Two eliminated teams will play to avoid the wooden spoon, as Hamburg (2-13) welcomes Cedevita (0-15). The German team edged the Round 7 encounter 83-86, partly thanks to 21 points from Aljami Durham.

Preview: Veolia Towers Hamburg vs. Cedevita Olimpija Ljubljana

[Rosters](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/game-center/2023-24/veolia-towers-hamburg-cedevita-olimpija-ljubljana/U2023/154/#roster) | [Notes and Facts](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/news/ec2324-rs16-game-notes-facts-ham-lju/) | Quotes |[ TV](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/tv-listings-ec/)

He should get ready for a good battle with [Justin Cobbs](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/players/justin-cobbs/005969/), who had 19 points and 9 assists in last week’s loss to Reyer. That game saw the same old problems for Cedevita, which allowed 104 points and has the worst defense in the competition with an average of 98.5 points allowed. Hamburg is next worst with 91.9 points per game.

[Hamburg Stats](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/teams/veolia-towers-hamburg/statistics/ham/?season=2023-24&phase=All%20phases) | [Cedevita Stats](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/teams/cedevita-olimpija-ljubljana/statistics/lju/?season=2023-24&phase=All%20phases)

Aljami Durham vs. Justin Cobbs: A pair of go-to guys

Two clubs still in pursuit of a maiden EuroCup W for 2023-24 go head-to-head. Cedevita playmaker Klemen Prepelic may be one to watch for for the Slovenians, while Hamburg are known for crashing the boards and have the prowess of Seth Hinrichs in their artillery.

Last game: Cedevita Olimpija Ljubljana-Veolia Towers Hamburg | Round 7 Highlights | 2023-24 BKT EuroCup  

Two eliminated teams will play to avoid the wooden spoon, as Veolia Towers Hamburg (2-13) welcomes Cedevita Olimpija Ljubljana (0-15). The German team edged the Round 7 encounter 83-86, partly thanks to 21 points from Aljami Durham.

Hamburg hosts Cedevita in matchup of Group A's bottom teams

Veolia Towers Hamburg v Cedevita Olimpija Ljubljana (2024-01-24T18:30:00.000Z)

After losing four of the last five, reigning champ Gran Canaria (11-4) is urgently looking for a return to form with a trip to eliminated Slask (2-13). 

Preview: Slask Wroclaw vs. Dreamland Gran Canaria

[Rosters](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/game-center/2023-24/slask-wroclaw-dreamland-gran-canaria/U2023/159/#roster) | [Notes and Facts](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/news/ec2324-rs16-game-notes-facts-wro-can/) | Quotes |[ TV](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/tv-listings-ec/)

Gran Canaria has averaged 23.2 assists per game, second best in the league, and will look to regain its offensive fluidity against a Slask team that has been hindered all season by carelessness with the basketball, averaging a league second-worst 16.4 turnovers per night. Gran Canaria triumphed 81-77 when the teams met in Round 7, extending a winning run that extends back to 2007.

[Slask Stats](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/teams/slask-wroclaw/statistics/wro/?season=2023-24&phase=All%20phases) | [Gran Canaria Stats](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/teams/dreamland-gran-canaria/statistics/can/?season=2023-24&phase=All%20phases)

Dusan Miletic vs. Ben Lammers: Versatile big men to battle in the paint

 It's top against bottom as undefeated reigning-champs Gran Canaria, receives a visit from Slask, the only team in Group B yet to capture a win this term. Can the Polish team spring a major surprise or will it be business as usual for Spaniards with a seventh straight sweep?

Last game: Dreamland Gran Canaria-Slask Wroclaw | Round 7 Highlights | 2023-24 BKT EuroCup   

After losing four of the last five, reigning champ Dreamland  Gran Canaria (11-4) is urgently looking for a return to form with a trip to eliminated Slask Wroclaw (2-13). 

Gran Canaria seeks a return to form as it visits eliminated Slask

Slask Wroclaw v Dreamland Gran Canaria (2024-01-24T19:00:00.000Z)

Only a victory will be enough as two teams outside the playoff zone meet, with Reyer (6-9) hosting Wolves (5-10). 

Preview: Umana Reyer Venice vs. Wolves Vilnius

[Rosters](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/game-center/2023-24/umana-reyer-venice-wolves-vilnius/U2023/155/#roster) | [Notes and Facts](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/news/ec2324-rs16-game-notes-facts-vnc-wol/) | Quotes |[ TV](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/tv-listings-ec/)

Reyer has kept its hopes alive by grabbing two consecutive victories and also claimed a conclusive 77-93 victory over Wolves in Round 7 on the back of 24 points from [Barry Brown](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/players/barry-brown-jr/012590/). Wolves will hope [Jeffery Taylor](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/players/jeffery-taylor/006546/) can continue his strong form after registering PIRs of 17 and 20 in the last two games, while [Kyle Wiltjer](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/players/kyle-wiltjer/008052/)’s long-range shooting threat – with multiple triples in six straight games – could again be a valuable weapon for the Italian team.

[Reyer Stats](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/teams/umana-reyer-venice/statistics/vnc/?season=2023-24&phase=All%20phases) | [Wolves Stats](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/teams/wolves-vilnius/statistics/wol/?season=2023-24&phase=All%20phases)

Kyle Wiltzer vs. Jeffery Taylor

After a thrilling high-scoring victory over Cedevita, Reyer target further momentum via the thriving talents of Barry Brown, whereas Wolves are raucous themselves having won three in a row and boasting the Round 6 MVP after Rasheed Sulaimon powered them to success over Prometey.

Last game: Wolves Vilnius-Umana Reyer Venice | Round 7 Highlights | 2023-24 BKT EuroCup   

Only a victory will be enough as two teams outside the playoff zone meet, with Umana Reyer Venice (6-9) hosting Wolves Vilnius (5-10). 

Reyer and Wolves face off needing wins to stay alive

Umana Reyer Venice v Wolves Vilnius (2024-01-24T19:00:00.000Z)

London (10-5) will look to bounce back from last week’s last-gasp loss to Joventut and continue its challenge for a top-two finish with a visit from Besiktas (9-6), which is also aiming to enter the playoffs on a high after winning three of the last four.

Preview: London Lions vs. Besiktas Emlakjet Istanbul

[Rosters](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/game-center/2023-24/london-lions-besiktas-emlakjet-istanbul/U2023/153/#roster) | [Notes and Facts](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/news/ec2324-rs16-game-notes-facts-lli-bes/) | Quotes |[ TV](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/tv-listings-ec/)

London outlasted the Turkish team, 80-83, when they met in November, with a major role for [Matt Morgan](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/players/matthew-morgan/012585/) as he bagged 17 points, 8 rebounds and 7 assists. Besiktas will counter him with [Jonah Mathews](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/players/jonah-mathews/011936/), who led the way with 22 points in last week’s win over Hamburg and will have a big role again on Wednesday.

[London Stats](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/teams/london-lions/statistics/lli/?season=2023-24&phase=All%20phases) | [Besiktas Stats](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/teams/besiktas-emlakjet-istanbul/statistics/bes/?season=2023-24&phase=All%20phases)

Donte Grantham vs. Jonah Matthews: A showdown between dangerous scorers 

Besiktas strive for a fifth home triumph, again with focus on defense, as it ranks second in the tournament at just 72.3 ppg allowed. Meanwhile, the Lions have rediscovered their roar since beating Joventut and are equipped with Gabe Olaseni to help make the difference.

Last game: Besiktas Emlakjet Istanbul-London Lions | Round 7 Highlights | 2023-24 BKT EuroCup   

London Lions (10-5) will look to bounce back from last week’s last-gasp loss to Joventut Badalona and continue its challenge for a top-two finish with a visit from Besiktas Emlakjet Istanbul (9-6), which is also aiming to enter the playoffs on a high after winning three of the last four.

London and Besiktas jostle for position in pivotal showdown

London Lions v Besiktas Emlakjet Istanbul (2024-01-24T19:30:00.000Z)

Round 16 of the 2023-24 EuroCup season is here, with plenty of teams starting to jostle for playoff position.

This week: Race for final playoff spots heats up

### Tuesday, January 23

[U-BT Cluj-Napoca vs. Dolomiti Energia Trento](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/game-center/2023-24/u-bt-cluj-napoca-dolomiti-energia-trento/U2023/158/)

Playoff-bound Cluj (11-4) will look to boost its chances of clinching a top-two finish as it hosts a Trento team (7-8) also looking to qualify for the postseason from a very tight Group B. Cluj has won three straight and can also take confidence from a colossal 60-98 victory over the Italian team earlier this season, when [Karel Guzman](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/players/karel-guzman/011797/)’s double-double of  14 points and 12 rebounds helped make the difference. [Andrejs Grazulis](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/players/andrejs-grazulis/005738/) had 15 points and 8 boards in that game, and his showdown with Guzman will be a highlight again this week.

[Buducnost VOLI Podgorica vs. ratiopharm Ulm](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/game-center/2023-24/buducnost-voli-podgorica-ratiopharm-ulm/U2023/157/)

Ulm (8-7) will look to seal a playoff place by ending an alarming four-game losing streak as it travels to Buducnost (6-9), which certainly hasn’t given up on its own chances of advancing despite losing two of the last three. The German team cruised home, 84-67, when the teams met in November, led by 12 points and 10 assists from gifted young guard [Juan Nunez](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/players/juan-nunez/010106/), who has committed 5 turnovers in two of the last three games. Buducnost will look for backcourt control from [McKinley Wright](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/players/mckinley-wright-iv/012606/), who has scored in double digits in five straight games.

[Paris Basketball vs. Joventut Badalona](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/game-center/2023-24/paris-basketball-joventut-badalona/U2023/152/)

One of the games of the regular season between two genuine title contenders will see first-placed Paris (14-1) tested by red-hot Joventut (10-5). Both teams are on seven-game winning streaks, with the Spanish team keeping alive its hopes of a two-top finish by overcoming London last week thanks to buzzer-beating heroics from [Andres Feliz](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/players/andres-feliz/011247/). His showdown with another of the competition’s best guards, [TJ Shorts](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/players/tj-shorts/012608/), is sure to provide thrills, as will the clash in the paint between in-form [Leon Kratzer](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/players/leon-kratzer/004512/) and veteran [Ante Tomic](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/players/ante-tomic/002507/).

Paris have appeared unstoppable, with guard Nadir Hifi's average of 15.8 ppg just one of many weapons available to Coach Tuomas Iisalo, whilst Joventut harbour injury-issues, yet are well- led by veteran shooter DeShaun Thomas, who has seized at least 16 in each of the last five outings.

Joventut Badalona-Paris Basketball | Round 7 Highlights | 2023-24 BKT EuroCup

### Wednesday, January 24

[Turk Telekom Ankara vs. 7bet-Lietkabelis Panevezys](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/game-center/2023-24/turk-telekom-ankara-7bet-lietkabelis-panevezys/U2023/160/)

Wednesday’s first game will see Turk Telekom (6-9) look to maintain its postseason hopes against an equally desperate Lietkabelis (5-10), which must win all its remaining games to have any hope of advancing. Lietkabelis won 93-86 when the teams met in Round 7 and thus could complete a potentially important clean sweep with a road win. The Turkish team has won three in a row, helped by [James Palmer](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/players/james-palmer-jr-/011834/) hitting fine form. He will match up against [Gediminas Orelik](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/players/gediminas-orelik/002012/), who will look to help end Lietkabelis’s three-game losing run by delivering his season average of 15.9 points.

[Hapoel Shlomo Tel Aviv vs. Prometey Slobozhanske](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/game-center/2023-24/hapoel-shlomo-tel-aviv-prometey-slobozhanske/U2023/151/)

Both teams will have huge motivation as Hapoel (11-4) looks to protect second place with a visit from Prometey (8-7), which could seal a playoff berth with a road victory and an Umana Reyer Venice loss later in the evening. Hapoel is looking to snap a two-game losing streak, while Prometey was boosted by a big win over Wolves last week. [Tai Odiase](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/players/tai-odiase/011823/) was the key figure with 19 points as Prometey won 98-89 when the teams met in Round 9 and he remains a key performer with double digits scoring in five of the last six games. Hapoel will look for backcourt dominance from [Xavier Munford](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/players/xavier-munford/007759/), who has multiple triples in four straight games.

[Aris Midea Thessaloniki vs. Mincidelice JL Bourg en Bresse](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/game-center/2023-24/aris-midea-thessaloniki-mincidelice-jl-bourg-en-bresse/U2023/156/)

Aris (7-8) is hoping to stay strong in the playoff chase against Group B leader Bourg (12-3), with both teams on a hot streak after winning four of the last five. Aris’s league-best defense wasn’t enough when the teams last met, as Bourg squeezed out a 72-65 home victory. The versatile [Zaccharie Risacher](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/players/zaccharie-risacher/010718/) top scored with 16 points and his confidence is high after netting 22 in last week’s win over Lietkabelis. Aris will look for more heroics from [Roberto Gallinat](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/players/roberto-gallinat/012708/), who scored last week’s buzzer-beating game-winner against Buducnost.

Bourg leads the league in steals and the likes of Isiaha Mike could prove pivotal in recovering from defeat at Lietkabelis. They welcome Aris, who are battling to protect its top-eight credentials after overcoming beating Buducnost, which was with many thanks to Dimitris Katsivelis' strong finale.

Mincidelice JL Bourg en Bress-Aris Midea Thessaloniki | Round 7 Highlights | 2023-24 BKT EuroCup

[Veolia Towers Hamburg vs. Cedevita Olimpija Ljubljana](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/game-center/2023-24/veolia-towers-hamburg-cedevita-olimpija-ljubljana/U2023/154/)

Two eliminated teams will play to avoid the wooden spoon, as Hamburg (2-13) welcomes Cedevita (0-15). The German team edged the Round 7 encounter 83-86, partly thanks to 21 points from [Aljami Durham](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/players/aljami-durham/012582/). He should get ready for a good battle with [Justin Cobbs](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/players/justin-cobbs/005969/), who had 19 points and 9 assists in last week’s loss to Reyer. That game saw the same old problems for Cedevita, which allowed 104 points and has the worst defense in the competition with an average of 98.5 points allowed. Hamburg is next worst with 91.9 points per game.

[Slask Wroclaw vs. Dreamland Gran Canaria](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/game-center/2023-24/slask-wroclaw-dreamland-gran-canaria/U2023/159/)

After losing four of the last five, reigning champ Gran Canaria (11-4) is urgently looking for a return to form with a trip to eliminated Slask (2-13). Gran Canaria has averaged 23.2 assists per game, second best in the league, and will look to regain its offensive fluidity against a Slask team that has been hindered all season by carelessness with the basketball, averaging a league second-worst 16.4 turnovers per night. Gran Canaria triumphed 81-77 when the teams met in Round 7, extending a winning run that extends back to 2007.

[Umana Reyer Venice vs. Wolves Vilnius](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/game-center/2023-24/umana-reyer-venice-wolves-vilnius/U2023/155/)

Only a victory will be enough as two teams outside the playoff zone meet, with Reyer (6-9) hosting Wolves (5-10). Reyer has kept its hopes alive by grabbing two consecutive victories and also claimed a conclusive 77-93 victory over Wolves in Round 7 on the back of 24 points from [Barry Brown](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/players/barry-brown-jr/012590/). Wolves will hope [Jeffery Taylor](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/players/jeffery-taylor/006546/) can continue his strong form after registering PIRs of 17 and 20 in the last two games, while [Kyle Wiltjer](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/players/kyle-wiltjer/008052/)’s long-range shooting threat – with multiple triples in six straight games – could again be a valuable weapon for the Italian team.

Besiktas Emlakjet Istanbul-London Lions | Round 7 Highlights | 2023-24 BKT EuroCup

[London Lions vs. Besiktas Emlakjet Istanbul](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/game-center/2023-24/london-lions-besiktas-emlakjet-istanbul/U2023/153/)

London (10-5) will look to bounce back from last week’s last-gasp loss to Joventut and continue its challenge for a top-two finish with a visit from Besiktas (9-6), which is also aiming to enter the playoffs on a high after winning three of the last four. London outlasted the Turkish team, 80-83, when they met in November, with a major role for [Matt Morgan](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/players/matthew-morgan/012585/) as he bagged 17 points, 8 rebounds and 7 assists. Besiktas will counter him with [Jonah Mathews](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/players/jonah-mathews/011936/), who led the way with 22 points in last week’s win over Hamburg and will have a big role again on Wednesday.

Derek Needham of Besiktas Emlakjet Istanbul is guarded by Jordan Taylor of the London Lions in the two teams' Round 7 matchup in the 2023-24 BKT EuroCup Regular Season.

Time is running out in the BKT EuroCup as the remaining playoff places are contested and qualified teams battle for the highest possible finish. This is what to expect this week.

Turk Telekom Ankara v 7bet-Lietkabelis Panevezys (2024-01-24T17:00:00.000Z)

U-BT Cluj-Napoca v Dolomiti Energia Trento (2024-01-23T17:00:00.000Z)

Buducnost VOLI Podgorica v ratiopharm Ulm (2024-01-23T18:00:00.000Z)

Aris Midea Thessaloniki v Mincidelice JL Bourg en Bresse (2024-01-24T18:00:00.000Z)

Paris Basketball v Joventut Badalona (2024-01-23T19:30:00.000Z)

Hapoel Shlomo Tel Aviv v Prometey Slobozhanske (2024-01-24T17:30:00.000Z)

Paris Basketball has taken a unique approach defensively to capitalize on its shot-making and to leverage its depth by using full-court pressure on more than 30% of its defensive possessions.

Stats review: Using full-court pressure

Paris Basketball is now three wins clear of the rest of Group A following its victory over second-place Hapoel Shlomo Tel Aviv in Round 15. With 14 wins and a single loss, Paris has taken the BKT EuroCup by storm this season. While the team's record pace in offensive efficiency has a lot to do with that, Paris has taken a unique approach defensively to capitalize on its shot-making and to leverage its depth.

Full-court pressure is a bit of a rarity at the highest levels of professional basketball. It's a taxing style of play that requires great commitment from the defenders trying to keep the ball in front of them the full length of the floor. As a result, teams only send defenders to pick up the ball over the length of the court on around 11% of all possessions, with many of those coming in situations where a team is forced to commit a quick foul.

Paris has picked up full-court on a EuroCup-record 31% of the possessions it has faced this season. While a few teams will test the boundaries toward the 20% mark in some years, 30% is nearly double the league-high in many seasons over the last decade. While Paris may not employ the most effective full-court press in terms of efficiency or steal rate this season, its combination of effectiveness and consistency poses a unique challenge for opposing offenses.

Paris Basketball steals

Paris has been able to push that boundary due to a confluence of strengths. Its virtually unprecedented shot-making consistency is a key factor in how prolific the team has been picking up in the backcourt, since it is far more difficult to press off missed shots or turnovers compared to makes. Able to go 11 deep in the rotation, as it did in Round 15, means that Paris's depth is also a significant factor in that full-court strategy as teams that press regularly must be able to rotate liberally due to the physical toll that style of play takes on players.

Sometimes Paris's pressure quickens the pace and sometimes it forces opposing offenses to grind out long possessions. In general, it accomplishes its goal of disrupting the flow of the game. That is an interesting wrinkle for what will likely be the first team in EuroCup history to score over 1.11 points per possession for a full season and something to monitor as it pursues championship aspirations in the coming months.

The BKT EuroCup's top team overall so far scores a lot but is also playing more full-court defense more than any team in competition history.

Wolves Vilnius announced early Sunday that head coach Kestutis Kemzura is leaving the club. 

Wolves parts ways with Coach Kemzura

Wolves Vilnius announced early Sunday that head coach Kestutis Kemzura is leaving the club. The move was made by mutual agreement. Kemzura, 53, assumed the Wolves’ helm in March of last year and guided the club to a runner-up finish in the Northern European Basketball League.

"Taking this step was not easy. However, the play of our team in the recent period did not satisfy the coaching staff or the club management and the results did not reflect our capabilities in any way,” Wolves sports director Donatas Zavackas explained.

“We are confident that the team can play much better. Therefore, speaking with Kestutis Kemzura, we came to a common opinion that changes are necessary for the team to move forward. We thank him for his professional work and historic victories for the club both in the national championship and in the EuroCup and we wish him the greatest success in the future."

Assistant coach Nedas Pacevicius guided Wolves on Sunday in a Lithuanian Cup quarterfinal tie against Zalgiris Kaunas, which finished 72-72.

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Assistant coach Nedas Pacevicius stepped in as interim head coach for the club’s Lithuanian Cup tie against Zalgiris Kaunas on Sunday.

Wolves part ways with Coach Kemzura

Joventut Badalona is on a seven-game winning run in the EuroCup and seems to be getting better and better.

Joventut Badalona is showing its EuroCup title credentials

When Joventut Badalona lost 103-99 at Hapoel Shlomo Tel Aviv in Round 8 of the 2023-24 BKT EuroCup season, the picture looked pretty bleak. Not only was that the club’s third straight defeat, causing it to fall to a 3-5 record, but there had been murmurings of discontent in the camp. On top of that, injuries had hit Joventut hard in the opening eight rounds of the campaign.

Since then, though, there’s been no stopping Carles Duran’s side. Joventut is in the midst of a seven-game winning run in the EuroCup, most of its key players are now available again and a new signing has further bolstered the team’s options. All of a sudden, Joventut now looks like one of the clear favorites to become this season’s EuroCup champion.

### Getting key players available again

One of the main sparks behind Joventut’s turnaround has been the return of [Andres Feliz](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/players/andres-feliz/011247/), who played in that Round 8 loss at Hapoel after missing the previous five games. The Dominican Republic international is one of his team’s main weapons and has been crucial in some of its victories in this stretch, most notably at Besiktas Emlakjet Istanbul in Round 10 and with [his game-winning shot at the London Lions in Round 15](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/news/joventut-badalona-andres-feliz-showed-that-hes-the-man-for-the-big-moment/). Having Feliz available – and playing at the level he has shown this season – is a huge weapon for Joventut.

The Lions triumphed in the reverse fixture behind 21 points from Gabe Olaseni, who grabbed his fifth double-double of the season in a victory over Hapoel. They host a Joventut outfit aiming to secure a playoff berth by grabbing a seventh straight success via the talents of veteran big man Ante Tomic.

London Lions-Joventut Badalona | Round 15 Highlights | 2023-24 BKT EuroCup

Just one week after Feliz returned to action, [Ante Tomic](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/players/ante-tomic/002507/) followed suit. In fact, Joventut’s seven-game winning streak has coincided with the veteran Croatian being available again. A coincidence? I think not. Tomic makes Joventut a better team and also a smarter one. His playmaking ability from the “five” position cannot be understated, and he’s dovetailed perfectly in recent weeks with a center who has very different characteristics.

That man is, of course, [Tyler Cook](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/players/tyler-calvin-cook/012780/). The 26-year-old big man, who played 65 games across five teams in the NBA, has started to find his feet in Badalona and is certainly a better fit chemistry-wise than Chinanu Onuaku, whose time at Joventut lasted just four games. Forward Deshaun Thomas, another big-name summer addition, also left the team after Round 11.

Therefore, the only notable addition from the offseason who is still plying his trade under Coach Duran is [Andrew Andrews](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/players/andrew-andrews/011248/), who has slowly but surely started to integrate into the team’s style. Importantly, [Joventut’s 80-82 win in London](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/news/joventut-badalona-locks-up-playoff-spot-by-downing-london-lions-at-the-buzzer-80-82/) also saw [Shannon Evans](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/players/shannon-evans/010677/) make his EuroCup debut for the team, with the ex-Valencia Basket guard recording 12 points, 5 rebounds and 7 assists.

<center>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="ca" dir="ltr">🫱 𝑇𝑜𝑡𝑠 𝑗𝑢𝑛𝑡𝑠 𝑠𝑒𝑔𝑢𝑖𝑚 𝑓𝑒𝑛𝑡 𝑐𝑎𝑚𝑖́. 𝐹𝑜𝑟𝑐̧𝑎 𝑃𝑒𝑛𝑦𝑎! 🫲 <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Badalona%C3%89sFutur?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#BadalonaÉsFutur</a> <a href="https://t.co/2sJZDXtaA5">pic.twitter.com/2sJZDXtaA5</a></p>&mdash; Club Joventut Badalona (@Penya1930) <a href="https://twitter.com/Penya1930/status/1747921782110327011?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 18, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Together, Andrews and Evans form arguably the best backcourt duo in the EuroCup, so once they get on the same page as one another, it could be curtains for the rest of the competition. The addition of Evans has made a good roster even better, but with Joventut securing its playoff spot with a win against London, the goal is to keep this momentum going.

“It’s very difficult in this competition,” Coach Duran said in the post-game flash interview. “But now, in the second half of the season, you only think about the next game. We need more victories; we need to improve in the standings. Today was a very important game for us, but now we’re thinking about the next one. I’m very happy with the team because it’s very difficult to play here and London played very well.”

### Taking advantage of the schedule

Perhaps one of the notable aspects behind Joventut’s recent run has been a friendlier schedule, too, as prior to Round 15, its four most recent wins were against the four teams sitting outside the playoff spots. Yet, having started this streak with back-to-back wins against sixth-placed Prometey Slobozhanske (Round 9) and fifth-placed Besiktas Emlakjet Istanbul (Round 10), its triumph against third-placed London in Round 15 showed that it can cause problems for any team in Group A.

That sentiment will be put to the test in Round 16, however, as Joventut looks to do what only Besiktas has been able to do this season: beat Paris Basketball. Joventut may have its playoff spot in the bag, but it is still jostling for position in the standings and is keen to end the regular season on a high.

“We will try to finish the regular season in the best position possible,” Duran reflected in the post-game press conference on Wednesday. “It’s clear that it is difficult for us because we play against Paris and Prometey on the road and Hapoel at home. But the next thing is Paris. I don’t want to think about the future. We need to improve, because we’re trying to come into the playoffs in good form, but now we’re thinking about the next step and the next step for me is Paris.”

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="ca" dir="ltr">Bona nit… i FORÇA PENYA! 💚🖤<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Badalona%C3%89sFutur?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#BadalonaÉsFutur</a> <a href="https://t.co/e9jobAVCHZ">pic.twitter.com/e9jobAVCHZ</a></p>&mdash; Club Joventut Badalona (@Penya1930) <a href="https://twitter.com/Penya1930/status/1747746842090090662?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 17, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Next Tuesday’s trip to the French capital should be a great test between two teams looking to go all the way in the EuroCup this season. Joventut is on a roll and if it can notch its eight straight win at Paris, it would send a message to the entire competition that there’s a new favorite in town.

It was just under two months ago that Joventut lost at Hapoel and some fans were even calling for Coach Duran’s head. Now, Joventut is heading to the postseason and is eyeing a spot in the Turkish Airlines EuroLeague, where it hasn’t played since the 2008-09 season. A lot can change in basketball in just a couple of months.

More Joventut News

The Joventut Badalona players celebrate after Andres Feliz's game-winning basket against the London Lions in Round 15 of the 2023-24 BKT EuroCup Regular Season.

Carles Duran’s side has now won seven games in a row in the competition.

Joventut is showing its EuroCup title credentials

London Lions v Joventut Badalona (2024-01-17T19:30:00.000Z)

Look back at all the action in the Regular Season Round 15 by checking out the best photos of the week! 

Top 10 photos of Round 15

Look back at all the action in the Regular Season Round 15 by checking out the best photos of the week!