Up to three more playoff spots could be confirmed as Round 15 of the BKT EuroCup takes flight on Tuesday and Wednesday. Here's your guide to all the action.

This week: Three more teams eyeing the playoffs

### Tuesday, January 16

[Dolomiti Energia Trento vs. Slask Wroclaw](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/game-center/2023-24/dolomiti-energia-trento-slask-wroclaw/U2023/148/)

Tuesday's lone game will see Trento (6-8) attempt to get its playoff challenge back on track with a visit from last-placed Slask (2-12). In a meeting of two of the league's lowest-scoring teams, Trento will look to Kamar Baldwin to repeat the 17 points that led to a 75-84 road win at Slask in Round 4. Kendale McCullum paced Slask in that game with 19 points, and his return from injury played a part in last week's shock win over Ulm as the Polish side looks to finish the regular season on a high.

After winning two consecutive games for the first time in two years, Trento endeavour to bolster their postseason-push playoffs through rising star Quinn Ellis. Meanwhile, Slask remains at the foot of Group B but can take heart from a gutsy overtime loss at Ulm, where Lukasz Kolenda poured in 29 points.

Slask Wroclaw-Dolomiti Energia Trento | Round 6 Highlights | 2023-24 BKT EuroCup

### Wednesday, January 17

[Prometey Slobozhanske vs. Wolves Vilnius ](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/game-center/2023-24/prometey-slobozhanske-wolves-vilnius/U2023/141/)

Wednesday's opening tip-off will see Prometey (7-7) attempt to protect its place in the all-important top six with a visit from Wolves (5-9), which also has postseason hopes after ending a six-game losing streak last week. The power of Ondrey Balvin helps make Prometey the best rebounding and shot-blocking team in the competition (39.6 rpg., 3.9 bpg.) and Wolves will look to overcome that with the help of Rasheed Sulaimon, who scored 30 points in a Round 6 win over Prometey, 85-71, and made a welcome return from injury last week.

[Hapoel Shlomo Tel Aviv vs. Paris Basketball ](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/game-center/2023-24/hapoel-shlomo-tel-aviv-paris-basketball/U2023/145/)

In a big battle at the top of Group A, second-placed Hapoel (11-3) will attempt to challenge the group leadership of red-hot Paris (13-1). These are the top two scoring teams in the competition and a fascinating backcourt battle awaits between Xavier Munford (16.7 points and 4.2 assists per game) and TJ Shorts (17.7 ppg., 7.4 apg.). Paris forward Collin Malcolm will have fond memories of the Round 6 meeting between the teams as he poured in 23 points on 4-of-8 three-point shooting to help secure a crushing 114-87 victory.

[Cedevita Olimpija Ljubljana vs. Umana Reyer Venice ](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/game-center/2023-24/cedevita-olimpija-ljubljana-umana-reyer-venice/U2023/142/)

Cedevita's (0-14) quest for a first win of the season continues with a visit from Reyer (5-9), which boosted its hopes of catching up with the top six by ending a four-game losing streak last week. Kyle Wiltjer was the architect of that overtime win against Besiktas with 32 points and he'll look to continue his accuracy from long-range against the threat of Cedevita playmaker Justin Cobbs, who has averaged 19 points in the last three games. Reyer won 95-87 when the teams met in Round 6, led by 21 points from Barry Brown.

[Aris Midea Thessaloniki vs. Buducnost VOLI Podgorica ](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/game-center/2023-24/aris-midea-thessaloniki-buducnost-voli-podgorica/U2023/150/)

A key battle between direct rivals in Group B will see Aris (6-8) welcome Buducnost (6-8) for a game that could go a long way towards deciding playoff qualification. A home win would also give Aris a head-to-head advantage after grinding out a 63-65 road win at Buducnost in November. Yoan Moukoundou's 20 points weren't enough for victory that day as Aris big man Kris Bankston scored 14 points without a miss, and their battle for inside supremacy will again be crucial. Buducnost will again look for leadership from McKinley Wright after his 16 points helped beat Bourg last week. 

Two clubs keen to get back on the winning track go head-to-head. Buducnost seek a spark from from Mckinley Wright, who has averaged 13.8 ppg, while Aris are armed with three-point specialist Roberto Gallinat, who's consistently delivered with 16.8 ppg this term.

Buducnost VOLI Podgorica-Aris Medea Thessaloniki | Round 6 Highlights | 2023-24 BKT EuroCup

[ratiopharm Ulm vs. U-BT Cluj-Napoca ](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/game-center/2023-24/ratiopharm-ulm-u-bt-cluj-napoca/U2023/149/)

After seeing in-form Cluj (10-4) clinch a playoff berth last week, wobbling Ulm (8-6) will look to join them by ending a three-game losing streak. Cluj has already beaten the German champ this season, winning 86-75 in November thanks to 21 points from DJ Seeley. One of the league's rebounding and PIR leaders, Trevion Williams posted a double doubles that wasn't enough that night for Ulm, which desperately needs to improve its defense after allowing 94, 85 and 100 points in its recent three losses.

[JL Bourg en Bresse vs. 7bet-Lietkabelis Panevezys ](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/game-center/2023-24/mincidelice-jl-bourg-en-bresse-7bet-lietkabelis-panevezys/U2023/146/)

After ending a seven-game winning run with last week’s surprise defeat against Buducnost, playoff-bound Bourg (11-3) will look to recover its winning ways with a visit from Lietkabelis (5-9). The visiting team is currently one win outside the top six, but can take confidence from a thrilling 100-96 victory over Bourg in Round 6. Deividas Sirvydis was the inspiration for that win with 27 points and he is one of the competition's hottest players with at least 16 points in six straight games. The task of slowing him down falls to Jequan Lewis, who has at least one steal in seven out of eight games this season.

[Veolia Hamburg Towers vs. Besiktas Emlakjet Istanbul ](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/game-center/2023-24/veolia-towers-hamburg-besiktas-emlakjet-istanbul/U2023/143/)

Victory over lowly Hamburg (2-12) could be enough to secure a playoff place for Besiktas (8-6), which is looking to bounce straight back from last week's overtime loss to Reyer. The Turkish team will expect to recover its usual high defensive standards, as well as repeat the offensive execution that led to a 90-78 win over Hamburg earlier this season. Two big men played a prominent part in that game, with Besiktas center Angel Delgado grabbing 16 points and 10 rebounds, while Aleksander Dziewa had 21 points and 8 boards for Hamburg. Their tussle is sure to be crucial again this week.

High-flying Besiktas may be optimistic of a fifth win in six outings as it welcomes a Hamburg still awaiting their first success of 23/24. The power of William Christmas can help the Germans compete physically, yet the form of the Turks' Angel Delgado and his 7.8 boards might be cause for concern.

Besiktas Emlakjet Istanbul-Veolia Towers Hamburg | Round 6 Highlights | 2023-24 BKT EuroCup

[London Lions vs. Joventut Badalona ](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/game-center/2023-24/london-lions-joventut-badalona/U2023/144/)

Red-hot Joventut (9-5) will aim to secure a playoff berth by grabbing a seventh straight win with a tough trip to a London (10-4) team already inked into the postseason. The English team triumphed in Spain in November, 76-87, behind 21 points from Gabe Olaseni, who grabbed his fifth double-double of the season in last week's win over Hapoel. But Joventut has improved a lot since then, and veteran big man Ante Tomic is ready to challenge Olaseni after recording 21 points and 10 rebounds in last week's win over Hamburg. 

[Dreamland Gran Canaria vs. Turk Telekom Ankara ](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/game-center/2023-24/dreamland-gran-canaria-turk-telekom-ankara/U2023/147/)

Reigning champion Gran Canaria (11-3) will look to maintain at least a share of the top position in Group B against a Turk Telekom (5-9) team that has kept alive its playoffs hopes with two straight wins based on excellent defense. The Spanish team ended a three-game losing slide by overcoming Lietkabelis last week, with 23 points from Ethan Happ. He also shined in November's 69-82 win at Turk Telekom, which had Steven Enoch continue his magnificent form in the paint by contributing 16 points and 13 rebounds in last week's crucial triumph over Trento.

Aris Midea Thessaloniki v Buducnost VOLI Podgorica (2024-01-17T18:00:00.000Z)

ratiopharm Ulm v U-BT Cluj-Napoca (2024-01-17T18:30:00.000Z)

Dolomiti Energia Trento v Slask Wroclaw (2024-01-16T19:00:00.000Z)

Dreamland Gran Canaria v Turk Telekom Ankara (2024-01-17T20:00:00.000Z)

Mincidelice JL Bourg en Bresse v 7bet-Lietkabelis Panevezys (2024-01-17T18:30:00.000Z)

Hapoel Shlomo Tel Aviv v Paris Basketball (2024-01-17T17:30:00.000Z)

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

Veolia Towers Hamburg v Besiktas Emlakjet Istanbul (2024-01-17T18:30:00.000Z)

Cedevita Olimpija Ljubljana v Umana Reyer Venice (2024-01-17T17:30:00.000Z)

Prometey Slobozhanske v Wolves Vilnius (2024-01-17T17:00:00.000Z)

The pair of Round 14 games that had the biggest impact on the BKT EuroCup standings both hinged on three-point shooting.

Stats review: A make-or-miss proposition

In Group A, Umana Reyer Venice kept their postseason hopes alive with an overtime home victory against Besiktas Emlakjet Istanbul. Reyer needed every one of the 16 three-pointers they made to overcome Besiktas's dominant margin in the possession battle. Their scorching-hot 62% shooting from beyond the arc helped Reyer escape with the win.

In Group B, Buducnost VOLI Podgorica overcame some poor shooting of their own by holding Mincidelice JL Bourg en Bresse to just 2-for-18 from beyond the arc over the last two quarters. That outcome allowed Dreamland Gran Canaria to slide back into first place after they snapped their three-game losing streak against 7bet-Lietkabelis Panevezys.

The bounces teams get from beyond the arc often tend to dictate the outcome of games, and, in the case of both key games last week, had a relevant impact [on the standings](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/standings/). 

Some teams get a lot more of those bounces than others. As the graph above suggests, what Buducnost accomplished in the second half of that game on the defensive end was really something, considering that Bourg is one of three teams that have shot the three-pointer nearly 5% better than average this season, both off the catch and off the dribble. That's no small difference, given that the average EuroCup team attempts over 25 three-pointers per game; a 5% difference in accuracy equates to just under 4 points per game. 

For their own part, Buducnost may be the most mismatched team in the EuroCup from beyond the arc. They rank second in pull-up three-point percentage but have struggled to knock down catch-and-shoot jump shots. It would not be especially surprising if a rise to the mean between those two types of shots propelled Buducnost into the playoff picture in tightly packed Group B. 

### Catch-and-shoot volume

That is especially true considering the role volume plays in this equation. While this graph is meant to focus on accuracy, it is worth noting that a team's vertical placement on this graph is dramatically more important than where they land horizontally as 68% of all three-point attempts in the EuroCup come in catch-and-shoot situations. 

With only four regular season games remaining, results are critical moving forward. With the top-three seeds in both groups having already clinched playoff berths, there's still a lot to settle towards the middle of the standings. 

The competition in Group B is going to be especially fierce, but there's still plenty of possibilities in Group A as well. Which teams are able to will in a few extra shots from beyond the arc may well be the story at the end of the regular season, just like it was in Round 14.

Hapoel Shlomo Tel Aviv released an update on Saturday on the status of four of its injured stars. 

Hapoel’s John Holland sidelined with torn hamstring 

Veteran swingman [John Holland](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/players/john-holland/004267/) will miss up to six weeks as he recovers from a torn hamstring suffered during last week’s loss at London Lions. Holland has averaged 7.3 points on 43.2% three-point shooting in 13 games this season. 

[Braian Angola](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/players/braian-angola/010465/), who was dealing with a groin strain, has returned to light practice and could be back to game action in the next week or two. In 11 games this season, Angola has averaged 13.5 points on 41.8% three-point shooting plus 4.0 rebounds, 3.8 assists and 1.5 steals.

Big man [Jaylen Hoard](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/players/jaylen-hoard/006835/), who tore his quadriceps muscle, is expected to return to light training next weekend and to full activity in about three weeks. Hoard is the team's top scorer this season with 17.3 points per game in addition to 5.2 rebounds on average.

[J'Covan Brown](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/players/j-covan-brown/011991/), who underwent surgery for a sports hernia, continues his recovery process and is expected to return to activity in a few weeks. Brown, out since mid-December, is second in the EuroCup in assists with 6.9 per game. 

Hapoel is second in Group A with an 11-3 record and has already clinched a playoff berth. It faces top-ranked Paris Basketball this week.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="iw" dir="rtl">עדכון על מצב הפצועים:<br><br>בראיין אנגולה שסבל ממתיחה במפשעה חזר בימים האחרונים לאימונים באופן חלקי והוא מתקדם בהליך השיקום שלו. הוא צפוי לחזור לפעילות בטווח זמן של בין שבוע לשבועיים.<br><br>ג&#39;ייקובן בראון שסובל מבקע ספורטאים ממשיך בתהליך ההחלמה מהניתוח אותו עבר בגרמניה. והוא צפוי לחזור… <a href="https://t.co/th3TtE1FMd">pic.twitter.com/th3TtE1FMd</a></p>&mdash; Hapoel Tel Aviv BC (@HapoelTLVBC) <a href="https://twitter.com/HapoelTLVBC/status/1746261155536949621?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 13, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Budućnost VOLI has a realistic shot at making the 2023-24 EuroCup Playoffs after notching an impressive win against JL Bourg-en-Bresse in Round 14.

Budućnost VOLI is alive and kicking after refusing to go down against Bourg

It might be a bit early to be talking about a make-or-break type of game, but that was the situation for Buducnost VOLI Podgorica entering Round 14 of the 2023-24 BKT EuroCup Regular Season.

With a 5-8 record in Group B and on the outside looking in regarding the playoffs, the visit of a Mincidelice JL Bourg en Bresse side that had won seven straight was hardly what the doctor had ordered. But, Andrej Zakelj’s side managed to [complete a comeback and emerge as the 78-74 winner](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/news/buducnost-voli-stuns-group-b-leader-jl-bourg-en-bresse-78-74/), improving to 6-8 in the process. Buducnost in seventh is now tied record-wise with Aris Midea Thessaloniki in fifth and Dolomiti Energia Trento in sixth.

<center>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Hard fought win 🔵⚪️<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/KKB?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#KKB</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/HukMora%C4%8De?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#HukMorače</a> <a href="https://t.co/Ojp5C1nAtc">pic.twitter.com/Ojp5C1nAtc</a></p>&mdash; KK Budućnost VOLI (@KKBuducnostVOLI) <a href="https://twitter.com/KKBuducnostVOLI/status/1745179281355845876?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 10, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

### Responding in fine fashion

Buducnost got off to a great start, but Bourg found its rhythm in the second quarter and took the lead before having a 30-39 advantage at the break. A couple of minutes into the third, Bourg was up by double digits, 35-46. It looked like back-to-back defeats were on the cards, which would have been a major blog to the club’s postseason hopes, yet the hosts would go on to outscore the French visitors 43-28 the rest of the way.

Even at the halftime interval, Buducnost center Nikola Tanaskovic knew that his team was capable of going to another level, having put up 30 points through the first 20 minutes: “Our team is capable of scoring much more than this.” It would turn out that Mr. Tanaskovic knew exactly what he was talking about, and the Montenegrin team’s defense also tightened things up, too.

“We were nervous in the first half, especially on offense; we didn’t score anything,” acknowledged Coach Zakelj in the post-game flash interview. “Then, with better defense in the third quarter, we came back. The players deserved to win.”

Isiaha Mike maintained his great form with 22 points and 8 rebounds when Bourg grabbed an important win over Gran Canaria. Buducnost are expected to counter through the skills and experience of Brandon Paul as they strive to reach the postseason and avoid a premature exit from the tournament.

Buducnost VOLI Podgorica-Mincidelice JL Bourg en Bresse| Round 14 Highlights | 2023-24 BKT EuroCup

### Makoundou stood out for Buducnost

One of the key contributors on both ends of the floor was Yoan Makoundou, a loanee from AS Monaco who is showing that he deserves a crack at the Turkish Airlines EuroLeague. The 23-year-old’s all-action play saw him finish with 12 points, 6 rebounds, 1 steal and 1 block, yet it was his intangibles that gave his side a shot in the arm: his hustle, his never-say-die attitude, and his desire to make winning plays, even if they don’t show up in the stats sheet.

“It was one hell of a game,” recognized Makoundou. “Both teams competed until the end. We really wanted this one, so I’m really glad that I’ve been able to help my teammates finally get this win. Now, we’re focusing on the next game, but it was a heck of a game.”

<center>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="fr" dir="ltr">l&#39;homme du match 🔵⚪️🏀<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/kkb?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#kkb</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/hukmora%C4%8De?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#hukmorače</a> <a href="https://t.co/BEh6XNUrbT">pic.twitter.com/BEh6XNUrbT</a></p>&mdash; KK Budućnost VOLI (@KKBuducnostVOLI) <a href="https://twitter.com/KKBuducnostVOLI/status/1745199137111298526?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 10, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

### The playoff battle

Every game for Buducnost is going to be like this at the moment, as it attempts to make up for a 2-5 start to the campaign. Coach Zakelj arrived just prior to Round 8 and has since guided his group to a 4-3 record, which has seen Buducnost begin to dream about a spot in the EuroCup Playoffs once again.

With the quality it has on its roster, postseason basketball should have been a given for this team, but a strong side on paper means nothing if the players can’t back it up on the court. Coach Zakelj is still putting his fingerprints on this group, and there have been positive signs, but he does need to find a way to stop his team’s habit of winning one before losing one week later. Should he do that, we should expect to see Buducnost in the postseason.

It seems the race for the EuroCup Playoffs is going right down to the wire, so Buducnost just needs to be within touching distance. As such, winning at Aris in Round 15 needs to be an imperative.

More Buducnost News

Yogi Ferrell of Buducnost VOLI Podgorica has possession against Mincidelice JL Bourg en Bresse in Round 14 of the 2023-24 BKT EuroCup Regular Season.

By winning in Round 14, Andrej Zakelj’s squad has a realistic shot at making the EuroCup Playoffs.

Buducnost is alive and kicking after refusing to go down against Bourg

Buducnost VOLI Podgorica v Mincidelice JL Bourg en Bresse (2024-01-10T18:00:00.000Z)

Look back at all the action in the Regular Season Round 14 by checking out the best photos of the week! 

Top 10 photos of Round 14

Look back at all the action in the Regular Season Round 14 by checking out the best photos of the week!

These five players impressed enough in Round 14 to earn their place in the roll call after the first week of BKT EuroCup games in 2024.

Round 14 roll call: Marek Klassen, Tarik Phillip, Emanuel Cate, Vaidas Kariniauskas, Yigitcan Saybir

### Klassen has strong Slask debut

Joining the EuroCup midway through the season is always tough, but that has not been the case for [Marek Klassen](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/players/marek-klassen/012094/), who had a stellar return to the competition with Slask Wroclaw. Klassen led Slask to its second victory in Group B, downing ratiopharm Ulm 100-88 at home. He posted a double-double of 13 points and 10 assists. Klassen made 3 of 5 shots from beyond the arc and added 2 rebounds, 1 steal and 2 fouls drawn for a PIR of 14. At age 31, Klassen is back in Poland after playing in Romania, England, Turkey, the United States, Ukraine, Sweden, Canada, the Czech Republic, France and Greece, so, of course, adjusting to the new team so quickly has been easy for him.

Marek Klassen led Slask Wroclaw to its second victory in Group B, downing ratiopharm Ulm 100-88 at home. He posted a double-double of 13 points and 10 assists, hitting 3 of 5 shots from beyond the arc.

Klassen has double-double in Slask debut

### Tarik Phillip sewed up London's big win

Six teammates may have scored more than him, but London Lions guard [Tarik Phillip](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/players/tarik-phillip/009649/) had everything to do with his team pulling out a crucial 96-100 road win over the team above it in the Group A standings, Hapoel Shlomo Tel Aviv. With Jordan Taylor out of the lineup, Phillip dedicated himself to defense and assist-making, pulling 6 rebounds and dishing 7 dimes to go with his 9 points, including 2 free throws to ice the outcome with 5 seconds left. While his teammates poured in the points, his plus/minus rating of +9 led London and his poise at the finish made sure to get the job done against a dangerous opponent.

Tarik Phillip (9 points) Highlights vs. Hapoel Tel Aviv, 01/09/2024

Tarik Phillip sewed up London's big win

### Cate helps Cluj punch playoff ticket

It was a historic night for U-BT Cluj-Napoca, which qualified for the EuroCup Playoffs for the first time in club history. Cluj downed Aris Midea Thessaloniki, taking off after the break and never looking back. [Emanuel Cate](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/players/emanuel-cate/005373/) needed less than 19 minutes to get 18 points on 8 of 10 two-point shooting and 2-of-2 on free throws off the bench. Cate also had time to grab 4 rebounds and get 1 steal, 1 block and 2 fouls drawn for a team-high PIR of 23. Cate has been highly effective all season, providing instant offense off the bench. He is averaging 8.6 points on 63.7% two-point shooting in just over 17 minutes. And his season has been extended as Cluj will keep fighting for EuroCup glory after the regular season!

Emanuel Cate needed less than 19 minutes to get 18 points on 8 of 10 two-pointers and 2 of 2 free throws off the bench, as U-BT Cluj-Napoca qualified to the playoffs!

Cate leads Cluj's bench

### Kariniauskas was key for Wolves

In his first EuroCup season at 30 years old, [Vaidas Kariniauskas](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/players/vaidas-kariniauskas/003212/) picked the right moment for his best game yet with Wolves Vilnius. The former Zalgiris product made his EuroLeague debut more than 10 years ago and since then has played in five other countries before returning again to Lithuania this summer. Wolves faced possible elimination as soon as next week, but might now live longer in the Group A race after Kariniauskas put up season highs of 15 points and 19 PIR on 6-for-7 two-point and 3-for-3 free throw shooting in a cliff-hanger 91-81 home win on Tuesday against Cedevita Olimpija Ljubljana that ended his team's eight-game losing streak.

Vaidas Kariniauskas (15 points) Highlights vs. Cedevita Olimpija Ljubljana, 01/09/2024

Kariniauskas was key for Wolves

### Saybir leads Turk Telekom to critical win

Turk Telekom Ankara increased its chances of reaching the playoffs from Group B by downing Dolomiti Energia Trento 78-70. Forward [Yigitcan Saybir](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/players/yigitcan-saybir/006693/) played a critical role in the win, amassing a personal-best PIR of 25. He led Turk Telekom with a career-high 21 points of 4-of-7 two-point shooting, 3-of-4 on three-pointers and 4-of-5 free throws, which was well over his season scoring average (6.8 ppg.). It was just his second double-digit scoring night this season and came at the right time. Saybir added 9 rebounds, 1 assist, 1 steal and 4 fouls drawn to lead Turk Telekom to its fifth victory. After a 1-8 start, Turk Telekom has won four of its last five games to get closer and closer to the playoff zone in Group B.

Yigitcan Saybir led Turk Telekom with a career-high 21 points of 4 of 7 two-pointers, 3 of 4 three-pointers and 4 of 5 free throws, way over his season average (6.8 ppg.)

Saybir leads Turk Telekom past Trento

These five players impressed enough in Round 14 to earn their place in the roll call after the first week of BKT EuroCup games in 2024.


Round 14 roll call: Klassen, Phillip, Cate, Kariniauskas, Saybir

A career-best and club-record performance in a must-win game propelled Kyle Wiltjer of Umana Reyer Venice to MVP honors for Round 14.

Round 14 MVP: Kyle Wiltjer, Umana Reyer Venice

[Kyle Wiltjer](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/players/kyle-wiltjer/008052/) led Reyer to [a 106-96 overtime home victory over Besiktas Emlakjet Istanbul](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/game-center/2023-24/umana-reyer-venice-besiktas-emlakjet-istanbul/U2023/134/). He set career highs with a club-record 32 points on 2-of-5 two-point shooting, 7-of-11 on three-pointers and 7-of-7 free throws. The 7 triples were also a club record. Wiltjer added 4 rebounds, 3 assists, 2 blocks and 9 fouls drawn for a PIR of 39, which led all players in Round 14. He earned MVP of the Round honors for the first time and became the fourth Reyer to ever do it after Mitchell Watt, Mike Bramos and Derek Willis. 

A career-high individual performance in a must-win game allowed Kyle Wiltjer of Umana Reyer Venice to earn Round 14 MVP honors with a PIR of 39.

Kyle Wiltjer | Round 14 MVP | 2023-24 BKT EuroCup

The next-highest PIR in the round was the 31 that [Ante Tomic](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/players/ante-tomic/002507/) of Joventut Badalona amassed in [his team's 90-96 road victory at Veolia Towers Hamburg](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/game-center/2023-24/veolia-towers-hamburg-joventut-badalona/U2023/133/). Tomic led Joventut with 21 points on 9-of-15 two-point shooting, 10 rebounds, 6 assists, 1 steal and 4 fouls drawn. 

[Ethan Happ](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/players/ethan-happ/009864/) posted a PIR of 30 in leading Dreamland Gran Canaria to [an 84-92 road victory against 7bet-Lietkabelis Panevezys](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/game-center/2023-24/7bet-lietkabelis-panevezys-dreamland-gran-canaria/U2023/140/). He posted 23 points on 10 of 13 two-point shooting, 7 rebounds, 5 assists, 2 steals and 5 fouls drawn. [Andrew Andrews](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/players/andrew-andrews/011248/) of Joventut, [Bar Timor](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/players/bar-timor/004846/) of Hapoel Shlomo Tel Aviv and [Trevion Williams](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/players/trevion-lamon-williams-/012604/) of ratiopharm Ulm, each with a PIR of 28, completed the top individual performances in Round 14.

Umana Reyer Venice v Besiktas Emlakjet Istanbul (2024-01-10T19:00:00.000Z)

Here are the leaders in the main statistical categories for Round 14 of the 2023-24 BKT EuroCup Regular Season. 

Round 14 individual highs: Angel Delgado of Besiktas, 16 rebounds

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

Kyle Wiltjer of Umana Reyer Venice led all Round 14 players in scoring with a club-record 32 points in his team's 106-96 overtime home victory over Besiktas Emlakjet Istanbul. Deividas Sirvydis of 7bet-Lietkabelis Panevezys is the competition's top scorer this season with 18.9 points per game.

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

Round 14's best rebounder was Angel Delgado of Besiktas, who pulled down 16 against Reyer to match the club record that Bradley Buckman set in 2014. Trevion Williams of ratiopharm Ulm remains the overall leader with 11.7 rebounds per night. 

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

Bar Timor of Hapoel Shlomo Tel Aviv dished a career-high 12 assists, which were more than anyone else in Round 14, in a 96-100 losing effort against the London Lions. T.J. Shorts of Paris Basketball ranks first in assists at 7.4 per night. 

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

Timor, Yogi Ferrell of Cedevita Olimpija Ljubljana and Ismail Cem Ulusoy of Turk Telekom Ankara each had 4 steals in Round 14. Andres Feliz of Joventut Badalona is the competition's steal leader with 2.4 per night. 

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

Karlo Matkovic of Cedevita blocked 4 shots in his team's 91-89 road loss at Wolves Vilnius. He leads the EuroCup this season with 2.2 blocks per game. 

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

Among the 10 players who posted double-doubles in Round 14 were Joventut teammates Andrew Andrews (19 points, 11 assists) and Ante Tomic (21 points, 10 rebounds). The others were Basiktas's Degado, Steven Enoch of Turk Telekom, Marek Klassen of SLask Wroclaw, Gabe Olaseni of London, Jordan Parks of Reyer, Paris's Shorts, Hapoel's Timor and Trevion Williams of Ulm.

7bet-Lietkabelis Panevezys v Dreamland Gran Canaria (2024-01-10T17:00:00.000Z)

Turk Telekom Ankara v Dolomiti Energia Trento (2024-01-10T17:00:00.000Z)

Slask Wroclaw v ratiopharm Ulm (2024-01-10T19:00:00.000Z)

U-BT Cluj-Napoca v Aris Midea Thessaloniki (2024-01-10T17:00:00.000Z)

Wolves Vilnius v Cedevita Olimpija Ljubljana (2024-01-09T17:00:00.000Z)

Veolia Towers Hamburg v Joventut Badalona (2024-01-10T18:30:00.000Z)

Hapoel Shlomo Tel Aviv v London Lions (2024-01-09T17:30:00.000Z)

Paris Basketball v Prometey Slobozhanske (2024-01-10T19:30:00.000Z)

Reyer Venezia needed to win in Round 14 of the 2023-24 EuroCup season, and it just did that as it defeated Beşiktaş Basketbol 106-96 in overtime.

Reyer Venezia kept its playoff hopes alive with OT win over Beşiktaş Basketbol

Umana Reyer Venice came into [Wednesday night’s clash against Besiktas Emlakjet Istanbul](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/news/reyer-venezia-downs-besiktas-basketbol-in-overtime-106-96/) with the sole objective of snapping its four-game losing streak and getting its BKT EuroCup campaign back on track.

The Italian team’s last few results had left it behind in the playoff race and another defeat could have been costly for head coach Neven Spahija and his troops. However, Reyer hit the ground running against Besiktas Emlakjet Istanbul and demonstrated in the first half that it was there to fight until the end.

<center>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="it" dir="ltr">Dopo 45 minuti effettivi e 2 ore e 42 di partita gli orogranata superano Besiktas!<br>Che partita, Cuore Orogranata ❤🦁<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/finoallafine?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#finoallafine</a> <a href="https://t.co/T8Jh2Q3GQK">pic.twitter.com/T8Jh2Q3GQK</a></p>&mdash; Reyer Venezia (@REYER1872) <a href="https://twitter.com/REYER1872/status/1745201605153075592?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 10, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

### A strong start... before Besiktas responded

It was quite the start for Spahija’s group, as Reyer scored 52 first-half points against the second-best defense in the BKT EuroCup, with Besiktas coming into the game with an average of 75.2 points conceded per contest.

Besiktas boss Dusan Alimpijevic expected a reaction from his side after Reyer took a 52-38 lead into the second half – and his team delivered. Despite having trailed by as many as 18 in the second quarter, Besiktas turned the game around and even led by 80-86 with 01:50 left on the clock in the closing quarter.

However, a couple of three-point plays from Jordan Parks and Kyle Wiltjer, as well as a Rayjon Tucker triple, allowed Reyer to tie the game at 89-89 and send it to overtime. The Italian side outscored its opponent 17-7 in the next 5 minutes to secure a 106-96 win, which was its first victory in five games.

“I think we deserved this win,” Spahija said in the post-game press conference. “In the first half we played well and we were better than them. It was a difficult game, but we found the energy to win this battle. I think the key to the game was our depth on the bench. Now everyone understands how difficult it is to play without players in the rotation. With this roster, we have more chances to play better basketball."

Depending on scorelines elsewhere, Turkish giants Besiktas could confirm their well-earned progress to the knockout phase via a victory here, whilst in contrast, Reyer are running out of time after losing four in a row and Amedeo Tessitori's ability in controlling the tempo may be crucial to their ambitions.

Umana Reyer Venice-Besiktas Emlakjet Istanbul | Round 14 Highlights | 2023-24 BKT EuroCup

### A star performance and a notable debut

Marco Spissu returned from injury after missing the last two games and netted 17 points, including some big triples. [Wiltjer produced an MVP-of-the-Round outing](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/news/kyle-wiltjer-shined-for-reyer-venezia-with-a-career-high-night-in-ot-win-over-besiktas/) by recording a career-high 32 points for a career-best PIR of 39, having gone 7-for-11 from deep.

New signing Max Heidegger didn’t make his debut, but one player who did get the nod was Mfiondu Kabengele, who stood out in his first-ever game for Reyer. Kabengele paired his 14 points with 7 rebounds and earned Spahija’s praise, along with Wiltjer.

“The key to the game was the outstanding performance of Kyle Wiltjer and the big impact of Kabengele,” added the Reyer boss in the post-game flash interview. “Also, there were other players, each of whom did something to win this game.”

### An exciting end to the season

With its victory over another playoff contender, Reyer showed that it should not be disregarded in this exciting battle for the playoffs. The Venice-based club is currently seventh in Group A in the EuroCup with a 5-9 record, while sixth-placed Prometey Slobozhanske – the team in the final playoff spot – sits at 7-7.

“We are fighting for our lives, so to get the win was the most important \[thing\],” commented Wiltjer. “We’ve had a tough season in the EuroCup, but we’re going to continue fighting and make our fans proud. We can’t control the past. We can only control the future.”

With four games to go, anything could happen as Reyer plays at Cedevita Olimpija Ljubljana before hosting Wolves Vilnius and Prometey, with its final regular-season contest taking place in Germany against Veolia Towers Hamburg.

This overtime triumph over Besiktas will surely provide Spahija’s men with a boost in morale and could also serve as a springboard for a bounce-back reaction as the regular season draws to a close.

More Reyer News

Marco Spissu of Umana Reyer Venice in action against Besiktas Emlakjet Istanbul in Round 14 of the 2023-24 BKT EuroCup Regular Season.

It took 45 minutes, but Neven Spahija’s side finally managed to get the victory over the line.