Matteo Spagnolo has learned to take the good and bad in the past two seasons. The good has been a chance to play as a professional in Italy as a teenager. But the Dolomiti Energia Trento talent has also experienced a lot of losses - something he didn’t know as a youth player. 

Trento talent Spagnolo learning life lessons, including losses

[Matteo Spagnolo](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/players/matteo-spagnolo/008173/) has learned to take the good and bad in the past two seasons. The good has been a chance to play as a professional in Italy as a teenager. But the Dolomiti Energia Trento talent has also experienced a lot of losses - something he didn’t know as a youth player. 

Spagnolo only turned 20 years old on January 10, but the guard has already established himself at the 7DAYS EuroCup level. He is averaging 9.7 points, 3.4 rebounds, 4.4 assists and 1.0 steals in 26 minutes with his season highlights being 15 points, 5 assists and 2 steals against Turk Telekom Ankara; 14 points, 6 rebounds and 3 assists versus London Towers; and 10 points, 4 rebounds, 6 assists and 2 steals against Promitheas Patras.

Still, Spagnolo has not been able to keep Trento from losing games on the European stage. The team is currently 10-9 in the Italian League but has slumped to a 2-12 record in the EuroCup, including a 21-game road losing streak that dates back to November 2020.

"I am the kind of player who always listens to what everybody says and I try to take in as much as I can."

"Everybody knows that there are many great teams in EuroCup, and EuroCup is a very high level of basketball with great individual players and great organizations and the physicality is very high, the rhythm of the game is very high," said Spagnolo, who is playing for Trento on loan from Real Madrid. 

The Brindisi native did not lose many games during his three seasons in the youth ranks at Real. He helped the club win the U16 Spanish title in 2019, twice captured the U18 Euroleague Basketball Adidas Next Generation Tournament crown (in 2019 and 2021), as well as three undefeated runs to first-place finishes at ANGT qualifying tournaments. Spagnolo also guided Italy to third place at the FIBA U19 European Championship 2019. 

In addition to Trento’s woes this season, Spagnolo played on loan with Cremona last season and the team finished just 8-22 and was relegated.

"I wasn’t used to losing in Madrid. But then reality hit because, as you know, in basketball there is winning and losing," Spagnolo said. "For me, it was a new thing and I had to adjust to it. It wasn’t easy. I didn’t like losing. And I still don’t like losing at all. But at the end of the day, losing is also a part of life and part of my basketball journey."

Playing with Cremona last season and Trento in 2022-23 is a chance for Spagnolo to cut his teeth at the professional level - an opportunity he didn’t get at Real. 

"I wanted to play real minutes. I wanted to get a lot of experience playing basketball," said Spagnolo, who averaged 12.2 points on 44.1% three-point shooting, 3.5 rebounds and 2.6 assists for Cremona in 2021-22. "I learned a lot being on the court with other great players and how to play with them and how to communicate with them. Also, I gained experience of playing against grown men which is a great thing for a young player."

Playing in Italy also meant playing back in front of his home fans, who he had not seen since leaving Stellazzurra Rome in 2018 for Real.

"One of the best things about playing in Italy for sure has been that I am closer to my family. Plus I know the language," he said.

Matteo Spagnolo highlights

Spagnolo did not only learn from the games on the court but also at the practices as he has benefitted from having some great teammates. In Cremona, he went head-to-head at practice with Giuseppe Poeta, who played several years for the Italian national team as well as in the EuroLeague and EuroCup. 

"I learned a lot from 'Pepe' - life-wise and basketball-wise. I was new to professional life. It was my first year living completely by myself and doing everything by myself at the professional level. And he helped me a lot with all his tricks - both in basketball and life," Spagnolo said. 

And this season, Spagnolo continues to learn the game on and off the court alongside veterans such as Toto Forray, Drew Crawford, Trent Lockett and Darion Atkins. 

"I am the kind of player who always listens to what everybody says and I try to take in as much as I can. I gotta say I am lucky this year because we have an amazing group that helps one another,” he said. 

Including helping Spagnolo deal with the highs and lows of being a young professional.

With just four games to go in the 2022-23 7DAYS EuroCup Regular Season, there are several players in the hunt to be named the MVP. Four of the seven players on this list have led teams featuring in the competition for the first time, while the ages of the players range from 22 to 33. As the playoff picture becomes clearer, one member of this list will be hoping to do enough to inspire his team to EuroCup glory and book its place in the Turkish Airlines EuroLeague. Candidates are listed in alphabetical order according to surname.

EuroCup MVP candidates

With just four games to go in the 2022-23 7DAYS EuroCup Regular Season, there are several players in the hunt to be named the MVP. Four of the seven players on this list have led teams featuring in the competition for the first time, while the ages of the players range from 22 to 33. As the playoff picture becomes clearer, one member of this list will be hoping to do enough to inspire his team to EuroCup glory and book its place in the Turkish Airlines EuroLeague. Candidates are listed in alphabetical order according to surname.

[**J'Covan Brown**](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/players/j-covan-brown/011991/)**, Hapoel Vegan Friendly Tel Aviv**

Another player shining in his rookie EuroCup campaign is Brown, who has orchestrated the offense of first-year team Hapoel with a competition-high 7.6 assists per game. The 33-year-old guard has also averaged 11.3 points and 3.1 rebounds, but it is his assist numbers that have stood out. In Round 11, Brown tied the EuroCup's all-time single-game assist record with 16, while he also had 14 in Round 14 and 12 in Round 2. Those three totals are the highest of any player this season and he is the first player in the competition's history to have 14 assists or more in two EuroCup games. Brown has been a vital cog in Hapoel's offense, helping it reach a 10-4 record.

The best plays of Hapoel Vegan Friendly Tel Aviv guard J'Covan Brown, one of the contenders to be named the 7DAYS EuroCup MVP.

J'Covan Brown | EuroCup MVP candidates

[**Sam Dekker**](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/players/sam-dekker/009672/)**, London Lions**

Flying the flag for London in its first season in the EuroCup is Sam Dekker. He suffered an injury less than 5 minutes into Round 1, but since returning in Round 4, Dekker has been on a tear. In fact, in 12 games, he has averaged 19.0 points, 5.9 rebounds, 3.1 assists, 1.0 steal and a 21.5 PIR, the second-highest in the competition. Dekker has a good case to finish as this season's top scorer; Yogi Ferrell of Cedevita Olimpija Ljubljana leads with an average of 19.1 points per contest. If Dekker can help London improve its 6-8 record, that may be enough to show that he deserves the MVP trophy, too.

The best plays of London Lions forward Sam Dekker, one of the contenders to be named the 7DAYS EuroCup MVP.

Sam Dekker | EuroCup MVP candidates

[**Jerian Grant**](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/players/jerian-grant/011204/)**, Turk Telekom Ankara**

Turk Telekom has been one of the best teams in this year's EuroCup and the player who has made the team tick is Grant. In addition to averaging 14.8 points, 3.0 rebounds and 1.4 steals per night, Grant has averaged the second-most assists per contest with 6.4. Despite this being his rookie season in the competition, following a year in the Turkish Airlines EuroLeague with EA7 Emporio Armani Milan in 2021-22, the American guard has looked right at home and played a key role in his team reaching a 10-4 record. What's more, Grant has averaged the EuroCup's joint third-highest PIR with 19.4. Coming off a career-high 26-point night in Round 14, Grant will be looking to keep up his level of performance heading into the playoffs.

The best plays of Turk Telekom Ankara guard Jerian Grant, one of the contenders to be named the 7DAYS EuroCup MVP.

Jerian Grant | EuroCup MVP candidates

[**Alpha Kaba**](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/players/alpha-kaba/007855/)**, Buducnost VOLI Podgorica**

Playing in his fourth season in the EuroCup, Kaba has taken his game to another level in 2022-23. He has accrued 150 points from his 13 appearances, 16 points short of his highest-ever tally in 2020-21, while he has also set new personal bests for rebounds (144), steals (24) and blocks (16). The 27-year-old big man has been the anchor for Buducnost's success this season, leading the EuroCup in rebounds with 11.1 per game and enjoying the fourth-highest average PIR with 19.4. Should Kaba continue to dominate on the interior and improve Buducnost's 8-6 record in the process, his MVP case could become even stronger.

The best plays of Buducnost VOLI Podgorica center Alpha Kaba, one of the contenders to be named the 7DAYS EuroCup MVP.

Alpha Kaba | EuroCup MVP candidates

[**Ismael Kamagate**](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/players/ismael-kamagate/011926/)**, Paris Basketball**

The youngest contender to be named MVP is Kamagate, as the 22-year-old has taken to the EuroCup like a duck to water. After a nondescript performance in Paris's competition debut in Round 1, Kamagate had back-to-back double-doubles in Rounds 2 and 3 before tying the third-highest rebounding total in competition history with 19 in Round 6, when he was named MVP of the Round. From his 14 appearances, Kamagate has averaged almost a double-double with 9.8 points and 9.6 rebounds. Not only does he have this season's second-highest average for boards, but he also leads the competition with 1.7 blocks. Paris finds itself with a 9-5 record and Kamagate is a big reason why.

The best plays of Paris Basketball center Ismael Kamagate, one of the contenders to be named the 7DAYS EuroCup MVP.

Ismael Kamagate | EuroCup MVP candidates

[**DJ Kennedy**](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/players/dj-kennedy/005301/)**, Prometey Slobozhanske**

EuroCup newcomer Prometey Slobozhanske has taken the competition by storm this season, with forward Kennedy shining in particular. The 33-year-old, who rejoined Prometey last summer after playing for the team between September 2021 and March 2022, has done a bit of everything for his side, averaging 11.0 points, 5.6 rebounds, 4.2 assists and 2.0 steals across his 14 appearances. Prometey sits at the top of Group A with a record of 10-4, and Kennedy's performances have been instrumental in helping the Ukrainian team defy the odds. With Prometey having already wrapped up its place in the playoffs, a strong end to the regular season could further strengthen Kennedy's MVP case.

The best plays of Prometey Slobozhanske forward DJ Kennedy, one of the contenders to be named the 7DAYS EuroCup MVP.

DJ Kennedy | EuroCup MVP candidates

[**Arnoldas Kulboka**](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/players/arnoldas-kulboka/006180/)**, Promitheas Patras**

One of the keys behind Promitheas's impressive season so far has been the consistent play of Kulboka, who has averaged 14.9 points, 6.4 rebounds and 1.1 assists in 14 games. After acting as the sidekick to Joe Young in the opening six rounds, Kulboka has made this team his own since the guard's departure. The Lithuanian forward had a career night in Round 12, scoring a career-high 30 points and finishing with a PIR of 36, as he grabbed his second MVP of the Round accolade this season. Following a scoreless night in Round 14, Kulbolka will hope to end the regular season on a high note.

The best plays of Promitheas Patras forward Arnoldas Kulboka, one of the contenders to be named the 7DAYS EuroCup MVP.

Arnoldas Kulboka | EuroCup MVP candidates

With a 10-4 record and half of the weekly MVPs so far this season, Hapoel Vegan Friendly Tel Aviv has emerged as a real contender.

In Hebrew, “Hapoel” means “the worker”. And there’s not a more hard-working team in this season’s 7DAYS EuroCup than Hapoel Vegan Friendly Tel Aviv.

[MORE...](https://www.eurohoops.net/en/eurocup/1466136/hapoel-tel-aviv-worked-itself-into-a-bonified-eurocup-dark-horse/)

Hapoel Tel Aviv worked itself into a bonified EuroCup Dark Horse

When Karlo Matkovic rejoined Cedevita Olimpija Ljubljana during the off-season, it was more than just a talented big man preparing to make his 7DAYS EuroCup debut. It was also the story of a former Cedevita prospect coming home to where it all started.

Matkovic thrilled to be at back Cedevita, where it all started

When [Karlo Matkovic](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/players/karlo-matkovic/009395/) rejoined Cedevita Olimpija Ljubljana during the off-season, it was more than just a talented big man preparing to make his 7DAYS EuroCup debut. It was also the story of a former Cedevita prospect coming home to where it all started.

Matkovic had a big summer in 2022: He was selected by the New Orleans Pelicans in the second round of the NBA Draft; played at his first major international competition, EuroBasket 2022; and agreed to go back to the club that signed him to his first pro contract way back in April 2019.

The 21-year-old Matkovic penned a long-term deal with Cedevita almost four years ago and spent the last three seasons on loan - 2019-20 with Serbian side OKK Belgrade and the last two with Mega Belgrade.

"It feels great of course," Matkovic said about coming back to Cedevita, where he came up in the youth ranks. "When you start there as a kid, let’s say, you want to get to that big stage as soon as possible. And over the course of these three years I had with OKK Belgrade and Mega, it really paid off nicely.

"I moved on loan to develop myself as a player. I went to Belgrade to improve and after some time to be ready for the bigger stage and the next step in my career. And I think that was a great step for me to take."

Highlights from Karlo Matkovic's first EuroCup games

Last season Matkovic averaged 11.6 points, 6.1 rebounds and 1.1 blocks for Mega in the Adriatic League. That performance was enough for New Orleans to select the Livno, Bosnia and Herzegovina, native with the 52nd pick in the 2022 NBA Draft.

At last summer’s EuroBasket, Matkovic was worth 8.0 points and 3.5 rebounds in helping Croatia reach the Round of 16.

"Having NBA and EuroLeague players in the team and playing against some made me really feel I improved a lot in a short amount of time," the 2.07-meter Matkovic said. "Playing well over the summer was really a great feeling knowing I can do a lot, even on the big stage."

As happy as Matkovic has been back with Cedevita, he missed a bit of time. He dealt with a twisted ankle that lingered from EuroBasket and then pulled his medial collateral ligament and ended up missing six weeks of action until November 26.

He played in four EuroCup games and then got hit in the head and lost his center of balance and suffered from dizziness. That kept him out for more than two weeks before finally coming back against Umana Reyer Venice on February 1.

"It was frustrating not being able to help the team. Seeing them not doing well made me even more frustrated because I know I can help them in lots of ways," said Matkovic, who has averaged 7.7 points, 5.0 rebounds and 0.8 rebounds in six games in the EuroCup this season.

The young big man said he has really been helped by the veterans on Cedevita, especially fellow center Alen Omic.

"I think being with the experienced guys has helped me see some little details in every segment of the game. Having Omic at my position really helps a lot. He always talks to me at practice about how to defend some situations, how to put my body in some situations, how to create for others, and for myself at the end," Matkovic said.

All-in-all, Matkovic is just happy to be back home.

- Tyrique Jones, of Turk Telekom Ankara, has been sanctioned with a one-game suspension due to physical aggression towards another individual, on occasion of its team’s away game against Dolomiti Energia Trento under Article 27.1.a) of the Euroleague Basketball Disciplinary Code.
- Buducnost Voli Podgorica has been sanctioned with a fine of €30,001, and its two next away games to be played without visiting fans, for the incidents generated by its fans including physical aggression, on occasion of its team’s away game against Paris Basketball under Article 29.1.e) of the Euroleague Basketball Disciplinary Code. This decision may be appealed before the Appeals Panel.

Euroleague Basketball has announced the following disciplinary sanction pertaining to incidents that occurred in Round 14 of the 7DAYS EuroCup regular season.

Round 14 disciplinary sanction

Just like the races to reach the playoffs and secure home-court advantage in the 7DAYS EuroCup are heating up down the stretch, so is the competition to become the 2022-23 EuroCup Rising Star. This season could bring about one of the tightest votes ever thanks to the plethora of worthy candidates.

To be eligible for this award, players must have been 21 years of age or younger on July 1, 2000. The winner will be chosen through voting by the EuroCup's head coaches and the candidates are not limited to the players listed below. Here are the top candidates to date, listed in alphabetical order by surname.

[Olek Balcerowski](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/players/aleksander-balcerowski/007553/)**, Gran Canaria**

The winner of the 2020-21 EuroCup Rising Star Trophy, Balcerowski is a modern center who can pull the trigger from downtown, run the floor with great speed and rebound well at both ends. He has averaged 9.3 points, 3.9 rebounds and 0.9 blocks for a PIR of 11.9 in 14 EuroCup games this season, all while playing less than 17 minutes per game. Balcerowski ranks third in the competition in two-point shooting (79.3% 2FG) and is eighth overall in PIR (29.7) and blocks (2.2) per 40 minutes.

Aleksander Balcerowski of Gran Canaria is one of the eligible players for this season's Rising Star award.

EuroCup Rising Star candidate: Olek Balcerowski, Gran Canaria

[Juhann Begarin](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/players/juhann-begarin/008161/)**, Paris Basketball**

At age 20, Begarin has surprised experts and fans alike with his physicality and defensive skills. He ranks second in steals at 2.1 per night and leads all Rising Star candidates in scoring with 12.0 points per game. Begarin has also averaged 3.2 rebounds, 2.1 assists, 0.5 blocks and a PIR of 11.4. His energy and athleticism are a perfect fit for Paris's run-and-gun style. Begarin comes off his best game, too, with 22 points on 8-of-9 two-point shooting, 5 assists and 2 steals for a PIR of 29 against Buducnost.

Juhann Begarin of Paris Basketball is one of the eligible players for this season's Rising Star award.

EuroCup Rising Star candidate: Juhann Begarin, Paris

[George Conditt](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/players/george-conditt-iv/012016/)**, Promitheas Patras**

Born on August 22, 2000, Conditt is an unusual candidate for the award since few American-born players compete in Europe at this age. Conditt has been strong in the paint for Promitheas with averages of 7.6 points on 61.8% two-point shooting, 4.2 rebounds and 0.7 blocks for a PIR of 9.5. He had a double-double of 22 points and 10 rebounds against Hamburg in just his fourth game in the competition. An old-school center with good post moves, Conditt needs to improve his free throw percentage (59.5% FT) to become a bigger threat on offense.

Geroge Conditt of Promitheas Patras is one of the eligible players for this season's Rising Star award.

EuroCup Rising Star candidate: George Conditt, Promitheas

[Khalifa Diop](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/players/khalifa-diop/008072/)**, Gran Canaria**

Diop won the Rising Star award last season and has a chance to repeat which is something that only EuroCup legend Bojan Dubljevic has done in the past. He is playing with more confidence this season, finishing a lot of plays under the rim and making the most of his extended playing time. Diop has averaged 9.8 points on 68.0% two-point shooting, 5.6 rebounds and 1.0 blocks. He leads Gran Canaria in PIR (12.7) and ranks second in the competition in offensive rebounds per 40 minutes (6.0).

Khalifa Diop of Gran Canaria is one of the eligible players for this season's Rising Star award.

EuroCup Rising Star candidate: Khalifa Diop, Gran Canaria

[Ismael Kamagate](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/players/ismael-kamagate/011926/)**, Paris Basketball**

Considered by many the frontrunner in the Rising Star race, Kamagate has been a dominant force in Group B. He has proved to be one of the biggest defensive walls in the competition; Kamagate leads the EuroCup with 1.7 blocks per game and is second in rebounds (9.6 rpg.). He has been an effective scorer, too, ranking fourth in two-point shooting (78.1%) and fifth in PIR (18.8). Kamagate earned Round 6 MVP honors after posting 12 points, a career-high 19 rebounds, 4 blocks and a personal-best PIR of 41 against Hamburg.

Ismael Kamagate of Paris Basketball is one of the eligible players for this season's Rising Star award.

EuroCup Rising Star candidate: Ismael Kamagate, Paris

[Juan Nunez](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/players/juan-nunez/010106/)**, ratiopharm Ulm**

Nunez entered the competition as a promising pass-first playmaker with a high basketball IQ and has done everything in his power to rise to the expectations. Nunez ranks sixth in the EuroCup in assists on a per-minute basis (9.1 prorated over 40 minutes) and 15th in steals per minute (2.5 over 40). He has averaged 6.3 points, 2.8 rebounds, 4.5 assists and 1.2 steals for a PIR of 8.4. Despite his energy and passing skills, Nunez has plenty of room for improvement, as his shooting has not been the best (45.8% 2FG, 26.1% 3FG, 57.1% FT) and he is second in turnovers per 40 minutes (5.7).

Juan Nunez of ratiopharm Ulm is one of the eligible players for this season's Rising Star award.

EuroCup Rising Star candidate: Juan Nunez, Ulm

[Ziga Samar](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/players/ziga-samar/007550/)**, Veolia Towers Hamburg**

In his first EuroCup season, Samar has adjusted well to the competition as his pass-first mentality fits perfectly into Hamburg's transition game. Samar is tied for fifth place in the competition in assists (5.6 apg.) and leads all Rising Star eligible players in that category. He is averaging 8.5 points, 2.3 rebounds and 1.1 steals for a PIR of 9.9 while making 85.7% of his free throw attempts. Samar had his first career double-double against Slask in Round 12 with career-highs of 17 points and 11 rebounds for a PIR of 25 in his team's win.

Ziga Samar of Veolia Towers Hamburg is one of the eligible players for this season's Rising Star award.

EuroCup Rising Star candidate: Ziga Samar, Hamburg

[Matteo Spagnolo](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/players/matteo-spagnolo/008173/)**, Dolomiti Energia Trento**

Spagnolo has helped Trento as a scorer, a passer and by playing with great energy. He has averaged 9.7 points, 3.4 rebounds, 4.4 assists and 1.0 steal for a PIR of 9.0 in 10 games this season. Spagnolo has scored in double digits in all but three games, including 15 points and 5 assists against Turk Telekom. Spagnolo has struggled with his field goal accuracy (39.4% 2FG, 26.7% 3FG), but ranks 10th overall in free throw shooting (89.5% FT). At age 20, Spagnolo has plenty of room for improvement and is showing he is much more than a scorer.

Matteo Spagnolo of Dolomiti Energia Trento is one of the eligible players for this season's Rising Star award.

EuroCup Rising Star candidate: Matteo Spagnolo, Trento

EuroCup Rising Star candidates

### Italy: Brescia wins its first cup

Germani Brescia conquered the Italian Cup for the first time on Sunday with a 76-84 victory over Virtus Segafredo Bologna. Amedeo Della Valle starred with 26 points and 6 assists, John Petrucelli scored 13 and Kenny Gabriel posted 9 points and 10 rebounds to lead the winners. Marco Belinelli scored 24 points to lead Virtus in defeat. Toko Shengelia added 12 points, Jordan Mickey 11 and Daniel Hackett 10.

Della Valle, Christian Burns and Petrucelli led a 5-16 run to close the second quarter that put Brescia up 30-40 at halftime. Brescia scored the first 5 points of the second half and the lead reached 42-59 on a Tai Odiase free throw. Virtus fought back to 51-61 at the end of the third quarter. Belinelli helped Virtus on a 9-0 spurt to get within 60-64 and Shengelia made it 71-72 with less than 4 minutes remaining. But Virtus was unable to score on its next four possessions as Della Valle stretched the lead to 7 from the foul line to all but put the game on ice.

<center><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="it" dir="ltr">NOI, VOI, CAMPIONI 🏀🏆🇮🇹<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/DreamBig?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#DreamBig</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Brescia?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Brescia</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TuttoUnAltroSport?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TuttoUnAltroSport</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/LBAF82023?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#LBAF82023</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Frecciarossa?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Frecciarossa</a> <a href="https://t.co/dIFLPDm793">pic.twitter.com/dIFLPDm793</a></p>&mdash; Pallacanestro Brescia (@LeonessaBrescia) <a href="https://twitter.com/LeonessaBrescia/status/1627385342645964800?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 19, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

### France: Bourg falls to ASVEL in final

LDLC ASVEL Villeurbanne captured the French Leaders Cup with a 74-83 triumph over Mincidelice JL Bourg en Bresse in St. Etienne. Nando De Colo scored 20 points to lead ASVEL. Retin Obasohan tallied 16 points and 7 rebounds, Charles Kahudi had 13 and 9 and Dee Bost added 12 points for the winners. Bourg's Jordan Floyd scored a game-high 23 and James Palmer had 20 in defeat.

ASVEL never trailed, but Bourg kept it close for much of the first quarter, which ended with the score 17-22. ASVEL took control with a 2-18 second-quarter charge, in which De Colo scored a third of his team’s points. It was 25-45 at halftime and 47-64 after three quarters. ASVEL’s lead peaked at 47-73 before Amida Brimah helped Bourg make a late run to cut the difference to single figures. But it was too little, too late, as ASVEL began to celebrate.

Domestic cups: Brescia wins its first cup

### Brescia into second-ever cup final

 

Germani Brescia came away with a 74-57 win against Pesaro to reach its second-ever Italian Cup final. Amedeo Della Valle was Brescia's leading scorer with a game-high 15 points, followed by CJ Massinburg with 13 and Nicola Akele with 10.

 

Although Pesaro was able to win the first quarter 14-16, Brescia elevated its play on defense and shined brighter on offense to outscore Pesaro 22-6, making it a 36-22 game at halftime. It was a tight game in the second half, but Brescia was able to come out on top in both the third and fourth quarters, winning 15-14 and 23-21, respectively, en route to its 74-57 victory.

<center>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="it" dir="ltr">SIAMO IN FINALEEEEEEEE 💪💪💪<br>SIAMO IN FINALEEEEEEEE 💪💪💪<br>SIAMO IN FINALEEEEEEEE 💪💪💪<br><br>La Germani Brescia supera la <a href="https://twitter.com/VLPesaro?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@VLPesaro</a> e affronterà la <a href="https://twitter.com/VirtusSegafredo?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@VirtusSegafredo</a> nella finalissima 🏀🏆🇮🇹<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/DreamBig?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#DreamBig</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Brescia?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Brescia</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/LBAF82023?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#LBAF82023</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Frecciarossa?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Frecciarossa</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/gruppo_a2a?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@gruppo_a2a</a> <a href="https://t.co/a83r803p5C">pic.twitter.com/a83r803p5C</a></p>&mdash; Pallacanestro Brescia (@LeonessaBrescia) <a href="https://twitter.com/LeonessaBrescia/status/1627060992902594560?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 18, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

### Bourg's fairy tale continues

Mincidelice JL Bourg en Bresse has reached the French League Cup final for the third time in its history after beating Dijon 77-94 at Arena Saint-Etienne Metropole. Following his 18-point game against AS Monaco in the quarterfinals, James Palmer was once again Bourg's hero, as this time he scored a game-high 25 points. Jordan Floyd finished with 17 points and Hugo Benitez had 10 in the win, too.

A well-fought first quarter resulted in Bourg ending the period 20-24 ahead. In the second quarter, Frederic Fauthoux's side improved their defense by holding Dijon to just 11 points, while Bourg put 20 points on the board to go into halftime with a 31-44 lead. Bourg extended its advantage after the third quarter to 51-69, before a fightback from Dijon saw it win the final quarter, 26-25. However, that wasn’t enough as Bourg reached the final with a 77-94 win. Now, the team will go in search of its first-ever French League Cup title.

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="fr" dir="ltr"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/LeadersCup?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#LeadersCup</a>. LIVE ✨<br><br>🏆🏆🏆🏆<a href="https://twitter.com/jdadijonbasket?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@jdadijonbasket</a> 77 🆚 94 JL Bourg<br><br>Ladies &amp; gentlemen. Une chose à dire.<br>LA JL BOURG. EST EN FINALE !!!! 🔥🔥🔥 <a href="https://t.co/LXhLf6HaUn">pic.twitter.com/LXhLf6HaUn</a></p>&mdash; JL Bourg Basket (@JLBourgBasket) <a href="https://twitter.com/JLBourgBasket/status/1627028708107120641?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 18, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

### Joventut left heartbroken

Joventut Badalona has seen its journey in the Spanish Cup come to an end at the semifinal stage, as Lenovo Tenerife grabbed a 72-73 victory thanks to a made basket with three seconds to go. Joel Parra scored a game-high 26 points, while the only other Joventut player to reach double figures was Kyle Guy with 10 points.

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="ca" dir="ltr">🟩⬛️ Final. Ens quedem les portes de la final<a href="https://twitter.com/Penya1930?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Penya1930</a> 72-73 <a href="https://twitter.com/CB1939Canarias?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@CB1939Canarias</a> <br><br>🎯 Joel Parra: 24 punts<br><br>GRÀCIES, OLÍMPIC, PEL VISCUT AQUESTS DOS PARTITS<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Badalona%C3%89sFutur?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#BadalonaÉsFutur</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/CopaACB?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#CopaACB</a> <a href="https://t.co/Qj1Nj7jFEv">pic.twitter.com/Qj1Nj7jFEv</a></p>&mdash; Club Joventut Badalona (@Penya1930) <a href="https://twitter.com/Penya1930/status/1627075354727948292?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 18, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

### Lietkabelis falls in the semis

 

7Bet-Lietkabelis Panevezys has been eliminated from the Lithuanian Cup at the semifinal stage after losing 67-77 to Zalgiris Kaunas. It was an incredibly even game for three of the four quarters, but a 12-21 second quarter in favor of Zalgiris is ultimately what decided it. Jamel Morris and Gyorgy Goloman scored 14 points apiece in the defeat.

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<blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/Co0DR0WLHOT/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14" style=" background:#FFF; border:0; border-radius:3px; box-shadow:0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width:540px; min-width:326px; padding:0; width:99.375%; width:-webkit-calc(100% - 2px); width:calc(100% - 2px);"><div style="padding:16px;"> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/Co0DR0WLHOT/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" style=" background:#FFFFFF; line-height:0; padding:0 0; text-align:center; text-decoration:none; width:100%;" target="_blank"> <div style=" display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"></div> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"></div></div></div><div style="padding: 19% 0;"></div> <div style="display:block; height:50px; margin:0 auto 12px; width:50px;"><svg width="50px" height="50px" viewBox="0 0 60 60" version="1.1" xmlns="https://www.w3.org/2000/svg" xmlns:xlink="https://www.w3.org/1999/xlink"><g stroke="none" stroke-width="1" fill="none" fill-rule="evenodd"><g transform="translate(-511.000000, -20.000000)" fill="#000000"><g><path d="M556.869,30.41 C554.814,30.41 553.148,32.076 553.148,34.131 C553.148,36.186 554.814,37.852 556.869,37.852 C558.924,37.852 560.59,36.186 560.59,34.131 C560.59,32.076 558.924,30.41 556.869,30.41 M541,60.657 C535.114,60.657 530.342,55.887 530.342,50 C530.342,44.114 535.114,39.342 541,39.342 C546.887,39.342 551.658,44.114 551.658,50 C551.658,55.887 546.887,60.657 541,60.657 M541,33.886 C532.1,33.886 524.886,41.1 524.886,50 C524.886,58.899 532.1,66.113 541,66.113 C549.9,66.113 557.115,58.899 557.115,50 C557.115,41.1 549.9,33.886 541,33.886 M565.378,62.101 C565.244,65.022 564.756,66.606 564.346,67.663 C563.803,69.06 563.154,70.057 562.106,71.106 C561.058,72.155 560.06,72.803 558.662,73.347 C557.607,73.757 556.021,74.244 553.102,74.378 C549.944,74.521 548.997,74.552 541,74.552 C533.003,74.552 532.056,74.521 528.898,74.378 C525.979,74.244 524.393,73.757 523.338,73.347 C521.94,72.803 520.942,72.155 519.894,71.106 C518.846,70.057 518.197,69.06 517.654,67.663 C517.244,66.606 516.755,65.022 516.623,62.101 C516.479,58.943 516.448,57.996 516.448,50 C516.448,42.003 516.479,41.056 516.623,37.899 C516.755,34.978 517.244,33.391 517.654,32.338 C518.197,30.938 518.846,29.942 519.894,28.894 C520.942,27.846 521.94,27.196 523.338,26.654 C524.393,26.244 525.979,25.756 528.898,25.623 C532.057,25.479 533.004,25.448 541,25.448 C548.997,25.448 549.943,25.479 553.102,25.623 C556.021,25.756 557.607,26.244 558.662,26.654 C560.06,27.196 561.058,27.846 562.106,28.894 C563.154,29.942 563.803,30.938 564.346,32.338 C564.756,33.391 565.244,34.978 565.378,37.899 C565.522,41.056 565.552,42.003 565.552,50 C565.552,57.996 565.522,58.943 565.378,62.101 M570.82,37.631 C570.674,34.438 570.167,32.258 569.425,30.349 C568.659,28.377 567.633,26.702 565.965,25.035 C564.297,23.368 562.623,22.342 560.652,21.575 C558.743,20.834 556.562,20.326 553.369,20.18 C550.169,20.033 549.148,20 541,20 C532.853,20 531.831,20.033 528.631,20.18 C525.438,20.326 523.257,20.834 521.349,21.575 C519.376,22.342 517.703,23.368 516.035,25.035 C514.368,26.702 513.342,28.377 512.574,30.349 C511.834,32.258 511.326,34.438 511.181,37.631 C511.035,40.831 511,41.851 511,50 C511,58.147 511.035,59.17 511.181,62.369 C511.326,65.562 511.834,67.743 512.574,69.651 C513.342,71.625 514.368,73.296 516.035,74.965 C517.703,76.634 519.376,77.658 521.349,78.425 C523.257,79.167 525.438,79.673 528.631,79.82 C531.831,79.965 532.853,80.001 541,80.001 C549.148,80.001 550.169,79.965 553.369,79.82 C556.562,79.673 558.743,79.167 560.652,78.425 C562.623,77.658 564.297,76.634 565.965,74.965 C567.633,73.296 568.659,71.625 569.425,69.651 C570.167,67.743 570.674,65.562 570.82,62.369 C570.966,59.17 571,58.147 571,50 C571,41.851 570.966,40.831 570.82,37.631"></path></g></g></g></svg></div><div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style=" color:#3897f0; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:550; line-height:18px;">View this post on Instagram</div></div><div style="padding: 12.5% 0;"></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px; align-items: center;"><div> <div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(0px) translateY(7px);"></div> <div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; height: 12.5px; transform: rotate(-45deg) translateX(3px) translateY(1px); width: 12.5px; flex-grow: 0; margin-right: 14px; margin-left: 2px;"></div> <div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(9px) translateY(-18px);"></div></div><div style="margin-left: 8px;"> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 20px; width: 20px;"></div> <div style=" width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 2px solid transparent; border-left: 6px solid #f4f4f4; border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; 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Domestic cups: Bourg, Brescia book places in finals

### Cedevita wins Slovenian Cup

Cedevita Olimpija Ljubljana has become Slovenian Cup champions for the 22nd time in its history following a 70-81 win against Helios Suns at Lukna Sports Hall. Yogi Ferrell finished with a team-high 18 points, followed by Zoran Dragic with 15 and Edo Muric with 10.

 

It was an even contest in the first half, with the score being 14-17 after the first quarter and 33-38 at halftime. Even entering the final quarter of play, Cedevita had done enough to keep its 6-point lead intact, 52-58. Then, in the last 10 minutes, Cedevita was able to outscore Helios Suns 18-23 en route to its 70-81 triumph.

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="und" dir="ltr">🏆 🏆<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ZmajevoSrce?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ZmajevoSrce</a> <a href="https://t.co/s6ahsSg3Ho">pic.twitter.com/s6ahsSg3Ho</a></p>&mdash; Cedevita Olimpija Ljubljana - English (@KKCedOL_EN) <a href="https://twitter.com/KKCedOL_EN/status/1626690094336815104?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 17, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

### Joventut reaches Spanish Cup semis

 

Joventut Badalona showed that home comforts matter as it beat Cazoo Baskonia Vitoria-Gasteiz 94-81 at Palau Olimpic de Badalona to secure its place in the Spanish Cup semifinals. Ante Tomic led the way for Joventut with 18 points. Joel Parra and Vladimir Brodziansky had 15 and 12 points, respectively, while Kyle Guy, Henry Ellenson and Andres Feliz scored 10 points apiece. Baskonia's leading scorer was Rokas Giedraitis with 13 points, with Tadas Sedekerskis adding 12 and guard duo Markus Howard and Darius Thompson scoring 11 each.

 

The game seemed to be swinging the way of Baskonia in the opening two quarters, as Joan Penarroya's team won the first two quarters 14-19 and 21-23 to head into the interval 35-42 ahead. However, a third-quarter explosion by Joventut saw it flip the game on its head by outscoring Baskonia 33-15 to make it 68-57. In the final quarter of play, Joventut once again put more points on the board than Baskonia, 26-24, as it celebrated a memorable night on its home floor with a 94-81 win.

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="ca" dir="ltr">💚🖤 FINAAAAL! VICTÒRIA I A SEMIFINALS DE LA COPA!<a href="https://twitter.com/Penya1930?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Penya1930</a> 94 - 81 <a href="https://twitter.com/Baskonia?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Baskonia</a> <br><br>🎯 Ante Tomic: 18 punts <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/CopaACB?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#CopaACB</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Badalona%C3%89sFutur?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#BadalonaÉsFutur</a> <a href="https://t.co/V7iwblipl2">pic.twitter.com/V7iwblipl2</a></p>&mdash; Club Joventut Badalona (@Penya1930) <a href="https://twitter.com/Penya1930/status/1626710813745754115?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 17, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

### Bourg causes a shock

Mincidelice JL Bourg en Bresse has reached the semifinals of the French Basketball League Cup after beating AS Monaco 92-102 at Arena Saint-Etienne Metropole. Following this win, Bourg will take on Dijon in the last four.

Bourg ended the first quarter with a narrow 18-22 lead, while a 25-28 second quarter saw Frederic Fauthoux's team go into the break with a 43-50 advantage. Monaco managed to outscore Bourg in the third quarter, 23-22, but a 26-30 finish saw Bourg break the 100-point barrier en route to an impressive 92-102 victory.

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="fr" dir="ltr"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/LeadersCup?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#LeadersCup</a>. LIVE ✨<br><br>🏆🏆🏆🏆<a href="https://twitter.com/ASMonaco_Basket?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ASMonaco_Basket</a> 92 ⚡️ 102 JL Bourg<br><br>Ils l&#39;ont faaaaaaait !!!! Avec une énorme prouesse, nos joueurs ont éliminé le grand favori. Place à la demiiii 🔥🔥 <a href="https://t.co/E41amVlaDg">pic.twitter.com/E41amVlaDg</a></p>&mdash; JL Bourg Basket (@JLBourgBasket) <a href="https://twitter.com/JLBourgBasket/status/1626627114525945856?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 17, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

### Gran Canaria eliminated in the quarters

 

Gran Canaria has been knocked out of the Spanish Cup at the quarterfinal stage following an 89-73 defeat to Tenerife. John Shurna scored a team-high 18 points for Gran Canaria, who also had Khalifa Diop reach double digits with 12 points. Gran Canaria lost the first two quarters and found itself down 55-38 at halftime. It outscored its opponents 34-35 in the second half, but it was still enough for Tenerife to come away with an 89-73 win.

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="es" dir="ltr">🏀Final:<br><br>⚫️ Lenovo Tenerife 89<br>🐥 Gran Canaria 73<br><br>🔥 <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/VamosGranca?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#VamosGranca</a> <a href="https://t.co/GEFkmAzHJT">pic.twitter.com/GEFkmAzHJT</a></p>&mdash; CB Gran Canaria (@GranCanariaCB) <a href="https://twitter.com/GranCanariaCB/status/1626660768119676930?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 17, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

### Slask comes up short

 

Slask Wroclaw has been eliminated from the Polish Cup in the quarterfinals after losing 70-79 to Trefl Sopot. It was a slow start to the game for Slask, who found itself trailing 15-24 after the first quarter. Slask cut the deficit at halftime, 38-39, but Trefl Sopot made it a 6-point game entering the fourth, 57-63, before eventually winning by 9 points, 70-79.

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="pl" dir="ltr">Udział w tej edycji <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SuzukiPucharPolski?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#SuzukiPucharPolski</a> kończymy na ćwierćfinale.<br><br>Gratulacje, <a href="https://twitter.com/treflsopot?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@treflsopot</a> 🤝<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/DumaMiasta?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#DumaMiasta</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/plkpl?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#plkpl</a> <a href="https://t.co/EhUlh9HzRa">pic.twitter.com/EhUlh9HzRa</a></p>&mdash; WKS Śląsk Wrocław - koszykówka (@WKS_SlaskBasket) <a href="https://twitter.com/WKS_SlaskBasket/status/1626691702122508288?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 17, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>