wall for Besiktas after Jones sank a deep three to stretch the home team’s lead to 92-82, effectively sealing the game as a contest.  

The Turkish team looked the more likely winner for three-quarters of a captivating battle, but ironclad defense coupled with efficient shooting from the foul line (29 of 35) propelled Cedevita into the last eight of the competition.

The Slovenian team produced a flawless second half to advance 

Turk Telekom Ankara improved to 4-0 this season when scoring at least 90 points as it dismantled Buducnost VOLI Podgorica in racing into the BKT EuroCup Quarterfinals. 

Turk Telekom's offense shined in do-or-die showdown

[Turk Telekom Ankara](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/teams/turk-telekom-ankara/roster/ttk/?season=2024-25) knows it can play defense, but offense has been a bit of an issue this season. There was no such problem at that side of the court against [Buducnost VOLI Podgorica](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/teams/buducnost-voli-podgorica/roster/bud/?season=2024-25) in [racing into the BKT EuroCup Quarterfinals](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/news/turk-telekom-takes-care-of-buducnost-93-73-to-sets-quarterfinal-date-with-hapoel/).

Turk Telekom made 72.4% percent of its two-pointers and 42.9% percent of its three-pointers in grabbing a 93-73 victory in front of the boisterous crowd at the Ankara Spor Salonu. The home side also held Buducnost to just 47.7% on two-pointers and 26.9% from long-range.

“That was a great fight today. We played against a really strong team. We gave up 19 offensive rebounds, but other than that our defensive toughness was the key,” said Turk Telekom head coach Erdem Can, whose team will face [Hapoel Shlomo Tel Aviv](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/teams/hapoel-shlomo-tel-aviv/roster/hta/?season=2024-25) in the quarterfinals.

Turk Telekom came into the game averaging 79.8 points scored, ranking 14th in the EuroCup. And whenever the offense is clicking, the team wins.

Turk Telekom improved to 4-0 this season when scoring at least 90 points. They won at home [99-80 over U-BT Cluj-Napoca](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/news/turk-telekom-roars-back-to-brush-cluj-aside-99-80/) in Round 7; [beat 7Bet-Lietkabelis Panevezys 93-98](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/news/turk-telekom-rallies-past-lietkabelis-93-98/) on the road in Round 10; and [took down Cosea JL Bourg-en-Bresse 98-89](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/news/anthony-brown-keeps-turk-telekom-rolling-against-bourg-98-89/) at home in Round 13.

Can’s men did a great job sharing the offensive load against Buducnost. Five players scored in double figures, topped by [Anthony Brown](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/anthony-brown/009025/)’s 20 points while [Olivier Hanlan](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/olivier-hanlan/006598/) and [Speedy Smith](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/kenneth-smith/010587/) combined for 11 points and 15 assists.

In total, Turk Telekom dished out 26 assists for the game, setting a new season high. The output was still a bit off the club’s all-time mark of 32 assists.

Many of those passes came on the break as Turk Telekom took the fast break points category 18-2 while creating 25 points off 13 turnovers by Buducnost, which had 9 points from Turk Telekom’s 11 miscues.

“We managed our aggressiveness and played the right defense. This is just one game. We qualified, we need to go step by step. We have a long way to go,” Can added.

The Turkish side improved to 4-0 in games with 90+ points 

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

Turk Telekom Ankara reached the quarterfinals of the BKT EuroCup for the third straight season and will take on Hapoel Shlomo Tel Aviv after beating Buducnost VOLI Podgorica 93-73 at home on Wednesday in the single-game eighthfinals

Turk Telekom takes care of Buducnost, 93-73, to sets quarterfinal date with Hapoel 

Turk Telekom Ankara advanced to the quarterfinals of the BKT EuroCup where it will take on Hapoel Shlomo Tel Aviv after beating Buducnost VOLI Podgorica 93-73 at home on Wednesday in the single-game eighthfinals. The 2023 runner-up saw its 18-point first half lead trimmed to 6 in the third quarter, but the Turkish side never caved in.

Five Turk Telekom players scored in double figures, paced by Anthony Brown with 20 points. Kyle Alexander had 17 points, Yoan Makoundou 16, Javon Bess scored a career-high 13 points and Brian Angola collected 11 points, 3 rebounds, 4 assists and 4 steals while Olivier Hanlan and Speedy Smith combined for 11 points and 15 assists.

Buducnost could not take advantage of 19 offensive rebounds and the Montenegro side has now gone seven attempts without advancing in a EuroCup elimination game. Fletcher Magee hit 4 three-pointers for 16 points, Kenan Kamenjas scored 12 points and McKinley Wright tallied 11 points, 7 rebounds and 6 assists in the absence of veteran guard Yogi Ferrell.

Wright scored 5 points to put the visitors ahead 6-7. Turk Telekom started forcing some turnovers and ran away. Brown sank a pair of three-pointers as part of his 8 points and Makoundou added 6 points in an 18-2 surge to lead 24-9. Buducnost made just one field goal in the final 7 minutes of the opening frame and trailed 26-11.

Buducnost started scoring a bit more consistently - including 2 three-pointers by Magee to trim the gap to 30-19. Smith was dishing out one assist after the next and triples from Bess and Brown extended the advantage to 39-21. Buducnost charged back thanks to 7 Magee points and a Dordje Jovanovic triple to make it 39-31. Makoundou and Brown added three-pointers at the other end and Turk Telekom led 48-36 at the break.

Wright scored twice and set up a third basket as Buducnost started the second half with the first 6 points to get within 48-42 while Turk Telekom needed nearly 3 minutes to score. The visitors were feeling good but then committed back-to-back turnovers while an Angola triple and Makoundou dunk had Turk Telekom back up by 12 points. Scoring came at a premium the rest of the quarter and the home side led 62-53 after 30 minutes.

Bess connected again from long range for Turk Telekom, which held Buducnost to just two baskets in the first 4 minutes of the fourth quarter to lead 69-57. Bess and Angola drained back-to-back three-pointers as the cushion grew to 20 points with just over 3 minutes to play to finish off the game.

The 2023 runner-up is back in the top eight

Turk Telekom takes care of Buducnost, 93-73, to set up quarterfinal date with Hapoel 

Check out what the protagonists are saying ahead of the BKT EuroCup Eighthfinals

EuroCup Eighthfinals pregame quotes

### Wednesday, March 5, 2025

#### [Turk Telekom Ankara vs. Buducnost VOLI Podgorica](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/game-center/2024-25/turk-telekom-ankara-buducnost-voli-podgorica/U2024/183/)

#### [Cedevita Olimpija Ljubljana vs. Besiktas Fibabanka Istanbul](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/game-center/2024-25/cedevita-olimpija-ljubljana-besiktas-fibabanka-istanbul/U2024/182/)

**Zvezdan Mitrovic, Cedevita Olimpija Ljubljana head coach**

"A very important game is definitely ahead of us. So far, we have shown solid performances in the EuroCup. Besiktas is coming to us — a team that finished the regular season in fifth place in their group, but they were a EuroCup Semifinalist last season and played in the Turkish Cup final just a few weeks ago. They are truly an ambitious team with an ambitious head coach. Stozice \[Arena\] is our advantage, while everything else is on a different level, but players on the court play. Our energy will be the most important factor, and we need to be tough and aggressive. Tactics, technique, and everything else will follow, but the key is to bring the right energy. We must be strong in rebounding and focus on the fundamentals of defense. Most of our players are experiencing this level of competition for the first time, so this will be their first truly big game. The arena will be well-filled, with plenty of fans, and I believe the support from the stands will be great. It is the coaching staff’s job to prepare the team for the game."

**Jaka Blazic, Cedevita Olimpija Ljubljana guard**

"I expect a tough and emotional game against a team that has been built this season to compete for the top spots in the EuroCup and the Turkish national championship. Besiktas is certainly not coming to Ljubljana waving a white flag. We have worked hard throughout the season in Europe to earn the opportunity to play this decisive game for a spot in the quarterfinals on our home court. We are all looking forward to this game. Single-elimination matchups like this are special, and they are the ones you remember after your career is over. We already faced Besiktas last season and their backcourt players are mostly the same as back then. The players know each other well and have good chemistry. They play very aggressively on defense and we have to respond with the same intensity. A lot is at stake, so we must follow the instructions from our coaching staff and react in the way we know best. I invite all our fans to join us in Stozice, to be loud, and to support us even in the moments when things might not go our way. We will need that extra push when it matters most."

Jaka Blazic: 'We worked hard to earn the opportunity to play this game at home'

#### [Dreamland Gran Canaria vs. Umana Reyer Venice](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/game-center/2024-25/dreamland-gran-canaria-umana-reyer-venice/U2024/181/)

**Jaka Lakovic, Dreamland Gran Canaria head coach**

"I think the team is focused and mentally prepared for the game. We know what we have to do, we have been in this situation the last two years in BKT EuroCup playoff matches. The team has that experience and I am confident that we will come out in the right way for the match. We expect a very solid and physical Reyer. Ennis and Kabengele are the two players who have the biggest impact on their game. There are also others like Munford, McGruder, Wiltjer and Simms at the four position. This is a very solid and physical team. We must be prepared to defend well, secure our defensive rebounds, try to play our game in transition and have solutions in five-on-five. Neven Spahija was my coach at KK Krka Novo Mesto. He has also left our countries to make a great career as a coach. We have kept in touch throughout all these years and we are good friends."

**Neven Spahija, Umana Reyer Venice head coach**

"This is a very important game for all of us, for the history of our club, and for the Reyer fans. I regret that it’s a single-elimination match played away because our fans also would have deserved a game like this. In any case, we step onto the court aware that we can be competitive and win on the road. On the court, we must continue executing our plays, especially those in which we are most effective. We will need solid defense because it has been one of our strengths since the beginning of the year, but the result will also depend on them, as they are a great team with a lot of talent and experience. It will be a very tough game, but an exciting one to play."

**Tyler Ennis, Umana Reyer Venice guard**

"A big game awaits us. We are playing away again against a great and well-organized team. We want to step onto the court to show what we can do and what we have worked on. We are aware that we can compete and win against any opponent, whether in Italy or Europe. This is a win-or-go-home game and I believe it will be an amazing one. We need to enter the court with great confidence to bring home the victory."

De'Shawn Stephens: 'We have to be locked in, be together and we need everybody'

### Tuesday, March 4, 2025

#### [Wolves Twinsbet Vilnius vs. U-BT Cluj-Napoca](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/game-center/2024-25/wolves-twinsbet-vilnius-u-bt-cluj-napoca/U2024/184/)

**Alessandro Magro, Wolves Twinsbet Vilnius head coach**

"It's a crucial game right now. We deserve the chance to play this kind of game. After a very solid EuroCup season, we play against a very solid team. Same record as us, they are well built. They have a lot of experienced players. Right now, we are after the break in a situation where we need to recruit all the mental and physical energy we have, as well as the motivation to try to achieve another goal and try to advance winning at home in front of our fans."

**Kristupas Zemaitis, Wolves Twinsbet Vilnius guard**

"We have already gone through crucial games before. We are very disappointed with our performance in the national cup tournament and are currently in a stretch of poor results. That’s why we have some anger and are ready to fight because we only have two tournaments left this season. The fate of one of them will be decided in this game. We are playing at home and must show a completely different face than we have in the past few weeks."

**Mihai Silvasan, U-BT Cluj-Napoca head coach**

"This is a Play-Off game, so for sure, it is an important moment. They have a great team, with very good foreigners and quality Lithuanian internationals. Their team is really tall and strong. We need to match their intensity in order to win. We have our own weapons!"

**De'Shawn Stephens, U-BT Cluj-Napoca center**

"It is going to be tough. We have to be locked in, be together and we need everybody. We need all the players, even the fans. Every game is tough and this one in particular. We will not have our entire fanbase with us and the dynamic will be different. We need to be ready!"

Eighthfinals pregame quotes: 'A big game awaits'

Wolves Twinsbet Vilnius v U-BT Cluj-Napoca (2025-03-04T17:00:00.000Z)

In one of the longest post-season games in BKT EuroCup history, U-BT Cluj-Napoca reached the EuroCup Quarterfinals for the second time with a 99-100 road win at Wolves Twinsbet Vilnius that lasted 50 intense minutes and Zavier Simpson set a EuroCup postseason record with 14 assists

Zavier Simpson and Cluj made history on Tuesday

After one of the longest post-season games in BKT EuroCup history, [U-BT Cluj-Napoca](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/teams/u-bt-cluj-napoca/roster/clu/?season=2024-25) celebrated advancing to the EuroCup Quarterfinals. The Romanian champs claimed their first-ever EuroCup postseason win with [a 99-100 road victory](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/news/cluj-eliminates-wolves-in-2ot-99-100/) at [Wolves Twinsbet Vilnius](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/teams/wolves-vilnius/roster/wol/?season=2024-25) after a game that lasted 50 intense minutes. Both teams seemed to have the win in the bag at some points during this incredible game in which Cluj playmaker [Zavier Simpson](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/zavier-simpson/013302/) made the difference with a performance for the ages.

Simpson struggled at first, tallying 7 points and 3 assists in the first half in which he didn't find his rhythm. On the other hand, Wolves star guard [Anthony Cowan](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/anthony-cowan-jr/012003/) had 6 assists and just 1 turnover at the break. Cluj trailed 48-39 at halftime, but then Simpson finally got going with a floater and a couple of three-pointers. He singlehandedly carried Cluj to a 75-80 lead that seemed to seal the outcome, but a couple of late three-pointers by [Jeffery Taylor](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/jeffery-taylor/006546/) and Cowan helped Wolves force overtime, 81-81.

Zavier Simpson had 26 points and 14 assists, a new all-time EuroCup playoffs record, to lead U-BT Cluj-Napoca to a 99-100, double-overtime win over Wolves Twinsbet Vilnius.

Simpson sets playoff record in iconic win

Simpson saved the best for last, finding [Zach Hankins](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/zach-hankins/013304/) for easy points in the paint. His last three-pointer gave Cluj an 88-90 lead and he found Hankins for a wide-open shot in the paint, which he missed with a chance to seal the win. [Andrew Andrews](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/andrew-andrews/011248/) drew a foul at the other end and sent the game to a second overtime. Simpson dished 3 critical assists in the final 5 minutes, finding Hankins for a jump hook and a three-point play before feeding [Patrick Richard](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/patrick-richard/011801/) for a three-pointer that gave Cluj a 96-100 edge.

It was an inspiring moment, as it was Richard's first three-pointer of the season after missing almost the entire regular season due to injury. Richard is Cluj's captain and is in his sixth season with the team. He has helped the team grow almost from scratch and he hit one of the biggest shots in club history, one that sent Cluj to uncharted territory in the EuroCup.

Simpson finished the game with 26 points and 14 assists, which marked both a club record and a EuroCup postseason record. The previous playoff record was 12 assists shared by four players: [Damir Mulaomerovic](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/damir-mulaomerovic/apl/) of PAOK Thessaloniki ([2005](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/game-center/2004-05/cholet-basket-paok-thessaloniki/U2004/213/#boxscore)), [Nemanja Gordic](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/nemanja-gordic/000531/) of Cedevita Zagreb ([2015](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/game-center/2014-15/cedevita-zagreb-herbalife-gran-canaria/U2014/278/#boxscore)), [Stefan Markovic](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/stefan-markovic/lme/) of Zenit St Petersburg ([2017](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/game-center/2016-17/zenit-st-petersburg-lokomotiv-kuban-krasnodar/U2016/173/#boxscore)) and [Andrew Albicy](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/andrew-albicy/003425/) of Morabanc Andorra ([2019](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/game-center/2018-19/alba-berlin-morabanc-andorra/U2018/180/#boxscore)). It was Simpson's fourth consecutive double-double and his sixth in his first EuroCup season. Cowan led Vilnius with 23 points, 7 rebounds and 12 assists.

After the game, Simpson highlighted his team's fighting spirit and not being intimidated by a new situation, fighting for bigger goals in the competition.

"Man, it was crazy. Obviously, this is my first EuroCup playoff game and the atmosphere was lit! We played against a really good team. They had great execution, guys that play hard, made some tough decisions like us down the stretch. And being able to go in two overtimes like this for the first time, it's amazing," Simpson said. "I am very appreciative and grateful that we were able to come out with the win."

His coach had nothing but great things to say about Simpson and his Tuesday night performance.

"He has been one of the main players all season. He is third in points scored and first in assists in the EuroCup and he can improve even more. He has a lot of room to improve and today, he was amazing," Cluj head coach Mihai Silvasan added. "He had 14 assists and just 2 turnovers. Of course, he had the ball a lot, but still his decision-making was really good. Big congrats to him but again, I will tell the players that one player or the other can have a good game, but it is important to play good basketball collectively, especially on defense, helping each other and not allowing easy points."

Simpson and Cluj will next face in the quarterfinals a familiar team, top-seeded [Valencia Basket](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/teams/valencia-basket/roster/pam/?season=2024-25), at La Fonteta.

"I believe we can win against anybody. Obviously, Valencia beat us twice this season, so hopefully that can be some extra motivation for the locker room. But Valencia speaks for itself. They are a really good team and a really good organization, great coaching staff, great players, so it is going to be kind of up to us to come out and make sure that we execute a game plan and know what we are up against."

The point guard's inspiring performance allowed the Romanian champs to eliminate Wolves in a double-overtime instant classic