The BKT EuroCup postseason gets underway on Tuesday and Wednesday with the eighthfinals as the third to sixth-placed teams from the regular season battle to reach the quarterfinals. Here's your overview of the action.

Gamecenter: EuroCup Eighthfinals 

### Wednesday, March 5

[Turk Telekom Ankara 93-73 Buducnost VOLI Podgorica](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/game-center/2024-25/turk-telekom-ankara-buducnost-voli-podgorica/U2024/183/)

Turk Telekom advanced to the quarterfinals where it will take on Hapoel Shlomo Tel Aviv after beating Buducnost at home. 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 and Kyle Alexander with 17 points. Fletcher Magee made 4 three-pointers and scored 16 points to lead Buducnost in the absence of veteran guard Yogi Ferrell.

<center><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="tr" dir="ltr">EuroCup&#39;ta çeyrek finaldeyiz! 💪<br><br>Maç sonucu: Türk Telekom 93 - 73 Buducnost VOLI Podgorica<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/qeTB3Udj0V">pic.twitter.com/qeTB3Udj0V</a></p>&mdash; Türk Telekom Basketbol (@TT_Basketbol) <a href="https://twitter.com/TT_Basketbol/status/1897353512935416158?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 5, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

[Cedevita Olimpija Ljubljana 96-86 Besiktas Fibabanka Istanbul](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/game-center/2024-25/cedevita-olimpija-ljubljana-besiktas-fibabanka-istanbul/U2024/182/)

Cedevita booked a quarterfinal berth where it will meet Bahcesehir College Istanbul for a spot in the last four after an impressive home win over Besiktas. Devin Robinson led a pack of five Cedevita players who finished in double figures with 21 points and 11 boards and Brynton Lemar scored 20 points for the hosts, who 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 and Kyle Allman paired 13 points with 14 assists. 

<center><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">DRAGONS WIN! A major comeback for the big win over Besiktas and a spot in the Quarterfinals!<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ZmajevaDruzina?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ZmajevaDruzina</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/DragonFamily?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#DragonFamily</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/BKTEuroCup?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#BKTEuroCup</a> <a href="https://t.co/UeA9maBa7o">pic.twitter.com/UeA9maBa7o</a></p>&mdash; Cedevita Olimpija Ljubljana - English (@KKCedOL_EN) <a href="https://twitter.com/KKCedOL_EN/status/1897386855315988666?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 5, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

[Dreamland Gran Canaria 84-80 Umana Reyer Venice](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/game-center/2024-25/dreamland-gran-canaria-umana-reyer-venice/U2024/181/)

Gran Canaria reached the quarterfinals for the ninth time in club history by edging Umana Reyer Venice at home. 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.

<center><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="es" dir="ltr">🏀 Final:<br><br>🐥 Dreamland Gran Canaria 84<br>🟫 Umana Reyer Venecia 80<br><br>🔥 <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/VamosGranca?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#VamosGranca</a> <a href="https://t.co/yvjQqkqfxJ">pic.twitter.com/yvjQqkqfxJ</a></p>&mdash; Dreamland Gran Canaria (@GranCanariaCB) <a href="https://twitter.com/GranCanariaCB/status/1897404896254812473?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 5, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

### Tuesday, March 4

[Wolves Twinsbet Vilnius 99-100 U-BT Cluj-Napoca](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/game-center/2024-25/wolves-twinsbet-vilnius-u-bt-cluj-napoca/U2024/184/)

Cluj advanced to the quarterfinals for the second time in club history by edging Wolves in double overtime in the Lithuanian capital on Tuesday. Cluj will face Valencia Basket in the single-game quarterfinals next week. Zavier Simpson paced the winners with 26 points and a club-record 14 assists and De'Shawn Stephens added 17 points and 10 rebounds. Anthony Cowan led Wolves with 23 points, 7 rebounds and 12 assists.

<center><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">The game of the season belongs to <a href="https://twitter.com/UBTCluj?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@UBTCluj</a> 👀<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/RoadToGreatness?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#RoadToGreatness</a> <a href="https://t.co/iriT5IPi8D">pic.twitter.com/iriT5IPi8D</a></p>&mdash; BKT EuroCup (@EuroCup) <a href="https://twitter.com/EuroCup/status/1897007215086854353?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 4, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

The BKT EuroCup postseason got underway on Tuesday, and continues on Wednesday with the eighthfinals as the third- to sixth-placed teams from the regular season battle to reach the quarterfinals. Here's your overview of the action.

Game center: Gran Canaria, Cedevita, Turk Telekom, Cluj are through to quarters

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

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

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

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

It was one of the longest post-season games in BKT EuroCup history


Cluj eliminates Wolves in 2OT, 99-100! 

U-BT Cluj-Napoca advanced to the BKT EuroCup Quarterfinals for the second time in club history by edging Wolves Twinsbet Vilnius 99-100 in double overtime in the Lithuanian capital on Tuesday. It was the first of four single-game eighthfinal showdowns this week.

Cluj will face Valencia Basket in the single-game quarterfinals next week. Zavier Simpson paced the winners with 26 points and a club-record 14 assists. De'Shawn Stephens added 17 points and 10 rebounds while Karel Guzman and Zach Hankins each scored 15 points for Cluj. Anthony Cowan led Wolves with 23 points, 7 rebounds and 12 assists. Andrew Andrews added 15 points, Garrison Brooks had 13, Jeffery Taylor and Arnoldas Kulboka each scored 12 and Kristupas Zemaitis contributed 10 for the hosts.

Game Videos

It was all offense early as the teams combined to make 7 of their first 8 shots. Cluj cooled off first as Wolves went up 11-6 on a layup by Zemaitis. Meanwhile, Cluj center Hankins, who scored his team's first 4 points, took a seat with 2 fouls. Wolves continued to pad its lead, going up 20-11 after a floater off the glass and a triple by Zemaitis, which gave him half of his team's points. After a timeout, Kulboka added a three-pointer for the hosts. Adam Mokoka and Stephens tried to get Cluj back on track, but to no avail. Regimantas Miniotas and Andrews helped Wolves end the first quarter up 33-20. 

Stephens sank a turnaround jumper early in the second quarter and Mareks Mejeris's reverse layup prompted Wolves to call a timeout at 33-24. Stephens kept pacing Cluj with a power layup before Patrick Richards's backdoor basket made it a 5-point game. Sasu Salin capped a 0-10 run with a layup before Thurman struck from downtown for a 36-30 Wolves lead. After Mokoka and Brooks traded layups, Thurman dunked and D.J. Seeley's three-pointer brought Cluj within 40-35. Andrews answered from beyond the arc and Cowan and Guzman exchanged baskets before Simpson got Cluj within 6. Brooks boosted the hosts' lead to 48-39 at the break.

Game News


Stephens took over with a fastbreak layup soon after the break and Simpson's floater gave Cluj hope at 48-43. Taylor rescued the Wolves with a backdoor slam, which Simpson bettered with a shot from downtown. Brooks stopped the show with a one-handed alley-oop slam and matched Guzman's put-back basket with another slam for a 54-48 Wolves lead. Kulboka and a red-hot Simpson traded three-pointers and Guzman also struck from beyond the arc to bring Cluj within striking distance, 57-54. Andrews swished a jumper and found Thurman for a triple. Mokoka scored in penetration before Miniotas answered with a layup for a 64-57 Cluj lead at the end of the third quarter.

Simpson kept pushing the visitors early in the fourth quarter and he got help from Richards to make it a two-point game. Cowan stepped up for Wolves and Andrews's three-pointer gave the hosts fresh air, 69-62. Salin answered from downtown, igniting an 0-8 run that he capped with free throws to complete Cluj's comeback, 69-70, with less than 6 minutes left. Cowan scored in penetration, but Stephens erased that with a tip-in. Andrews restored a 73-72 Wolves lead with more than 3 minutes remaining. Stephens took over with a wild alley-oop slam and Guzman erased Taylor's layup with a highly-contested basket. Simpson followed a floater with a driving layup that caused Wolves to call timeout at 75-80 with 1:55 left. Taylor sank his trademark corner triple and Cowan beat the shot clock with a bomb from downtown that tied it at 81-81. Thurman missed from downtown at the end of regulation.

Cowan stepped up with a driving layup early in overtime. Hankins scored down low and matched Cowan's layup with a dunk that tied it at 85-85. Hankins made free throws but Cowan buried a step-back three-pointer for a 88-87 score in the next-to-last minute. Simpson answered from beyond the arc before Andrews drew a foul with 0.6 seconds left. He made both attempts, sending the game to a second overtime. 

Simpson fed Hankins for a jump hook early in the second extra period. Guzman added a fastbreak slam that made it a two-possession game, 90-94. Cowan drew a couple of fouls to tie the game from the free throw line, 94-94. Taylor took over with a fastbreak slam that Hankins bettered with a three-point play. Richards buried a critical three-pointer for a 96-100 score. Kulboka got a three-point play at the other end and Wolves got the ball back with a chance to win the game but Cowan turned the ball over with 1.3 seconds left, allowing Cluj to celebrate a historical win! 

Euroleague Basketball and PPC Group, the leading energy group in Southeastern Europe, have announced the launch of their multi-year partnership. PPC becomes the official partner for the Turkish Airlines EuroLeague and BKT EuroCup competitions in Greece until 2027.

PPC and Euroleague Basketball announce multi-year partnership

Euroleague Basketball and PPC Group, the leading energy group in Southeastern Europe, have announced the launch of their multi-year partnership. PPC becomes the official partner for the Turkish Airlines EuroLeague and BKT EuroCup competitions in Greece until 2027.

As part of this agreement, PPC will have a prominent presence during Greek teams´ games in the EuroLeague and EuroCup, both through in-arena and television broadcasts. Additionally, the partnership will leverage Euroleague Basketball's expansive digital ecosystem, offering PPC with unparalleled visibility and engagement opportunities across multiple digital platforms. The partnership will also focus on sustainability initiatives, fully aligned with PPC's mission to promote clean energy solutions and energy efficiency.

"We are delighted to welcome PPC to the Euroleague Basketball partners family. Having a leading energy group join our sponsorship portfolio strengthens our commitment to working with top-tier brands in key industries," said Gawain Davies, Euroleague Basketball Chief Commercial Officer. "Greece is one of our core markets, and partnering with PPC is a perfect fit for our aspirations to continue growing the Euroleague brand in this territory, enhancing the sport’s reach while delivering an electric experience for our passionate basketball community."

Sofia Dimtsa, Chief Corporate Affairs & Communications Officer at PPC Group, stated: "It is a great honor for us at PPC to collaborate with a top-tier sports organization that highlights talent, passion, and fair play. The launch of our partnership with Euroleague Basketball marks a new chapter in our already strong relationship with the sport, strengthening our presence in basketball in all its forms. We actively support sports, sustainability, and the values that bring our communities together. We look forward to experiencing powerful moments on the court alongside fans and teams that inspire us."

As part of its strategic energy transformation, PPC Group is reinforcing its commitment to basketball by supporting the sport across all its forms—from elite Euroleague competitions to 3x3 basketball. This collaboration aligns with PPC’s dedication to promoting sports and sustainable development, emphasizing the core values of teamwork, passion, and sportsmanship. With sustainability at the heart of its mission, PPC invests in initiatives that inspire positive social impact, contributing to a better and more sustainable future for all.

This partnership reinforces Euroleague Basketball’s commitment to sustainability and innovation, ensuring that Europe’s top basketball competitions continue to engage fans while promoting responsible and sustainable energy solutions.

Zvezdan Mitrovic: 'My players will be ready'

The initial goal that Cedevita Olimpija Ljubljana head coach Zvezdan Mitrovic set for the team in his return to the BKT EuroCup after three years away was unlocked when the team made it out of the regular season.

Now the former EuroCup champion and Coach of the Year would hate to miss an appointment with Dejan Radonjic of Bahcesehir College Istanbul down the road.

“I’m an ambitious coach and I’m ambitious as a person. As a team, our goal is always to take it to the next level. 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.

Read more [HERE](https://www.eurohoops.net/en/trademarks/1792988/zvezdan-mitrovic-it-would-be-great-for-the-euroleague-to-have-another-balkan-team/)...

The Cedevita boss spoke to Eurohoops on the eve of the EuroCup Eightfinals

Devin Robinson, Cedevita: 'We are locked in'

After a tough season in which it won just a single game, Cedevita Olimpija Ljubljana turned things around and power forward Devin Robinson has been a big factor. The Slovenian side finished the regular season with a 10-8 record and earned the home-court advantage for its eighthfinals contest against Besiktas Emlakjet Istanbul. Robinson has averaged 14.8 points, 5.3 rebounds and 1.2 steals for a PIR of 14.6 in 18 games. He believes his team is ready to challenge for big goals and this is a great opportunity to show it, as he told Javier Gancedo in this [EuroCupBasketball.com](http://EuroCupBasketball.com) interview. 

"These past couple of years, especially the last one, it was a rough year for the club in the EuroCup and everyone took us as a joke. We came back this year with new additions to the team and a new coach, and we tried to turn it around, and that's what we did," Robinson said. "I think we need to continue to push forward and continue to go as far as possible to get Olimpija back on the map. It used to be top dogs back in the day and people have kind of written us off these past 10-15 years. So what we have in front of us is a good opportunity for us."

 

**Hello, Devin. Congratulations on a great season, individually and as a team. How is the team feeling before the big game against Besiktas?**

"Oh, we are ready. We have been preparing ourselves during the break and now we are getting back from the break and we are ready. We are locked in. This is a great opportunity for the club to do something special here. So yes, we are trying to really lock in and take care of business."

 

**You had a stint with ratiopharm Ulm and this is your second EuroCup season. Is the EuroCup what you expected?**

"The EuroCup competition is great. It's a lot of great talent. A lot of great players, some good basketball. You get to travel to these nice cities and compete at a high level. The game is very much different than maybe a domestic or a different league like ABA. It's more free-flowing and more up and down. It is a faster gameplay, so you have to adjust between your two leagues. And I think it's a great experience. I feel like a lot of guys can play at the next level as well in EuroLeague, so it's a really great competition."

Highlight plays like a big three, a dunk or a block are really essential for the game.

**Cedevita Olimpija had a major turnaround, from going 1-17 last season to being 10-8 and getting the home-court advantage in the first playoff game. How important was it to bounce back and be this competitive again?**

"We needed it. These past couple of years, especially the last one, it was a rough year for the club in the EuroCup and everyone took us as a joke. We came back this year with new additions to the team and a new coach, and we tried to turn it around, and that's what we did. I think we need to continue to push forward and continue to go as far as possible to get Olimpija back on the map. It used to be top dogs back in the day and people have kind of written us off these past 10-15 years. So what we have in front of us is a good opportunity for us, get a win for the club and continue to let people know that we belong in this league."

**You will play against Besiktas, which made it to the semifinals last season, with very experienced players and a coach used to winning these types of games. What are the keys to this game?**

"They play super, super aggressive on defense. They play with high energy and they run and gun. They shoot any shot that they see open, crash the boards and play aggressive. They are going to try to break up our schemes on offense and just be a disruption. It's going to be a game of havoc. It's going to be a game of hustle plays, rebounding, and just the little plays to help us get the win. They have great talent. They got great guys and great camaraderie over there, so we've got to put together a solid 40 minutes of just playing a hard-nosed, real physical game of basketball and the best team who comes out and does that will win."

Devin Robinson averages 14.8 points, 5.3 rebounds, 1.2 steals and a PIR of 14.6 in 18 games

2024-25 EuroCup highlight reel: Devin Robinson, Cedevita Olimpija

**You are one of the most spectacular players in the competition in recent years. How important is a good dunk or a high-flying block to get your teammates and your home crowd involved?**

"Oh, yeah. Highlight plays are meant to bring energy to the whole arena: get a good block, get a good dunk, yell a little bit, scream... Get your teammates clapping. The other team maybe calls a timeout because the crowd is getting too loud. I think highlight plays like a big three, a dunk or a block are really essential for the game. It changes the energy and it shifts the momentum for the team that made the highlight, so I think it's really important. So yeah, I try to do as much as I can in that department to give us that extra edge."

**How about the environment? How do you enjoy playing in a basketball city like Ljubljana, for a EuroCup-winning coach like Mitrovic?**

"I like it. It's definitely different than what I am used to, but different isn't always a bad thing. I am playing with a different style of basketball than I am probably normally used to, but it helps me develop in different areas of my game, to be an overall better player. Playing with great guys and great vets like Stipanovic and Blazic and Ali \[Nikolic\] makes the game a lot easier. They know what to expect. They know how to play in these types of situations and scenarios and I am learning a lot from those guys. just being around them and watching how hard they work, the passion that they play with and understanding the wants and needs of the coaches and the different styles of play. So it has been great just playing with all those guys."

More on Cedevita Olimpija

**In previous seasons, Stozice Arena was packed for do-or-die games. How important will the home-court advantage be and what kind of atmosphere can we expect on Wednesday?**

"It's very important. It's been a lot of games this season where it's been quiet in the gym and we just needed a little bit of a push. But since the fans started coming out and showing some support, they've been giving us that extra boost and that extra kick to perform. We know how easy it is to essentially lose the fan base when we lose games, so we want to bring our best foot forward and bring some good energy and some good wins together to fill up the gym. I hope everyone comes out and tries to support us to give us that extra push that we need."

**Let's talk about you a little bit. You played in Taiwan for a full season three years ago. How was the experience, on and off the court?**

"Taiwan was great. It was my first time leaving home to play overseas. I was playing in the G League and two-way and all that stuff in the United States, and I took it upon myself to finally try to make that jump to go overseas. And Taiwan was essentially the only opportunity I had, so I went there with a chip on my shoulder to go and show what I can do. And it was a great overall experience. Basketball-wise. They let me be me. They saw what I had and saw what I could bring to the table and just let me play freely and try to win games for the team. It's a very entertainment business out there in the Asian market where highlight plays are what they love to see. The fans are crazy! And then off the court, it's just a beautiful place. It's pretty much warm all year round. The food is amazing. Different but amazing. I always want to, everywhere I go, to engulf myself in the culture and try new things. I was trying chicken legs and goose liver and all these new things and my teammates there really appreciated that. And I really had a fun time trying new things and exposing them to what I'm used to and bringing my American swag over there as well., so it was an overall great experience. Everything was great: the temples, the night markets, shopping... it has everything you can ever ask for!"

Look good, feel good, play good, I really abide by that.

**I asked around and were told that you are into fashion, and you don't mind taking risks when it comes to buying clothes. How important is that for you?**

"I love fashion. I love what it's about. I love how you can put on something and express yourself, or how you feel or where you are mentally or where you are culturally. And I just love to put on nice clothes and you know the saying: look good, feel good, play good, I really abide by that. And yes, I just want to express myself without even having to talk. Even though I am an enrgy guy and you see me talking all the time, and I'm loud and bringing that positive vibe, my clothes can do it as well. So it's just a one-two punch."

 

**All of the qualified teams have been working hard to reach this time of the year, the most important games of the season. How much are you looking forward to it, to going out there and competing against the best?**

"Oh, man, I'm really looking forward to it. It is always a good opportunity to go play, and these games are fun. It is the opportunity to get to play this game at a high level, wherever you are. It's just a blessing and it's just fun to do. So I am always excited to play wherever we are. I just take every game, every opportunity, and at the end of the day, I love what I do."

The high-flying forward spoke to Javier Gancedo ahead of his team's eighthfinal showdown with Besiktas

Hapoel Bank Yahav Jerusalem announced on Monday that center Gabi Chachashvili has suffered a torn ACL

Jerusalem loses center Gabi Chachashvili to torn ACL

Hapoel Bank Yahav Jerusalem announced on Monday that center [Gabi Chachashvili](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/gabriel-chachashvili/013279/) has suffered a torn ACL. The big man was injured during his team’s Israeli league victory over Bnei Herzliya on Sunday night and the severity of it was diagnosed following an MRI on Monday. Chachashvili has been a valuable asset for Jerusalem this season. He started in 11 of his 17 appearances in the BKT EuroCup and in which he averaged 5.6 points and 4.1 rebounds per game. Jerusalem will face the winner of Wednesday's eighthfinals game between Dreamlife Gran Canaria and Umana Reyer Venice in the quarterfinals next week.

<center><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="iw" dir="rtl">בבדיקת MRI שנערכה אמש התברר כי גבי צ׳אצ׳שווילי סובל מקרע ברצועה הצולבת של הברך. גבי ייעדר מפעילות לתקופה ממושכת, הפועל מתייצבת לצידו ותספק לו את כל התנאים המיטביים עד לשיקום מלא וחזרה למגרשים. גבי, אנחנו איתך, החלמה מהירה! <a href="https://t.co/JmvoQmfiCJ">pic.twitter.com/JmvoQmfiCJ</a></p>&mdash; Hapoel Jerusalem BC (@JerusalemBasket) <a href="https://twitter.com/JerusalemBasket/status/1896497909547532322?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 3, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

More from Jerusalem

Fantasy Challenge guru Javier Gancedo's tips for the eighthfinals include Anthony Brown of Turk Telekom Ankara, Nico Brussino of Dreamland Gran Canaria, Anthony Cowan of Wolves Twinsbet Vilnius,  Jonah Mathews of Besiktas Fibabanka Istanbul and De'Shawn Stephens of U-BT Cluj-Napoca 

Javier Gancedo's fantasy tips for the EuroCup Eighthfinals

The BKT EuroCup season returns after a break and so does the EuroCup Fantasy Challenge! From now on, unlimited trades will be allowed before each round until the end of the season. With fewer teams to choose from, getting the right players is more important than ever to reach high in the overall standings and in your private leagues. Here are five players I recommend this week:

[**Anthony Brown, Turk Telekom Ankara (14.2 credits)**](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/anthony-brown/009025/)

Turk Telekom and Buducnost are experienced teams and this is a hard game to predict. Brown is the logical choice because both teams need their stars to rise to the expectations. Brown essentially took Turk Telekom to the postseason by averaging 18.3 points and 4.2 rebounds for a PIR of 16.9 in 18 games. I'll roll with him again.

[**Nico Brussino, Dreamland Gran Canaria (10.5 credits)**](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/nicolas-brussino/008121/)

Gran Canaria needs its most experienced players to step up if it wants to beat a talented Reyer team. Brussino offers a lot more than just experience: deep shooting range, great versatility and a solid option in crunch time. At 10.5 credits, he has an outstanding price value. Brussino is ready to lead Gran Canaria on Wednesday.

Anthony Cowan, De'Shawn Stephens, Nico Brussino, Jonah Mathews and Anthony Brown are featured in this week's article.

EuroCup Fantasy tips: Eighthfinals

[**Anthony Cowan, Wolves Twinsbet Vilnius (15.2 credits)**](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/teams/wolves-vilnius/roster/wol/?season=2024-25)

Wolves faces Cluj in the only game on Tuesday, so having players from these two teams is critical in this round. Cowan is the obvious choice, a super scorer with deep shooting range and great consistency. He has had double-digit PIRs in his last 11 games and is averaging 19.1 for the season. A must-have player in the eighthfinals.

[**Jonah Mathews, Besiktas Fibabanka Istanbul (11.6 credits)**](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/jonah-mathews/011936/)

Besiktas head coach Dusan Alimpijevic is a specialist in these single-round, do-or-die games: he's won five of them over the last three seasons. He knows how to make the most out of his shooting guards, too. Remember Andrew Andrews with Bursaspor? Mathews is playing well and has averaged 18.6 points and a PIR of 17.4 in the last five games.

[**De'Shawn Stephens, U-BT Cluj-Napoca (12.2 credits)**](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/de-shawn-stephens/006618/)

We are assuming everyone will buy Mfiondu Kabengele of Reyer at center, so trying to get a T1 big man is a calculated risk: We like Stephens because he has been very good recently. In his last two games, Stephens averaged 12.0 points, 7.0 rebounds, 3.0 assists, 2.5 steals and 2.0 blocks for a PIR of 25.5. Simply fantastic!

Fantasy Challenge guru Javier Gancedo shares some tips for the eighthfinals

Dreamland Gran Canaria hosts Umana Reyer Venice in the fourth and final single-game eighthfinal matchup on Wednesday, March 5 at 21:00 CET. 

Title contenders Gran Canaria, Reyer go head to head in eighthfinals clash

[Dreamland Gran Canaria](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/teams/dreamland-gran-canaria/can/) hosts [Umana Reyer Venice](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/teams/umana-reyer-venice/vnc/) in the fourth and final single-game eighthfinal matchup on Wednesday, March 5 at 21:00 CET. Reyer overcame a 2-5 start to qualify to the playoffs right at the end of the regular season, while Gran Canaria punched its postseason ticket way in advance, but a couple of late losses prevented the team from getting a bye to the quarterfinals. 

Both coaches know each other well and that will have an impact in the series. Reyer boss Neven Spahija coached Jaka Lakovic in the 2001-02 season, when the current Gran Canaria head coach played for Krka Novo Mesto. At age 23 and under Coach Spahija's guidance, Lakovic had a career-defining Turkish Airlines EuroLeague season, averaging 20.9 points and 3.8 assists in 14 games. In just his second-ever EuroLeague game, Lakovic led Krka to an 87-98 road win against Real Madrid with 38 points, 7 assists and a PIR of 55. 

Top Performances, 2001-02: Jaka Lakovic, Krka Novo Mesto

Gran Canaria has an incredibly experienced roster in the competition. It won the EuroCup title in 2023 and five of its current players are still with the team: Andrew Albicy, John Shurna, Nico Brussino, Jovan Kljajic and Miquel Salvo. Mike Tobey is also a EuroCup champion with Valencia Basket in 2019. 

When it comes to Gran Canaria, home-court advantage matters. Gran Canaria is 107-29 (78.7% wins) at home in EuroCup history. It is 6-2 in single-game elimination showdowns in the last three years. Reyer made it to the single-game eighthfinals in 2022 and 2023, losing both games on the road against Boulogne Metropolitans 92 and Hapoel Shlomo Tel Aviv, respectively. 

Dreamland Gran Canaria made it to the eighthfinals with a 12-6 record.

2024-25 EuroCup Regular Season highlights: Dreamland Gran Canaria

Reyer has plenty of reasons to be optimistic, too. Mfiondu Kabengele is the best rebounder in the competition (9.5 RPG) and has impressed everyone with his all-around skills, averaging 15.9 points on 42.1% three-pointers, 1.1 steals and a PIR of 23.5. Reyer has had a lot of injuries this season, particularly in its backcourt. Tyler Ennis (13.4 PPG, 4.6 APG) and Xavier Munford (5.0 PPG) have combined for 19 missed games but are now healthy and ready to help their team. On the other hand, Gran Canaria is missing playmaker Carlos Alocen, who is out with a severe knee injury. 

Amazingly, Alocen was one of 10 players averaging over 5.0 points per game, all led by Caleb Homesley (12.4 PPG). Coach Lakovic has plenty of clutch options if the game goes down to the wire, with Homesley and Joe Thomasson (7.2 PPG) opening the floor from downtown, but counting on experienced shooters like Brussino (8.8 PPG) and Shurna (7.9 PPG). 

Umana Reyer Venice reached the eighthfinals with a 10-8 record.

2024-25 EuroCup Regular Season highlights: Umana Reyer Venice

Stats are as balanced as they can be, with both teams shooting the ball with similar percentages (Gran Canaria 56.4% 2FG, 33.3% 3FG, 79.2 FT%; Reyer 54.6% 2FG, 33.1% 3FG, 76.8% FT). Reyer scores (82.2 PPG) and rebounds (37.2 RPG) a bit more than its opponent (79.3 PPG, 35.7 RPG). 

There is a difference in the game pace, however. Reyer takes 38.4 two-pointers per game (5th overall) and Gran Canaria ranks 17th at 35.3 attempts per night. Gran Canaria attempts more three-point shots (26.3) than Reyer (22.8). On the other hand, Reyer goes a lot to the foul line (22.8 free throws per game) and Gran Canaria is last in the standings (16.6). 

Reyer beat Gran Canaria twice in the 2021-22 season, in which is both teams' only previous matchups. None of that will matter on Thursday, as only the winner will advance to the next round! 

The 2023 champs meet a team made to compete against anyone – only one of them will advance to the next round

Will Dusan Alimpijevic add another playoff road triumph to his record when Beşiktaş takes on Cedevita Olimpija in the last 16 of the EuroCup?

Dusan Alimpijevic out to haunt Cedevita Olimpija in the playoffs… again 

It’s funny how things work in sports. An endless number of storylines are created each week, but often the best ones are those that include a bit of history, an opportunity for revenge.

For [Cedevita Olimpija Ljubljana](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/teams/cedevita-olimpija-ljubljana/lju/), its last-16 meeting with [Besiktas Fibabanka Istanbul](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/teams/besiktas-fibabanka-istanbul/bes/) in the 2025 BKT EuroCup Playoffs will see an old foe on the opposing sideline at Stozice Arena – [Dusan Alimpijevic](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/teams/besiktas-fibabanka-istanbul/bes/alimpijevic-dusan/). For those who don’t know, the Serbian tactician has a bit of history against Cedevita.

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="in" dir="ltr">🗣️ DUSAN! DUSAN! <a href="https://t.co/oQclufCZPZ">pic.twitter.com/oQclufCZPZ</a></p>&mdash; Beşiktaş Fibabanka (@BJK_Basketbol) <a href="https://twitter.com/BJK_Basketbol/status/1889767710017593582?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 12, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Back on April 27, 2022, one of the most memorable EuroCup games in recent times took place between Cedevita and Alimpijevic’s Frutti Extra Bursaspor. Everything looked good for Bursaspor at the half of their quarterfinal clash, leading 36-50, but Cedevita had reduced the gap to three points (64-67) after 30 minutes to set up a thrilling fourth quarter.

An impressive road win for Bursaspor beckoned with 1:17 minutes remaining, up 78-85, though five straight points by Cedevita’s Yogi Ferrell cut the visitors lead to two points (83-85) with 27 seconds left. And then, with the final shot of the game, Jacob Pullen made a contested three-pointer off the glass… but he hadn’t got his shot off on time. There was ecstasy in the stands at Stozice Arena, followed by complete despair.

Meanwhile, Alimpijevic and his Bursaspor players celebrated like crazy. They knew that they’d got lucky. Very lucky. Still, Bursaspor went on to down MoraBanc Andorra in the semifinals – the third straight road game it had won in the playoffs – to seal a place in the final against Virtus Segafredo Bologna. The team’s fairy-tale run came to an end there, but a period of postseason austerity started for Cedevita that fateful night against Alimpijevic and co.

Bursaspor stuns Cedevita! | Quarterfinals, Highlights | 2022 EuroCup Playoffs

That certainly cannot be said of Alimpijevic, who has become a master at navigating playoff series. Last season, his first in charge of Besiktas, he guided the team to road victories at reigning champ Dreamland Gran Canaria and a strong Hapoel Shlomo Tel Aviv in the last 16 and quarterfinals, respectively, meaning Alimpijevic has been responsible for five of the 12 road wins in 38 single-elimination playoff games over the last three seasons. Impressive stuff.

One player who has been right alongside Alimpijevic for the past four seasons is 34-year-old guard [Derek Needham](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/derek-needham/008945/). The veteran American is completely in tune with his passionate, hard-nosed coach, and the results have been clear to see, taking Bursaspor to the 2022 EuroCup Final before Besiktas’s run to the EuroCup Semifinals last season.

The best plays of Derek Needham over the last four years in the BKT EuroCup, which have come with coach Dusan Alimpijevic at Frutti Extra Bursaspor and Besiktas Fibabanka Istanbul.

Derek Needham's top plays under Coach Alimpijevic

Needham is one of six Americans on Besiktas’s roster, with five – including Needham – averaging 10.2 points or more. [Jonah Mathews](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/jonah-mathews/011936/) (15.2 PPG) was integral to Besiktas’s semifinal finish last season and he has been just as good, if not better, this season. Slowing him down has to be the priority for Cedevita, but there are several other weapons to be wary of, notably [Kelan Martin](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/kelan-martin/013255/) (11.3 PPG), [Kyle Allman](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/kyle-allman/011924/) (10.5 PPG), [Dustin Sleva](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/dustin-sleva/011927/) (10.2 PPG) and Canadian big man [Conor Morgan](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/conor-morgan/009680/) (9.2 PPG). The mid-season addition of [Uros Plavsic](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/uros-plavsic/006240/) (7.8 PPG, 3.6 RPG) has made Besiktas stronger, too.

That is not to say that it will be easy. Besiktas has the Alimpijevic factor and a very talented roster, but Cedevita can feel good about its chances. After all, it has a head coach in [Zvezdan Mitrovic](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/teams/cedevita-olimpija-ljubljana/lju/mitrovic-zvezdan/) who lifted the EuroCup trophy with AS Monaco in 2021. On the floor, Cedevita can call upon the high-flying [Devin Robinson](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/devin-robinson/012042/) (14.8 PPG, 5.3 RPG), scoring guard [Brynton Lemar](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/brynton-lemar/013261/) (14.7 PPG), ball handlers [DeVante' Jones](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/devante-jones/013260/) (10.0 PPG, 3.9 APG) and [Aleksej Nikolic](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/aleksej-nikolic/003703/) (9.8 PPG, 3.6 APG), as well as young prospect [Joan Beringer](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/joan-beringer/012996/) (4.5 PPG, 5.5 RPG, 1.2 BPG). In short, there’s a lot of talent there, plus Cedevita will be playing on its home floor.

Playoff games involving Alimpijevic are always worth tuning in for, and this contest is no different. Next Wednesday night (19:30 CET), we will find out if Alimpijevic can work his magic again or if Mitrovic’s experience will make the difference, with a quarterfinal matchup with Bahcesehir College Istanbul the prize for the winner.

The Serbian coach’s Besiktas squad are hoping for another deep postseason run