The second half of the BKT EuroCup regular season gets underway on Tuesday and Wednesday. Here’s your guide to Round 10’s action.

## Tuesday, December 3

### Cedevita Olimpija Ljubljana vs. U-BT Cluj-Napoca (18:30 CET)

A pair of direct rivals in Group B meet for a crucial game as Cedevita (5-4) welcomes Cluj (5-4). The first game between the teams was won by Cedevita, 86-93, so the Romanian team needs a road win of 8 points or more to claim the crucial head-to-head advantage. Cedevita’s key performer in that game was forward [Devin Robinson](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/devin-robinson/012042/) (20 points), who has scored in double digits in six straight games. But Cluj is in excellent form with five wins in the last six games so will be confident of getting the result it needs, especially if backcourt star [Adam Mokoka](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/adam-mokoka/012698/) can repeat the form which saw him score 24 points in last week’s victory over Aris.

### ratiopharm Ulm vs. Trefl Sopot (19:00 CET)

Ulm (5-4) will look to at least maintain a share of third place in Group A by overcoming Trefl (0-9), the only winless team in the EuroCup. The German team has struggled for consistency in recent week but boosted its morale with last week’s vital road win at Hapoel, powered by 14 points, 6 rebounds and 6 assists from do-it-all forward [Justinian Jessup](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/justinian-jessup/013290/). He also top scored with 20 points when Ulm grabbed an overtime victory over Trefl in Round 1, so needs no introduction to the visitors. Trefl needs to boost an offense which only mustered 58 points in last week’s loss at Gran Canaria, and will hope for a strong performance from [Andy Van Vliet](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/andy-van-vliet/003885/) (10 points per game), who did not play in the Round 1 meeting.

### Dolomiti Energia Trento vs. Dreamland Gran Canaria (20:00 CET)

Trento (3-6) will look to boost its playoff ambitions by overcoming a strong Gran Canaria (7-2) which has won four of its last five games. The Spanish team boasts the second-best defense in the EuroCup, allowing only 73.7 points per game. Trento came close to taking a road win in Gran Canaria in Round 1, eventually losing 84-81 despite [Jordan Ford](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/jordan-ford/013270/) pouring in 32 points, while Gran Canaria was powered by 20 points and 8 rebounds from [Mike Tobey](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/mike-tobey/008966/). Ford is looking to bounce back after a season-low 1 point in last week’s loss to Besiktas, and Gran Canaria will know that keeping him quiet will be a major factor in strengthening its position in Group A’s second place.

Round 10 Head-to-Head: Zukauskas vs. Shurna

## Wednesday, December 4

### Bahcesehir College Istanbul vs. Wolves Twinsbet Vilnius (17:00 CET)

Group A leader Bahcesehir (8-1) will look for a seventh straight victory with a visit from dangerous Wolves (5-4) – one of the four teams tied for third place. Bahcesehir’s competition-best defense (71.7 points per game) will present a severe test to a Wolves offense powered by [Anthony Cowan](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/players/anthony-cowan-jr/012003/) (14.9 points per game), who scored 18 points in last week’s loss at Buducnost. That game saw the Lithuanian team allow 107 points, so improved defense will be the major focus. Bahcesehir’s latest victory, over Joventut last week, featured 13 points from [Axel Bouteille](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/players/axel-bouteille/003840/) on 3-of-5 three-point shooting, and the forward has now made 46.2% of his shots from beyond the arc this season.

Round 10 Head-to-Head: Ponitka vs. Taylor

### 7Bet-Lietkabelis Panevezys vs. Turk Telekom Ankara (18:00 CET)

In a crunch clash of the edge of the Group B playoff positions, Lietkabelis (2-6) needs a return to form against visiting Turk Telekom (4-5). Both teams have lost their last two games, with Lietkabelis falling last week at home to Reyer despite 16 points and 8 assists from playmaker [Dovis Bickauskis](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/dovis-bickauskis/009898/). After shipping 94 points in last week’s home loss to Hapoel Jerusalem, Turk Telekom will look to repeat the defensive performance that earned a 72-66 victory over Lietkabelis in Round 1, also featuring a double-double of 11 points and 11 rebounds from the consistent [Anthony Brown](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/anthony-brown/009025/), who ranks fourth in the EuroCup in scoring with 18 points per game.

### Hapoel Shlomo Tel Aviv vs. Joventut Badalona (18:45 CET)

Hapoel (5-4) will look to retain its current third place in Group A and establish a three-game margin on visiting Joventut (3-6). Both teams have struggled for consistency in recent weeks, and this should be another close game, similar to the 78-75 victory for Joventut in Round 1. [Ante Tomic](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/ante-tomic/002507/) was inevitably pivotal to that triumph with a double-double of 17 points and 12 rebounds, and he faces a good battle in the paint with Hapoel’s [Bruno Caboclo](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/bruno-caboclo/012096/), who averages 7.3 rebounds in the last three games. The hosts will again lean heavily on star man [Patrick Beverley](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/patrick-beverley/001927/), who has scored in double digits in seven of this season’s nine games, while Joventut poses a threat through recent signing [Sam Dekker](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/players/sam-dekker/009672/), who scored 22 in last week’s loss at Bahcesehir.

Round 10 Head-to-Head: Ginat vs. Dekker

### Aris Midea Thessaloniki vs. Umana Reyer Venice (19:00 CET)

Time is running out for Aris (2-7) to launch a push for the playoffs as it faces a must-win home game against a Reyer team (4-5) aiming for a third straight success. The Italian team boosted its confidence with a crucial overtime victory at Lietkabelis last week, and will hope that dominant big man [Mfiondu Kabengele](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/mfiondu-tshimanga-kabengele/012796/) can stay hot after pairing 21 points and 11 boards in that victory. The Round 1 meeting between the teams was taken easily by Reyer, 95-75, paced by 17 points from [Jordan Parks](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/jordan-parks/011909/), while Aris had 14 points from [Landers Nolley](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/landers-nolley/013249/), who returned to action after injury in last week’s loss to Cluj by draining 22 points.

### Buducnost VOLI Podgorica vs. Besiktas Fibabanka Istanbul (19:00 CET)

After last week’s impressive win over Wolves with 104 points on the board, Buducnost (4-5) will look to climb into the top six and claim a third win in four by overcoming direct rival Besiktas (5-4). A double-double by big man [Kenan Kamenjas](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/kenan-kamenjas/008325/) was one of the keys for Buducnost last week, and he faces a good battle with Besiktas forward [Conor Morgan](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/conor-morgan/009680/), who averages 10.8 points and 5.1 rebounds per game. Besiktas won by 18 points when the teams met in Round 1 behind 18 points and 6 assists from guard [Derek Needham](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/derek-needham/008945/), who is looking for a return to form after being held to 2 points in last week’s win at Trento.

Round 10 Head-to-Head: Magee vs. Mathews

### Cosea JL Bourg-en-Bresse vs. Veolia Towers Hamburg (19:30 CET)

Third-placed Bourg (5-4) will look to cement its position in the Group B playoff places by overcoming rock bottom Hamburg (2-7). Bourg has lost two in a row but easily won the first meeting between the teams this season, 80-100, with 18 points from [Adrian Nelson](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/adrian-nelson/013264/). Hamburg has the next-to-worst defense in the competition, allowing 89.9 points per game, whereas Bourg takes better care of the basketball than any other team with just 11.2 turnovers per game and should therefore have plenty of chances to expose the visiting defense. Hamburg needs another strong game from [Jordan Barnett](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/players/jordan-barnett/013312/), who hit 23 points in last week’s loss to Cedevita.

### Valencia Basket vs. Hapoel Bank Yahav Jerusalem (20:45 CET)

A big battle of title contenders ends the round in style as unbeaten Valencia (8-0) hosts second-placed Jerusalem (7-2). Competition leading scorer and Round 9 MVP [Jared Harper](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/jared-harper/011970/) (23.1 points per game) will relish the chance to take on his former club, but Valencia also boasts precocious talent in the backcourt with [Jean Montero](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/jean-montero/010042/), who paired 19 points with 9 assists in last week’s win over Bourg. Valencia has won four in a row and Jerusalem four straight, so both teams will be high in confidence but the visiting team will need its usually strong defense – allowing just 75.6 points per game – to be on top form against a Valencia offense averaging a spectacular 96.9 points.

Round 10 Head-to-Head: Montero vs. Harper

Round 10 marks the start of teams facing each other for the second time this season

At a glance: The second half of the season is here!

Valencia Basket v Hapoel Bank Yahav Jerusalem (2024-12-04T19:45:00.000Z)

Cosea JL Bourg-en-Bresse v Veolia Towers Hamburg (2024-12-04T18:30:00.000Z)

Aris Midea Thessaloniki v Umana Reyer Venice (2024-12-04T18:00:00.000Z)

Buducnost VOLI Podgorica v Besiktas Fibabanka Istanbul (2024-12-04T18:00:00.000Z)

Hapoel Shlomo Tel Aviv v Joventut Badalona (2024-12-04T17:45:00.000Z)

7Bet-Lietkabelis Panevezys v Turk Telekom Ankara (2024-12-04T17:00:00.000Z)

Bahcesehir College Istanbul v Wolves Twinsbet Vilnius (2024-12-04T16:00:00.000Z)

Dolomiti Energia Trento v Dreamland Gran Canaria (2024-12-03T19:00:00.000Z)

ratiopharm Ulm v Trefl Sopot (2024-12-03T18:00:00.000Z)

Cedevita Olimpija Ljubljana v U-BT Cluj-Napoca (2024-12-03T17:30:00.000Z)

The BKT EuroCup has reached its mid-point with Valencia Basket remaining undefeated, four teams tallying seven wins over nine rounds, and the margin for error at the cut line in both groups remaining razor-thin. 

The graph above depicts the league’s efficiency landscape, with each team’s placement corresponding to how much better or worse than average they have performed on both sides of the floor in points per possession. As the labels suggest, the top right quadrant features teams that have played at an above-average level both offensively and defensively. 

As it stands, the teams with the four highest efficiency differentials - the number of points per possession they have scored less those they have allowed - correspond to the four teams with seven wins or more.  They have taken different routes to get there, with Hapoel Bank Yahav Jerusalem and Dreamland Gran Canaria excelling defensively and Bahcesehir College Istanbul and Valencia Basket finding good balance, but there are no teams sneaking into the top of the standings on luck this season. 

From there, things get interesting with Hapoel Shlomo Tel Aviv and Cosea JL Bourg-en-Bresse making headway on both ends of the floor and sitting at the top of a dense grouping of teams in the standings. Five teams in both groups sit at four or five wins heading into the second half ranking between fifth and 18th in efficiency differential. The team at the far end of that spectrum, ratiopharm Ulm, picked up a road win over Hapoel in Round 9 as the league’s youngest team has struggled at times defensively, but proven very formidable in spots as well. With Wolves Twinsbet Vilnius rattling off five wins before their blowout Round 9 loss to Buducnost VOLI Podgorica, several teams in the middle of the standings have shown the ability to get hot and punch above their weight class, but consistency figures to be the key differentiator among teams potentially looking to challenge for a bye in the eightfinals.   

Joventut Badalona has the best efficiency differential among the teams on the outside looking in to that group. With an extra home game in the second nine games, they’ll have a prime opportunity to jump back into the mix in 2025. 

What can we learn about teams based on their points per possession scored and allowed?

Stats review: A look at the efficiency landscape in the EuroCup

Look back at all the action in Round 9 of the 2024-25 BKT EuroCup season by checking out the best photos of the week! 

Top 10 photos from Round 9

Axel Boutielle of Bahcesehir and Yannick Kraag of Joventut race after a loose ball

Brandon Paul of Bourg shoots over the outstretched arm of Valencia's Sergio de Larrea

Garrison Brooks of Wolves emotes after dunking against Buducnost 

Miquel Salvo of Gran Canaria splits the defense against Trefl Sopot

D.J. Stewart of Cedevita hangs on the rim after dunking against Hamburg

De'Shawn Stephens of Cluj dunks in front of Aris's Landers Nolley

Aamir Simms of Reyer tussles for the rebound against Lietkabelis's Grantas Vasiliauskas

Bar Timor of Hapoel dribble in front of Ulm's Thomas Klepeisz

Derek Needham of Besiktas shoots a floater against Trento

Zavier Simpson of Cluj makes his way to the basket against Aris

Look back at all the action from Round 9 of the 2024-25 BKT EuroCup season by checking out the best photos of the week! 

A huge individual performance in a come-from-behind winning effort allowed [Jared Harper](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/jared-harper/011970/) of Hapoel Bank Yahav Jerusalem to earn MVP of the Round honors for the third time in the 2024-25 BKT EuroCup season.

Harper led Jerusalem to a 77-94 road victory over Turk Telekom Ankara with a career-high 35 points on 8-of-12 two-pointers, 2-of-6 three-pointers and 13-of-13 free throws. He added 4 rebounds, 3 assists and 9 fouls drawn for a PIR of 38, the highest in Round 9.

[Ante Tomic](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/ante-tomic/002507/) of Joventut Badalona amassed a PIR of 29 in his team's 89-78 road loss against Bahcesehir College Istanbul. Tomic had 18 points on 6-of-6 two-pointers and 6-of-6 free throws, 6 rebounds, 2 assists and 6 fouls drawn. [Jean Montero](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/jean-montero/010042/) led Valencia Basket to a 96-107 road victory over Cosea JL Bourg-en-Bresse with 19 points, 4 rebounds, 9 assists, 2 steals and 7 fouls drawn, good for a PIR of 28. [Mfiondu Kabengele](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/mfiondu-kabengele/012796/) of Umana Reyer Venice and [Devante Jones](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/devante-jones/013260/) of Cedevita Olimpija Ljubljana, each with a PIR of 27, round out the list of top individual performances in Round 9.

### Individual highs: Jordan Baheye, Trento, 13 rebounds

Harper, this Round’s MVP, led all scorers with 35 points. He is also the runaway scoring leader with 23.1 points per game.

[Jordan Bayehe](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/jordan-bayehe/006724/) of Dolomiti Energia Trento pulled down 13 rebounds to lead all players in this round. Kabengele is the competition's top rebounder with 10.5 boards per night.

[Zavier Simpson](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/zavier-simpson/013302/) of U-BT Cluj-Napoca was the only player to reach double digits in assists, dishing 10 in his team's 87-79 home win over Aris Midea Thessaloniki. He is also first overall with 7.2 assists per game.

[Landers Nolley](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/landers-nolley/013249/) of Aris, Cedevita's Jones and [John Shurna](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/john-shurna/006588/) of Dreamland Gran Canaria each collected 4 steals in Round 9. [Andrew Albicy](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/andrew-albicy/003425/) of Gran Canaria and [Tarik Phillip](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/tarik-phillip/009649/) of Jerusalem are tied for the first place with 2.1 steals per game.

[James Banks](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/james-banks/013248/) of Aris had 4 blocks, more than anybody else in this round. [Kur Kuath](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/kur-kuath/013313/) of Veolia Towers Hamburg ranks first in blocks with 2.0 per game.

There were six double-double in Round 9: Simpson (14 points, 10 assists) and his Cluj teammate [De'Shawn Stephens](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/de-shawn-stephens/006618/) (11 points, 11 rebounds), Kabengele (21 points, 11 rebounds), [Semi Ojeleye](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/semi-ojeleye/011982/) of Valencia Basket (11 points, 10 rebounds), Jerusalem’s [Gabriel Chachashvili ](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/gabriel-chachashvili/013279/)(15 points, 11 rebounds) and [Kenan Kamenjas](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/kenan-kamenjas/008325/) of Buducnost VOLI Podgorica (12 points, 12 rebounds).

Third MVP award in nine weeks for star guard.

Round 9 MVP: Jared Harper, Hapoel Bank Yahav Jerusalem

Congratulations to Matej Karamarko, our eighth winner in the 2024-25 EuroCup Fantasy Challenge! Matej's team, 'm199', posted a score of 225.75.

EuroCup Fantasy Challenge: Round 9 winner

Congratulations to Alvis Zirins, our ninth winner in the 2024-25 [EuroCup Fantasy Challenge](https://euroleaguefantasy.euroleaguebasketball.net/)! Alvis's team, 'Lielupe', posted a score of 247.25.

Alvis had the following starting lineup: Jared Harper of Hapoel Bank Yahav Jerusalem as team captain, Adam Mokoka of U-BT Cluj-Napoca, Jaime Pradilla of Valencia Basket, Mateusz Ponitka of Bahcesehir College Istanbul and ratiopharm Ulm's Noa Essengue. Jean Montero of Valencia was his sixth man

His team's head coach was Dreamland Gran Canaria's Jaka Lakovic, while the four bench players were Jordan Usher of Cosea JL Bourg-en-Bresse, Fletcher Magee of Buducnost VOLI Podgorica, Conor Morgan of Besiktas FIbabanka Istanbul and Gabriel Chachashvili of Jerusalem.

The prize for finishing first in Round 9 is a free subscription to Euroleague TV for the 2025-26 season, so congratulations, Alvis!

The leader in the overall standings is Milos Mihajlovic and his squad, 'BallIsLife', which has a total of 1,532.90 points after the first nine rounds. Trades are now open for Round 10. Remember, four trades are allowed before each round until the end of the regular season.

Make new teams now or improve your existing ones and try to become EuroCup Fantasy Challenge's next winner!

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

Buducnost VOLI showed what it is capable of by thrashing BC Wolves 104-77 in Round 9 on Friday night, with every player who stepped onto the floor scoring for the hosts.

Buducnost sends a message with blowout win against Wolves, 104-77

Buducnost VOLI Podgorica showed what it is capable of by thrashing Wolves Twinsbet Vilnius 104-77 in Round 9 on Friday night, with every player who stepped onto the floor scoring for the hosts.

Rasheed Sulaimon was a menace on the offensive end all night long and finished with a game-high 23 points, while Fletcher Magee had 16, Nikola Tanaskovic netted 15, Kenan Kamenjas poured in 12, and Juwan Morgan scored 11. Kamenjas also paired his 12 points with 12 rebounds. For Wolves, Anthony Cowan finished with a team-best 18 points, with Tre'Shawn Thurman and Garrison Brooks adding 10 and 10 points, respectively.

Game Videos

An opening 7-0 run by Buducnost was perhaps a signal of what was to come, although Wolves did immediately respond with a 7-0 run of their own to tie the game at 7-7. Yet, a couple of threes – one by Yogi Ferrell and another by Sulaimon – helped Buducnost push ahead to a 20-12 lead. Morgan then had 7 points in a hurry, and McKinley Wright's layup ensured it was 29-18 at the end of the first quarter.

Even though Wolves prevented Buducnost from pulling away in the early minutes of the second period, back-to-back triples by Magee suddenly swelled the lead to 45-27. Buducnost continued to shine whenever it went to big men Tanaskovic and Kamenjas, and they were both key in ensuring the hosts held a 57-38 advantage at the interval.

Game News

Wolves outscored Buducnost 6-2 in the first couple of minutes, but it was too big a mountain to climb as the Montenegrin club simply went up a gear to regain a hefty lead. Tanaskovic and Kamenjas continued to impress, while Morgan and veteran center Alen Omic appeared late in the third quarter to help Buducnost enter the final frame with an 82-61 lead.

Wolves's Marek Blazevic got the first score of the fourth quarter, but three straight threes by Buducnost – two by Sulaimon and one by Magee – effectively put the win on ice at 91-63. Kamenjas kept showing lots of energy inside, while there was loud applause when Mateo Dreznjak hit a technical free throw with 1 second left as that meant all 11 players who stepped onto the floor for Buducnost had scored, with the final score being 104-77.

The Lithuanian side had won five straight before this game

Buducnost VOLI Podgorica v Wolves Twinsbet Vilnius (2024-11-29T18:00:00.000Z)

Check out what the protagonists are saying ahead of Round 9 of the BKT EuroCup, and who might be missing in action.

Round 9: Pre-game quotes and injury reports

## Friday, November 29

### Buducnost VOLI Podgorica vs. Wolves Twinsbet Vilnius (19:00 CET)

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

"It will be a tough game. Podgorica is a talented team with many players who can score points and be game changers. One of them is Rasheed Sulaimon, the former Wolves Twinsbet player and a great scorer. We have the desire to keep winning and try to get another important win for our standings. Obviously, they also need a win, especially playing at home. So, it will be a very tough, difficult and important game for both teams."

**Marek Blazevic, Wolves Twinsbet Vilnius center**

"The Podgorica team plays physical basketball, as is typical of teams from the Balkan region. Their roster includes former Wolves Twinsbet player Rasheed Sulaimon, a highly talented offensive player. Yogi Ferrell, a player of a similar style, excels in one-on-one situations. It will be crucial to contain these backcourt players, dominate the boards, avoid unforced turnovers, and bring the right energy to the court from the start of the game."

## Thursday, November 28

### Bahcesehir College Istanbul vs. Joventut Badalona (17:00 CET)

\--

### U-BT Cluj-Napoca vs. Aris Midea Thessaloniki (18:00 CET)

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

"We are back playing, after the international break. We only had three practices together, but this is not an excuse. The next few weeks are very important in the BKT EuroCup. I think the game against Aris will be really hard. I have known their coach for a long time, and I know they play an aggressive type of basketball, with good defense. We have to match their level of intensity in order to win. We are a physical team as well, we play at full speed. With the right mindset, we can definitely win."

**D.J. Seeley, U-BT Cluj-Napoca guard**

"It will be a tough game, like it usually is with this team. They play aggressive, but we just have to be tough and it will be ok. It was hard with this international break, but everybody has it, so it is no excuse. We need to play well and win this game! I feel like we have not been playing to our full potential and sky is the limit, so we will keep fighting."

**Ioannis Kastritis, Aris Midea Thessaloniki head coach**

"We are facing a very strong and athletic team. They have been getting very good results in the EuroCup recently, and we know that especially on their home court, you need to be very focused and mentally and physically stable to compete with them. Once again, we are dealing with many injuries. We have two new players with us in the last few days, and after the FIBA window break, we want to start building our chemistry, which will guide us to a good momentum for the rest of the season."

**Georgios Gkiouzelis, Aris Midea Thessaloniki forward**

"We are on our way to face a very good team like Cluj-Napoca. Our opponent is on a roll, having won four of their last five games. We need to be very focused and maintain high energy throughout the game in order to fight for a positive result in Romania. We have some serious absences, but also some new players, and we will give our best to achieve our third win in the BKT EuroCup."

### 7Bet-Lietkabelis Panevezys vs. Umana Reyer Venice (18:00 CET)

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

"We are ready to get back on the court. We’ve recovered some players, and we’re very happy about that. We’re facing a tough away game against a good team. It’s true they no longer have Stipanović, but they will certainly play with intensity and physicality. They have many talented young players on their roster, and it will definitely be a challenging match. After this break for the FIBA window, we are fresher, even though some players were busy with their National Teams. We’re getting Tyler Ennis back, and that means a lot to us."

**Mfiondu Kabengele, Umana Reyer Venice center**

"We’ve had a couple of practices together after the FIBA window, and I think we worked well. I found my teammates in great shape; they’ve been working hard in these past days while I was with Team Canada. In Panevezys, we’ll need to be ready because we’re up against a solid team with decent size. It will be important to stay focused on our game: if we do well on the boards, limit turnovers, and execute under pressure, we can have a great match."

**Lietkabelis injury report**: The club has parted ways with center Andrija Stipanovic.

Reyer injury report: Xavier Munford (knee surgery), and Juan Manuel Fernandez (thigh) are out. Davide Casarin (ankle) is a game-time decision.

### Cedevita Olimpija Ljubljana vs. Veolia Towers Hamburg (18:30 CET)

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

"Hamburg is a team that can be described as inconsistent this season, with both brilliant and poor performances. Our opponents have also made some roster changes and added reinforcements for the rest of the season. They have energy, athletic players, and a lot of foreign players. If you recklessly run with them, you can face big problems. That’s how they beat Turk Telekom and defeated Aris by a large margin. On the other hand, they also have significant dips in their game. After over a week without games, it will be interesting for us to see our condition on the court. We must approach the game seriously, with strong defense, as we cannot afford to play a run-and-gun style. This game is very important for our fight for a playoff spot. We must win every home game and try to surprise on the road. I am most concerned with getting the team back into a good rhythm. We had that rhythm during the preseason and early in the EuroCup, so we’re focusing on improving our defensive energy."

**Aleksej Nikolic, Cedevita Olimpija Ljubljana guard**

"During the break, we rested well, especially considering the exhausting schedule we had in the two weeks before the national team break. We also used the time to heal minor injuries, reintegrate into training, wait for our national team players to return, and prepare for this game. We’re looking forward to playing again. We anticipate an aggressive game on both sides of the court. We’ll need to respond to our opponents' rhythm and impose our own. This is an important game that we must win. I invite all fans to join us - htey surely missed the games as much as we did. Their support will definitely help us on Thursday."

**Benka Barloschky, Veolia Towers Hamburg head coach**

"We had a few days off and used the break mainly to regenerate. Our medical staff in particular had their hands full during that time. In the first few sessions, we worked on lots of little things that hadn't worked so well before. Even now, after the break, the schedule remains merciless. With the away game on Thursday and the next match on Saturday, it's the worst possible situation for us. But we're fully focused on the first task. Cedevita is a very experienced team, and I'd like to specifically highlight Jaka Blazic at this point. The players have experienced almost everything in basketball, played at the highest level. And we have to compete with a somewhat younger and inexperienced team."

**Hamburg injury report**: Hamburg parted ways with Patrick Heckmann.

### Cosea JL Bourg-en-Bresse vs. Valencia Basket (19:30 CET)

**Frederic Fauthoux, Cosea JL Bourg-en-Bresse head coach**

"Valencia is undefeated. They are a team that is focused on offense, and is very offensive, but I think we have the weapons to play against them, so it will be a very good game."

**Xavier Castaneda, Cosea JL Bourg-en-Bresse guard**

"I am excited to get back out there with my team after the break. We play a very good team in Valencia, with a lot of threats. We expect a very tough game and can't wait to compete."

**Pedro Martinez, Valencia Basket head coach**

"Bourg and Hapoel are the two best teams in our group. I say this with all due respect to everyone, but I think they are two very good teams, and we play against one of the two next. They are a team that had a great season last year and played in the EuroCup final. They are a team that defends very aggressively, very well, passes the ball very well, they have very good discipline in their game, an excellent team with very good players. It is a tremendously difficult match for us, and we will have to give our best version to be competitive. I think we have been unlucky with the three players who have come back injured from playing with their national team. I don’t blame it on anything, it’s just unlucky. What I don’t do is complain too much. They have been injured, let’s hope they return soon and compete with the other players we have."

**Valencia injury report:** Valencia Basket announced on Sunday that big man [Nate Reuvers](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/news/valencia-loses-nate-reuvers-to-broken-finger/) has suffered a broken finger on his left hand. Also, Xabi Lopez-Arostegui, Stefan Jovic and Ethan Happ are all out for Round 9 with injuries.

### Hapoel Shlomo Tel Aviv vs. ratiopharm Ulm (19:30 CET)

**Dimitris Itoudis, Hapoel Shlomo Tel Aviv head coach**

"We are playing against a team from the top of the German league that has established itself over the last few years. They have a very good coach and players with size, youth and explosiveness. We are in the process of building a better team. Over the last few days, we were missing some players who were with their national teams. We are both fortunate and unfortunate to have so many players representing their national teams. We tried to work in the best possible way. Thanks also to our youth program and second team for providing players for practices.We will try to play a good game and win against a very good opponent."

**Guy Palatin, Hapoel Shlomo Tel Aviv guard**

"We are approaching the game against Ulm with a lot of motivation and a strong desire to win. This is a very important game that will conclude the first round of the EuroCup, and we understand how critical this battle is for our journey ahead. We will do everything we can to give our best and finish the round on a positive note."

### Turk Telekom Ankara vs. Hapoel Bank Yahav Jerusalem (19:30 CET)

\--

### Dolomiti Energia Trento vs. Besiktas Fibabanka Istanbul (20:00 CET)

**Eigirdas Zukauskas, Dolomiti Energia Trento forward**

"It will definitely be a complicated game because they are a very physical team, with a lot of experience and many players who have been playing together for years. They are among the best three-point shooting teams in the entire competition and we will have to put great energy and determination to bring home the win."

**Trento injury report**: Trento center [Selom Mawugbe](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/news/trentos-selom-mawugbe-to-miss-several-weeks/) is expected to be sidelined for three weeks after suffering an injury to his rectus femoris, one of the quadriceps muscles.

### Dreamland Gran Canaria vs. Trefl Sopot (21:00 CET)

\--

Round 9: Pregame quotes and injury reports

Dolomiti Energia Trento v Besiktas Fibabanka Istanbul (2024-11-28T19:00:00.000Z)

Cosea JL Bourg-en-Bresse v Valencia Basket (2024-11-28T18:30:00.000Z)

U-BT Cluj-Napoca v Aris Midea Thessaloniki (2024-11-28T17:00:00.000Z)

Dreamland Gran Canaria v Trefl Sopot (2024-11-28T20:00:00.000Z)

Hapoel Shlomo Tel Aviv v ratiopharm Ulm (2024-11-28T18:30:00.000Z)

Cedevita Olimpija Ljubljana v Veolia Towers Hamburg (2024-11-28T17:30:00.000Z)

7Bet-Lietkabelis Panevezys v Umana Reyer Venice (2024-11-28T17:00:00.000Z)

Turk Telekom Ankara v Hapoel Bank Yahav Jerusalem (2024-11-28T18:30:00.000Z)

Bahcesehir College Istanbul v Joventut Badalona (2024-11-28T16:00:00.000Z)

The EuroCup is back with a bang for Round 9, with nine games taking place on Thursday and one on Friday.

Game Center: Nine games on Thursday and one on Friday

## Friday, November 29

### [Buducnost VOLI Podgorica 104-77 Wolves Twinsbet Vilnius](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/game-center/2024-25/buducnost-voli-podgorica-wolves-twinsbet-vilnius/U2024/83/#comparison)

\--

<center>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">This victory counts, this game amazes, well done, guys!!! 🔵⚪️<br><br>Sulaimon 23, Magee 16, Tanasković 15 📊 <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://twitter.com/hashtag/bkteurocup?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#bkteurocup</a> <a href="https://t.co/V0e7uhHdf8">pic.twitter.com/V0e7uhHdf8</a></p>&mdash; KK Budućnost VOLI (@KKBuducnostVOLI) <a href="https://twitter.com/KKBuducnostVOLI/status/1862588589063713130?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 29, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

## Thursday, November 28

### [Bahcesehir College Istanbul 89-78 Joventut Badalona](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/news/bahcesehir-downs-joventut-89-78-for-sixth-straight-victory/)

Bahcesehir confirmed its spot atop Group A at the halfway point of the regular season after beating Joventut 89-78 at home for a sixth straight victory. Coming off the national team break, the Turkish side did not look rusty at all in improving to 8-1.

<center>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="tr" dir="ltr">💪 𝐌𝐀𝐊𝐄 𝐈𝐓 𝟔 𝐈𝐍 𝐀 𝐑𝐎𝐖!<br><br>BKT EuroCup | A Grubu 9. Maç | Maç Sonucu | Bahçeşehir Koleji 89 - 78 Joventut Badalona<br><br>•⁠ ⁠Jaleem Smith: 17 sayı, 1 ribaund, 3 asist<br>•⁠ ⁠Şehmus Hazer: 15 sayı, 3 asist<br>•⁠ ⁠Axel Bouteille: 13 sayı, 6 ribaund, 2 asist<br>•⁠ ⁠… <a href="https://t.co/iJorFIiGRs">pic.twitter.com/iJorFIiGRs</a></p>&mdash; Bahçeşehir Koleji Spor Kulübü (@BKBasketbol) <a href="https://twitter.com/BKBasketbol/status/1862196087097831607?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 28, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

### [U-BT Cluj-Napoca 87-79 Aris Midea Thessaloniki](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/news/adam-mokoka-powers-cluj-past-aris/)

Adam Mokoka set a career-high with 24 points and Zavier Simpson and De'Shawn Stephens both posted double-doubles as U-BT Cluj-Napoca bested Aris Midea Thessaloniki 87-79 on Thursday night at BT-Arena for the team’s third straight win at home. Cluj improved to 5-4 on the season while knocking Aris down to 2-7. Simpson and Zach Hankins finished with 14 points each for the winners with Simpson dishing 10 assists and Hankins collected 9 rebounds. Landers Nolley led Aris with 22 points.

<center><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Fifth win of the season for <a href="https://twitter.com/UBTCluj?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@UBTCluj</a>!<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/RoadToGreatness?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#RoadToGreatness</a> <a href="https://t.co/AUzZO9o463">pic.twitter.com/AUzZO9o463</a></p>&mdash; BKT EuroCup (@EuroCup) <a href="https://twitter.com/EuroCup/status/1862217813512847680?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 28, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

### [7Bet-Lietkabelis Panevezys 93-100 Umana Reyer Venice](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/game-center/2024-25/7bet-lietkabelis-panevezys-umana-reyer-venice/U2024/87/)

Reyer pulled off a superb comeback to beat Lietkabelis in overtime. The hosts led throughout regulation, being up by 15 three minutes into the third quarter. Yet, Reyer took its first lead in overtime and pulled away to clinch the victory on Thursday. Reyer celebrated its first road win of the season and improved its record to 4-5, with Lietkabelis dropping to 3-5. Kyle Wiltjer led all scorers with 22 points, with Mfiondu Tshimanga Kabengele recording a double-double of 21 points and 11 rebounds. Dovis Bickauskis and Martynas Varnas paced Lietkabelis with 16 points apiece. 

<center><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="it" dir="ltr">All&#39;overtime la Kalnapilio Arena si tinge di orogranata!<br>I leoni tornano alla vittoria con un match di testa e cuore 🔥<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/FinoAllaFine?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#FinoAllaFine</a> <a href="https://t.co/icmzYAvq4y">pic.twitter.com/icmzYAvq4y</a></p>&mdash; Reyer Venezia (@REYER1872) <a href="https://twitter.com/REYER1872/status/1862214017554481617?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 28, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

### [Cedevita Olimpija Ljubljana 95-68 Veolia Towers Hamburg](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/news/cedevita-olimpija-coasts-to-95-68-win-against-hamburg/)

Cedevita Olimpija ended its three-game losing streak in perfect fashion on Thursday night, erupting for 95 points in a 95-68 triumph over Hamburg, which is now 0-5 on the road this season. The Slovenian side is now 5-4 on the season and the German outfit is 2-7. This game marked Zvezdan Mitrovic's return to the bench after a spell away due to illness.

<center>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">DRAGONS WIN! Big triumph vs. Hamburg for the fired up Dragons in Stožice!<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ZmajevaDruzina?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ZmajevaDruzina</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/BKTEuroCup?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#BKTEuroCup</a> <a href="https://t.co/ViJ9wh0Jf2">pic.twitter.com/ViJ9wh0Jf2</a></p>&mdash; Cedevita Olimpija Ljubljana - English (@KKCedOL_EN) <a href="https://twitter.com/KKCedOL_EN/status/1862217651642409262?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 28, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

### [Cosea JL Bourg-en-Bresse 96-107 Valencia Basket](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/game-center/2024-25/cosea-jl-bourg-en-bresse-valencia-basket/U2024/90/)

Valencia sent a message that echoed around the competition by downing last season's finalist Bourg to stay undefeated in Group B. Matt Costello led the way with 23 points and Jean Montero added 19 and 9 assists for Valencia, which took off in the third quarter and never looked back.

<center>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="es" dir="ltr">VAMOOOOOOOOOOOS 🧡<br><br>Nos llevamos la victoria de una cancha complicada como Bourg-en-Bresse<br><br>✔️ Debuta Amida Brimah<br><br>¡Seguimos!<br><br>⚪ <a href="https://twitter.com/JLBourgBasket?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@JLBourgBasket</a> 96<br>🟠 <a href="https://twitter.com/valenciabasket?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@valenciabasket</a> 107<br><br>🏆 J9 BKT <a href="https://twitter.com/EuroCup?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@EuroCup</a><br>🤝 <a href="https://twitter.com/Luanvi?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Luanvi</a> <a href="https://t.co/Og8jtRAqOd">pic.twitter.com/Og8jtRAqOd</a></p>&mdash; Valencia Basket Club (@valenciabasket) <a href="https://twitter.com/valenciabasket/status/1862235667977081304?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 28, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

### [Hapoel Shlomo Tel Aviv 80-82 ratiopharm Ulm](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/game-center/2024-25/hapoel-shlomo-tel-aviv-ratiopharm-ulm/U2024/85/)

Ulm registered a victory over Hapoel in head coach Dimitris Itoudis's return to the competition after more than a decade away. Noa Essengue led the way with 19 points, 2 blocks and a game-high PIR of 26 and Ben Saraf buried the go-ahead jumper in the next-to-last minute. Marcus Foster led Hapoel with 21 points and Patrick Beverley added 18. Both teams now have 5-4 records in Group A.

<center><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="de" dir="ltr">𝗘𝗶𝗻 𝗞𝗿𝗶𝗺𝗶 𝗯𝗶𝘀 𝘇𝘂𝗿 𝗹𝗲𝘁𝘇𝘁𝗲𝗻 𝗦𝗲𝗸𝘂𝗻𝗱𝗲! 🏀💥<br><br>Mit einer kämpferischen Meisterleistung holen wir den Auswärtssieg gegen Tel Aviv! 💪🔥<br><br>𝗘𝗻𝗱𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗻𝗱: 𝟴𝟬:𝟴𝟮<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/uuulmer?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#uuulmer</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/weareone?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#weareone</a> | 📷 <a href="https://twitter.com/HapoelTLVBC?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@HapoelTLVBC</a> <a href="https://t.co/rv54b9a1T1">pic.twitter.com/rv54b9a1T1</a></p>&mdash; ratiopharm ulm (@ratiopharmulm) <a href="https://twitter.com/ratiopharmulm/status/1862243914347929617?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 28, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

### [Turk Telekom Ankara 77-94 Hapoel Bank Yahav Jerusalem](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/game-center/2024-25/turk-telekom-ankara-hapoel-bank-yahav-jerusalem/U2024/86/)

Jerusalem grabbed its fifth consecutive victory in Group B by thrashing Turk Telekom in Belgrade. Jared Harper led the winners with a career-high 35 points on 13-of-13 free throws and a PIR of 38. Harper had 25 points after the break. Gabriel Chachashvili added a double-double of 15 points and 11 rebounds. Braian Angola had 15 points for Turk Telekom, which led 44-39 at halftime.

<center>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="iw" dir="rtl">ג’ארד הארפר עם עוד יום במשרד ו-35 נקודות ביחד עם דינו שקלע 19 נקודות וגבי שקלע 15 נקודות - מחזירים אותנו מהפגרה עם ניצחון גדול על טורק טלקום בבלגרד! <a href="https://t.co/KVWjv8rAUO">pic.twitter.com/KVWjv8rAUO</a></p>&mdash; Hapoel Jerusalem BC (@JerusalemBasket) <a href="https://twitter.com/JerusalemBasket/status/1862236743879016676?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 28, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

### [Dolomiti Energia Trento 68-83 Besiktas Fibabanka Istanbul](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/game-center/2024-25/dolomiti-energia-trento-besiktas-fibabanka-istanbul/U2024/82/)

Besiktas outscored Trento 22-43 in the middle two quarters to take control en route to a victory at Il T Quotidiano Arena on Thursday night. The result saw Besiktas climb into at least a share of fourth place in Group A with a 5-4 record, while Trento slipped to 3-6. Kelan Martin paced the winning effort with 13 points and Yigit Arslan and Berk Ugurlu added 12 points apiece. Quin Ellis, Myles Cale and Toto Forray all scored 13 for Trento.

<center>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="tr" dir="ltr">İtalya&#39;dan galibiyetle dönüyoruz. 💪<br><br>Dolomiti Energia Trento 68-83 Beşiktaş Fibabanka | Maç Sonucu<br><br>🦅 <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Be%C5%9Fikta%C5%9FFibabanka?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#BeşiktaşFibabanka</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Potan%C4%B1nKartallar%C4%B1?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#PotanınKartalları</a> <a href="https://t.co/kHFUKwm675">pic.twitter.com/kHFUKwm675</a></p>&mdash; Beşiktaş Fibabanka (@BJK_Basketbol) <a href="https://twitter.com/BJK_Basketbol/status/1862240371696193542?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 28, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

### Dreamland Gran Canaria 84-58 Trefl Sopot

Gran Canaria bounced back from its recent home loss by overwhelming Trefl to go up to 7-2 in Group A. Caleb Homesley led the winners with 20 points and no missed shots in 17 minutes. George Conditt and Miquel Salvo each added 10 points for Gran Canaria. Andy Van Vliet and Jakub Schenk led Trefl with 11 points apiece. Gran Canaria led 39-31 at halftime, improved its margin to 62-42 after 30 minutes and never looked back.

<center>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">🏀 Final: <br><br>🐥 Dreamland Gran Canaria 84<br>⚫️ Trefl Sopot 58<br><br>🔥 <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/VamosGranca?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#VamosGranca</a> <a href="https://t.co/lEm8WOKxe1">pic.twitter.com/lEm8WOKxe1</a></p>&mdash; Dreamland Gran Canaria (@GranCanariaCB) <a href="https://twitter.com/GranCanariaCB/status/1862251221223870464?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 28, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Nine of this week's 10 EuroCup games were played on Thursday night

Game Center: Buducnost wins to bring a close to Round 9

Noa Essengue and Ben Saraf once again played a big role in ratiopharm Ulm's 80-82 victory over Hapoel Shlomo Tel Aviv in Round 9. 


The kids are alright in Ulm 

[Noa Essengue](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/players/noa-essengue/011391/) and [Ben Saraf](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/ben-saraf/011437/) once again played a big role in [ratiopharm Ulm's 80-82 victory over Hapoel Shlomo Tel Aviv](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/news/ulm-rallies-past-hapoel-80-81-on-sarafs-game-winner/) in Round 9.

It was a special game at Samokov, Bulgaria, as Dimitris Itoudis returned to the BKT EuroCup after coaching Banvit Bandirma in the 2013-14 campaign. After that, he went on to coach CSKA Moscow and win two Turkish Airlines EuroLeague championships in 2016 and 2019, and also worked for Fenerbahce Beko Istanbul. Itoudis did not have the EuroCup return he wished, as Essengue and Saraf made sure Ulm competed until the end.

Hapoel seemed to have the game under control, leading 73-64 early in the fourth quarter. Essengue stepped up for Ulm and got plenty of help from Justinian Jessup to bring Ulm within 77-76. Marcus Foster took over with a three-point play, Alfonso Plummer erased that with a bomb from downtown and with the game on the line, Saraf took matters into his own hands.

Saraf used a wild spin move to go past Tomer Ginat and generate the space he needed to get a comfortable shot, which he hit to put Ulm ahead for good, 80-81, with 1:20 remaining. Essengue sealed the outcome from the foul line, missing his second attempt on purpose with 1.6 seconds left to run the game clock down.

Noa Essengue and Ben Saraf had a solid performance to lead ratiopharm Ulm to an 80-82 victory over Hapoel Shlomo Tel Aviv.

Essengue, Saraf lead Ulm past Hapoel

When the dust settled, Essengue had recorded yet another outstanding all-around performance, finishing the game with 19 points on 11 of 14 free throws, 5 rebounds, an assist, 2 steals, no turnovers, 2 blocks and 9 fouls drawn for a game-high PIR of 26. A month before his 18th birthday, Essengue averages 13.8 points, 5.2 rebounds, 0.9 blocks and a PIR of 18.0 in 9 games this season.

"I think we played really well. We played well together. We did some good stuff at the end of the game, that clutch shot from Ben \[Saraf\], and we played our game." Essengue said after the game. "I think that's a good win because we played against a very talented team, and we needed this win to go up in the standings."

Saraf, who turned 18 last April, also did a little bit of everything. Added to hitting the go-ahead shot, Saraf had 5 points, 3 rebounds, 4 assists and 2 steals in 18 minutes.

"We had some mistakes defensively and a lot of foul trouble. We put them on the line quite a few times, so during halftime we talked about that a little bit. We can't give up 28 points in a quarter on the road and expect to win the game," Ulm head coach Ty Harrelson said after the game. "We just need to have the same intensity on defense that we had in the third and fourth quarters."

Indeed, Ulm went from allowing 48 points in the first half to just 32 after the break. Ulm finished the game with 5 blocks, 9 steals and above all, 23 offensive rebounds, a new EuroCup club record. Its previous best mark were 21 offensive rebounds in a 77-85 home loss against FoxTown Cantu on February 19, 2014. Hapoel had a higher PIR than Ulm, 97-90, but the guests returned home with a big victory.

Once again, the German team's two young stars rose to the occasion