Hamburg runs past Aris, 93-69

Veolia Hamburg Towers led from start to finish en route to registering their second win of the season, downing the depleted Aris Midea Thessaloniki 93-69 on Tuesday night. Both teams now hold 2-6 records in Group B. Hamburg had a 10-point lead already in the first quarter and extended it to 47-26 in the second. Aris never got closer than 12 points the rest of the way. 

Brae Ivey paced Hamburg with 15 points, Keondre Kennedy netted 14, while Zsombor Maronka and Kenneth Ogbe scored 12 apiece. Kur Kuath had 6 points, 12 rebounds, 5 assists and 5 blocks in the winning effort. Vassilis Toliopoulos netted 31 points on 6-for-18 three-point shooting and D'Moi Hodge bagged 15 in a losing effort.

Game Videos

Hamburg got it going right out of the gates with big dunks from Kuath and Jordan Barnett, the latter also adding a three-point play to make it 9-2. Ivey followed with 5 points, including a triple that opened a 14-4 lead. Joshua Roberts scored in traffic for the visitors and Toliopoulos scored 6 points before the end of the quarter, but not before baskets from Maronka and Osaro Rich secured Hamburg's 24-14 lead after 10 minutes.

Hodge had a fastbreak layup and the visitors' first three-pointer to keep the margin at 31-21, but Patrick Heckmann's steal and layup sparked a 7-0 run, capped by Jaizec Lottie, making it 38-21. Vasillis Kazamias and Kennedy traded triples, and Maronka's basket broke the 20-point margin, 47-26. Toliopoulos had a triple and a three-point play to cut to 51-33, and after Kennedy nailed another three for the hosts, a thee from Hodge made it 54-38 at halftime.

Game News

Baskets were few and far between to start the second half, with a triple from Ivey and a tip-in from Aris's James Banks the only field goals in the first 3 minutes. Hodge and Maronka traded three-pointers and Aris was not going away as Emmanouil Chatzidakis had a three-point play and Toliopoulos a triple that cut it to 64-49, but Maronka and Kennedy nailed back-to-back triples to open a 70-49 margin. Hodge had another three-pointer, his fourth, and Toliopoulos knocked down his third and fourth, cutting it to 72-59 after 30 minutes.

Hamburg had a strong start to the fourth quarter. A runner from Osaro Rich, a triple from Ivey, and Kuath's fifth blocked shot all fueled a 7-0 run, capped by a driving layup from Ogbe, for a 79-59 margin. But Toliopoulos scored the next 8 points - a pair of triples with a floater in between - that got Aris within 81-69. However, Aris did not score the rest of the way, the final 5:57 of the contest, as Hamburg finished the game on an 11-0 run.

The German side thoroughly impressed on its home floor

Veolia Towers Hamburg v Aris Midea Thessaloniki (2024-11-12T18:30:00.000Z)

Hapoel Shlomo Tel Aviv showed its strength by registering a 29-point road victory over Trefl Sopot thanks to a fantastic showing by Marcus Foster. 

Marcus Foster's second quarter laid foundation for Hapoel win

[Hapoel Shlomo Tel Aviv](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/teams/hapoel-shlomo-tel-aviv/roster/hta/?season=2024-25) showed its strength by registering a [29-point road victory](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/news/hapoel-cruises-past-trefl-to-keep-pace-with-group-a-leaders/) over [Trefl Sopot](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/teams/trefl-sopot/roster/tso/?season=2024-25) thanks to a fantastic showing by [Marcus Foster](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/marcus-foster/010386/). Hapoel was never really challenged in a 64-93 win in Poland that allowed the Israeli club to stay close to the leaders in Group A. 

“We have confidence in what we are doing. The guys showed character today. They proved a lot. To win a game like this by 30 points on the road, it is not easy,” said Hapoel head coach [Stefanos Dedas](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/teams/hapoel-shlomo-tel-aviv/hta/dedas-stefanos/?season=U2024). 

Hapoel took control for the first time in the second quarter in building a 15-point advantage. Foster was a major part of that. 

The 29-year-old had nailed a triple in the first quarter and then hit 2 three-pointers early in the second quarter. Foster, who is making his EuroCup debut this season, added a putback after an offensive rebound, another triple and a running layup as Hapoel went from up 4 points to up 15.

Marcus Foster's big second quarter in Poland

“For me, it was just about staying ready. Credit to my teammates for just finding me in positions I know how to score in,” said Foster, who poured in 23 points against [Buducnost VOLI Podgorica](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/teams/buducnost-voli-podgorica/roster/bud/?season=2024-25) in [Round 6](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/news/hapoel-shows-no-mercy-to-beat-buducnost-92-72/). “Defensively I got it done and helped push us to this win.”

Foster was scoreless in the third quarter and then came out with 4 quick points in the opening moments of the final frame in pushing the lead to 21 points and end any doubts.

Foster has really stepped up after a slow start to the season. He averaged 8.8 points in the first four games and now has tallied 19.3 points in the last four games as Hapoel knows it can rely on the American guard to get points quickly.

The guard scored 13 of his game-high 21 points in the second stanza

Trefl Sopot v Hapoel Shlomo Tel Aviv (2024-11-12T18:00:00.000Z)

Wolves continue winning run, edge Trento 88-83

Wolves Twinsbet Vilnius registered their fifth consecutive victory, beating visiting Dolomiti Energia Trento 88-83 on Tuesday night. The win improved Wolves' record to 5-3 in Group A, while Trento dropped to 3-5, remaining winless in our road games.

Andrew Andrews scored 21 of his 23 points in the second half, including making 6 three-point shots. Four of his triples came in a 19-5 run bridging the third and fourth quarters, which turned a 53-59 deficit into a 72-64 lead, and the hosts never trailed again. 

Tra'Shawn Thurman scored 14 of his 18 points in the first half and he pulled down 8 rebounds. Marek Blazevic had 14 points and Matas Jogela collected 10 points and 12 rebounds in the victory. Eigirdas Zukauskas scored 21 for Trento, Jordan Ford had 17 points, Quinn Ellis scored 14 and Myles Cale 12 in defeat.

The wolves grabbed an early lead behind 6 points from Blazevic to open a 10-3 edge, but the visitors replied. Trento's first three baskets were all three-pointers, a pair from Cale and one from Zukauskas and the latter also made a turnaround jumper to tie things up at 13-13. Wolves restored a slim lead thanks to Blazevic scoring another one inside and Thurman hitting a three-pointer. Toto Forray and Ford took it to the rim for Trento, but Thurman's half-court buzzer-beater made it 25-21 after 10 minutes.

Forray's floater helped Trento to another tie, 25-25, but Thurman scored 6 points, including a big two-handed dunk, to make it 31-27. However, Ellis drove for a dunk and then nailed a triple before a second-chance three from Zukauskas gave Trento its first lead 36-37. A transition triple from Cale, his third, extended the margin to 38-42 midway through the second quarter. Zukauskas made back-to-back triples and then added a pair of foul shots in his personal 0-8 run to make it 40-51 before Jogela finished the quarter with a pair of short-range baskets to get within 44-51 at halftime.

A triple from Jeffrey Taylor opened the second half and a 7-0 run that evened things at 51-51. But Ellis and Ford scored all the visitors' points in a 2-8 run to get Trento back in front, 53-59. But Andrews hit his first triple, followed by a pair of baskets from Thurman. A dunk by Jogela and another three-pointer from Andrews got Wolves back in front, making it 66-64 after three-quarters.

Andrews opened the fourth quarter with back-to-back three-point shots to lead 72-64 after 90 seconds. Lamb and Ford scored for Trento and a three-point play from Zukauskas cut it to 74-73. But a three-pointer from Andrews and a basket high off the glass from Jogela made it 79-73. Anthony Lamb took it to the rim with exactly 2:00 left, but Anthony Cowan answered with a jumper and a corner triple from Andrews with 1:11 left made it 84-77. Cale's second-chance three 30 seconds later gave the visitors hope, but Andrews nailed a jumper with 17 seconds to go and the hosts prevailed.

Andrew Andrews came to the fore late in the game to give the Lithuanian side the victory

Wolves Twinsbet Vilnius v Dolomiti Energia Trento (2024-11-12T17:00:00.000Z)

Hapoel Shlomo Tel Aviv avoided a slip-up in its fight to keep pace with the top teams of Group A with a comfortable 64-93 victory at winless Trefl Sopot. 

Hapoel cruises past Trefl to keep pace with Group A leaders

Hapoel Shlomo Tel Aviv avoided a slip-up in its fight to keep pace with the top teams of Group A with a comfortable 64-93 victory at winless Trefl Sopot. The visitors pulled away for the first time in earnest in the second quarter and never let Trefl challenge. That moved Hapoel to 5-3 after having lost two of its last three games.

Marcus Foster led the way with 21 points and 8 rebounds while Tomer Ginat scored 14 points, Antonio Blakeney had 12, Patrick Beverley 11 and Bruno Caboclo chipped in 10 points. Trefl continues to wait for its first victory at 0-8 despite Jakub Schenk scoring 17 points. 

The first part of the opening quarter was back-and-forth with five lead changes as Tarik Phillip scored 6 points for Trefl and Ginat had 4 points as Hapoel led 8-11. The visitors scored 6 straight points to extend the advantage to 12-19 and led 16-22 after 10 minutes.

Two Foster triples and a putback pushed the Hapoel cushion to 22-34. Foster added another triple and driving layup to move to 13 points in the quarter and a 29-44 lead. Trefl was down 32-45 at the break. 

After Hapoel scored the first points of the second half to re-establish a 15-point lead, Trefl buried 2 three-pointers to make it 38-47. Five points from Blakeney helped Hapoel increase the margin to 44-60. It was 46-63 after a Beverley three-pointer and 50-67 after 30 minutes.

Hapoel did not let up early on in the fourth quarter with Foster getting back on the scorer’s sheet after 0 points in the third period to make it 52-73. Trefl did manage 5 straight points, but Joe Ragland drilled a triple to quickly stop the momentum and the home side did not get closer than 16 points the rest of the way. 

Joventut Badalona has completed the signing of Sam Dekker on a deal until December 18.

Joventut signs Sam Dekker on short-term deal

[Joventut Badalona](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/teams/joventut-badalona/jov/) has announced the signing of [Sam Dekker](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/players/sam-dekker/009672/) on a short-term deal that runs until December 18, 2024. 

Dekker (2.06 meters, 30 years old) spent the last two seasons playing in the BKT EuroCup for the London Lions, guiding the team to the playoffs in their first-ever campaign in the competition before helping them reach the EuroCup Semifinals last year.

With Kaiser Gates, Michael Ruzic and Miguel Allen all injured, Dekker's arrival is a welcome boost for Joventut.

<center>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="ca" dir="ltr">💥 Sam Dekker reforça el joc interior de la Penya<br><br>📝 El Joventut i l’aler pivot nord-americà han arribat a un acord per un mes<br><br>🔗 La notícia: <a href="https://t.co/NbRdskrvW2">https://t.co/NbRdskrvW2</a><br><br>😀 Benvingut a Badalona, <a href="https://twitter.com/dekker?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@dekker</a>!<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Badalona%C3%89sFutur?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#BadalonaÉsFutur</a> <a href="https://t.co/9EKyfZ9ZJP">pic.twitter.com/9EKyfZ9ZJP</a></p>&mdash; Club Joventut Badalona (@Penya1930) <a href="https://twitter.com/Penya1930/status/1856384095334367588?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 12, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

The American forward impressed so much in his first year with London that he earned a spot in the 2022-23 All-EuroCup Second Team. Last season he averaged 11.8 points, 4.5 rebounds and 1.4 assists across 11 EuroCup games in what was an injury-hit campaign for him personally, while his first year with the Lions saw him post 18.2 points, 5.6 rebounds, 2.9 assists and 1.2 steals in 16 EuroCup appearances.

In the English capital, Dekker was also named the 2022-23 British Basketball League MVP and helped the team win back-to-back league championships, as well as the 2022-23 BBL Cup.

Dekker started his professional career with the Houston Rockets, which drafted him with the 18th overall pick in the 2015 NBA Draft. He remained with Houston for two years, then played for the Los Angeles Clippers (2017-18), Cleveland Cavaliers (2018-19) and Washington Wizards (2018-19) before heading to Europe. He briefly returned to the NBA with the Toronto Raptors (2021-22).

On the old continent, he has suited up for Lokomotiv Kuban (2019-20), Turk Telekom Ankara (2020-21), Bahcesehir College Istanbul (2021-22) and London (2022-24). He will now play in Spain for the first time in his career with Joventut.

More Joventut News

His arrival will help cover the Spanish side's injury problems

Ante Tomic remains one of the smartest big men in European basketball, and the Joventut Badalona is putting up MVP-like numbers so far in this year's EuroCup.

MVP favorite at 38? Ante Tomic is showing no signs of slowing down

If [Ante Tomic](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/ante-tomic/002507/) and fine wine have one thing in common, it's that they get better with age.

Tomic has already well established his status as one of the best big men in Europe this century, both from his time in the Turkish Airlines EuroLeague and also the BKT EuroCup. And now, just a few months before turning 38 years old, the [Joventut Badalona](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/teams/joventut-badalona/jov/) center is playing some of the best basketball in his career.

After seven regular-season games, Tomic is without a doubt one of the best players in the EuroCup, registering MVP numbers like few others and making an early case to be one of the favorites to win the award.

A starter in every game he's played so far, Tomic averages 14.9 points, a league-high tying 9.7 rebounds, 2.9 assists and a PIR of 24.1 over just 25:29 minutes. The numbers are impressive enough and become even more spectacular when compared to the other players in the EuroCup and to himself, since we’re talking about career highs in both points and rebounds.

As Tomic himself admits, the most notable improvement comes in rebounding, where he is posting almost double the 5.6 boards he averaged last season. "I feel good, healthy and eager to play," Tomic tells Eurohoops. "There is a lot of talk about it being my best version, but what I see is that the biggest difference is in rebounding. The points don't matter so much, a game with a few more or less points... it doesn't matter so much. In the EuroCup above all, I have seen a big difference in rebounding. I am playing well, I am happy, but I don't see it as something so special that it is talked about so much."

Read more [HERE](https://www.eurohoops.net/en/trademarks/1741268/mvp-favorite-at-38-ante-tomic-is-showing-no-signs-of-slowing-down/).

Despite Joventut's struggles, the Croatian big man is showing that he still has plenty left in the tank

Lietkabelis center Marko Pecarski spoke with Euroleague.net's Javier Gancedo to discuss his first season back in the EuroCup.

Marko Pecarski: 'It is great to have such a big role in a EuroCup team'

It’s fair to say that [Marko Pecarski](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/players/marko-pecarski/005656/) has been a pleasant surprise in the 2024-25 BKT EuroCup season.

Playing for [7Bet-Lietkabelis Panevezys](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/teams/7bet-lietkabelis-panevezys/lkb/), which started the season 0-4 before bouncing back with wins against the previously undefeated Cosea JL Bourg-en-Bresse and Veolia Towers Hamburg, the 24-year-old Serbian big man is showing what he can do on his return to the competition by posting 12.5 points on 73.8% two-pointers, 7.2 rebounds and a PIR of 16.7. He previously represented Partizan Mozzart Bet Belgrade in the EuroCup between 2017 and 2019.

Pecarski has reunited with Lietkabelis boss Nenad Canak, one of the first head coaches of his career, and the son of Miroslav Pecarski, a Turkish Airlines EuroLeague champion in 1996 with Panathinaikos AKTOR Athens, has big hopes for what remains of this EuroCup season.

During an interview with [Euroleague.net](http://Euroleague.net)’s Javier Gancedo, Pecarski explains how his passion for basketball has grown the higher he has gone in his career and how he is finding his return to the EuroCup, among other topics.

<center>
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**Hello, Marko. First things first, congratulations on beating Hamburg. It was your second consecutive win after a 0-4 start. What allowed you to play better and to start winning in the EuroCup?**

"Thank you. Yes, we didn't start the EuroCup season with good results, it didn't start very well. We have a lot of young players that hadn’t played at this level and we needed some time to get together, to get to know each other. We played against some tough opponents, very experienced, and we needed some time to learn and adapt to the competition and everything. But the most important thing is that we are growing as a team. We are feeling it, and there are some results. It is still early, but just to see our progress gives us a lot of positive energy to keep going forward."

**You haven't featured in the EuroCup in five years, but you are playing really well right now, in a new team and a new country. What allowed you to adjust so well from the very beginning of the season?**

"Well, I played at Partizan five years ago, but I was very young. I didn't have an opportunity to really play. I think I adapted pretty well because last season I played in the Turkish League, which is a very competitive league with great teams and great players, and I played as a foreigner for the first time in my career. I think that was the season where I grew and after that season, I felt like I was prepared for whatever is coming. Wherever I go, I'm ready to compete, and I will have that self-confidence. Of course, every beginning, wherever you go, is not easy when you are changing your environment. But this club is a great organization, with great people, and that is something that helped me adapt pretty quickly. I'm just looking forward to continuing."

Your game against Bourg was almost perfect. You had a PIR of 34, no missed shots, just one turnover, just one foul. Was that the kind of performance that you always dreamed about?

"During the game, I wasn't aware of that because when you play, you are just thinking about the game. You are in the moment and in the end, it was a very close game. It was very tense until the end and when we won, I realized and I saw that my stats were perfect. Like you said, it was like a perfect scenario: you get a big win against an undefeated team, I played a great game and helped my team win! There is no better feeling as a player. This is why you play and this is what motivates you, what keeps you going."

**Your father Miroslav Pecarski was also a professional player and a EuroLeague champion with Panathinaikos. How much of a mentor has he been to you?**

"It is a big thing to have somebody in your family, especially your father, that has been through everything that you have to go through, that has experience in all kinds of situations in which you are like, that knows what I'm facing in my career. And since I was young, I always looked for his advice. And since I started playing basketball, it has been a very, very good thing for me. I think when you have that opportunity, it is a big advantage as you are growing to become a pro."

"Nenad [Canak] coached me with I was a kid, and I always had a very good relationship with him."

**You, your father and Lietkabelis head coach Nenad Canak played for Partizan in the past. Is playing for Coach Canak one of the reasons you joined your current team?**

"Yes, it was one of the biggest reasons why I came here. Like I said a few questions before, this is a great organization that has competed well in the EuroCup for years, and is also very competitive in the Lithuanian League. Nenad \[Canak\] coached me with I was a kid, and I always had a very good relationship with him. And when he called me this summer, it was the perfect scenario for me, to play a high-level competition for a club that I trust. I would say that my relationship with him was a big reason for me to come here."

Marko Pecarski is back to the BKT EuroCup after five years.

2024-25 EuroCup highlights: Mario Pecarski, Lietkabelis

**Your father also played at center, even if your playing styles are different. Did you play against each other? Does he still give you advice?**

"Well, we didn't play a lot, and like you said, he was a big guy like me but basketball back then was much different than today. I play like at power forward. He was a 4-5, but back then a big guy was a big guy; they were not outside threats back then, at that time. Still, he was a big guy playing at the highest level, at the level I am trying to achieve."

"The EuroCup is very strong and very competitive this year."

**Five years without playing in the EuroCup is a long time. Now you're 24 – the last time you played in the competition, you were 19. How different is the EuroCup now, and how fun is it to have a bigger role?**

"Like I said, back then I was pretty young and didn't get that much playing time, so I didn't get a real feeling of experiencing this level of competition. Also, I was very young and inexperienced, so I couldn't get a clear picture, but I think the EuroCup is very strong and very competitive this year. I think it is the biggest quality of the competition in the EuroCup for years. As for me, it is a great thing to have such a big role in a EuroCup team and play every week against some big players and some big clubs. I like to compete and that is the most important thing, and the higher level you play, the bigger passion for it you have. I feel that the competition is great, I am playing and having a big role, so I feel really good after that. I can't wait for every game!"

**You seem to enjoy traveling a lot, posting many pictures of all of your trips on social media. Well, you travel a lot in the EuroCup. Even if they are business trips, do you find time to see cities when you are on the road?**

"Well, like you said, these are usually short trips but when I go somewhere, I try to see what I can. I like to see new countries, new cities in which I am playing, to experience new stuff. Last week, we were in Spain, in Valencia, and a big tragedy happened there. We were there for two days without playing any game. What happened there was very sad. But to answer your question, the most important thing in every trip is preparing for the game, that is what I try to focus on as much as I can. But if I get a chance, I always like to see new places."

<center>
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overflow:hidden; padding:8px 0 7px; text-align:center; text-overflow:ellipsis; white-space:nowrap;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/C7hl3iOtyRU/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none;" target="_blank">A post shared by Marko Pecarski (@marko_pecarski)</a></p></div></blockquote>
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**That was going to be my next question: the trip to Valencia. The game was postponed for obvious reasons. How difficult were those hours in Valencia, knowing that a lot of people were going through such hard times?**

"What happened was very sad. When we arrived in Spain, we were in downtown Valencia and it was not bad in there – it rained downtown and that was it. But when we heard and then we checked and when we saw the news, we were shocked, and it was just logical to immediately postpone the game because of how many people died. Like I said, it was a very sad thing and all of our players are with those who were affected. We hope to come back soon and play the game in a different environment."

**Your next game is in Romania against U-BT Cluj-Napoca, backed by 10,000 people in the stands. How much are you looking forward to it?**

"I have never played in Romania or against Cluj. I watched games on TV about the atmosphere there. Andrija Stipanovic, who played there for years, is my teammate now, so I heard from him how much passion they have for the game and how much people love that club, and how big of a thing their games are. So I can have a picture in my head, but I am looking forward to playing there, competing and experiencing a new EuroCup game."

The Lietkabelis big man has been one of the star players in the competition this season

Fantasy expert Javier Gancedo offers his recommendations ahead of Round 8 of the EuroCup Fantasy Challenge.

Fantasy tips, Round 8: Head into the mid-season break on a high

The 2024-25 BKT EuroCup Regular Season is about to enter Round 8, then after that there is a two-week break before the competition resumes in late November.

A lot of players are doing well lately and this week, I will focus on those in the 10-12 credits range in the [EuroCup Fantasy Challenge](https://euroleaguefantasy.euroleaguebasketball.net/11). Here are my recommendations before this upcoming round.

Marko Pecarski, Jakub Schenk, Karel Guzman, Yoan Makoundou and Mateusz Ponitka are featured in this week's article.

EuroCup Fantasy tips: Round 8

### Marko Pecarski, 7Bet-Lietkabelis Panevezys (10.6 credits)

One of the biggest surprises in the EuroCup this season has been the performances of [Marko Pecarski](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/players/marko-pecarski/005656/). After being away from the competition for five years, he is back and at age 24 is playing some of the best basketball of his career. He is averaging 12.5 points on 73.8% two-point shots, 7.2 rebounds and a PIR of 16.7, while he also earned Round 5 MVP honors.

### Jakub Schenk, Trefl Sopot (10.6 credits)

Trefl is still looking for its first win but some of their players have been really solid this season. [Jakub Schenk](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/players/schenk-jakub/013298/) has been one of them, going to the foul line often (4.6 fouls drawn per game) and hitting free throws (94.3%, 33 of 35). He averages 12.9 points, 4.3 assists and a PIR of 13.0 in his first EuroCup season.

### Mateusz Ponitka, Bahcesehir College Istanbul (10.6 credits)

Same price, way different profile. [Mateusz Ponitka](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/players/mateusz-ponitka/004172/) is a well-rounded veteran who keeps showcasing his versatility and overall talent. In the last couple of games, Ponitka has averaged 13.0 points, 3.5 rebounds, 3.5 assists and a PIR of 17.5. Bahcesehir is 5-1 this season, and Ponitka undeniably is one of its leaders.

### Karel Guzman, U-BT Cluj-Napoca (11.9 credits)

[Karel Guzman](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/players/karel-guzman/011797/) is a human highlight reel and shown why time and time again. His outstanding dunks prevent some people from seeing what a great player he is. Guzman has the numbers to prove it, averaging 15.3 points, 3.3 rebounds, 1.7 steals and a PIR of 17.3 in the last three games. He is set to keep leading Cluj all season long.

<center>
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### Yoan Makoundou, Turk Telekom Ankara (10,7 credits)

Anthony Brown and more recently Braian Angola are getting a lot of credit, but Turk Telekom would not be 4-3 without [Yoan Makoundou](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/yoan-makoundou/011935/), a truly all-round big man. In the last three games, Makoundou has averaged 13.0 points on 75.0% two-pointers and 100% free throws, 4.0 rebounds and a PIR of 16.7. He is a force of nature!

Fantasy expert Javier Gancedo offers his recommendations in the final round before the break

The final set of games before a mid-season break will provide plenty of motivation for teams across the continent to triumph in Round 8 of the BKT EuroCup. Here’s your guide to the action.

At a glance: The final round before the mid-season break

The final set of games before a mid-season break will provide plenty of motivation for teams across the continent to triumph in Round 8 of the BKT EuroCup. Here’s your guide to the action.

## Tuesday, November 12

### Wolves Twinsbet Vilnius vs. Dolomiti Energia Trento (18:00 CET)

Red-hot Wolves (4-3) will try to make it five straight wins when it hosts Trento (3-4). The Italian team is looking for a second consecutive win after last week’s remarkable comeback victory over Joventut, which saw [Anthony Lamb](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/anthony-lamb/013272/) score 8 points in the last 2 minutes in his sixth consecutive double-digit scoring night. Wolves showed physicality and strong defense to gain a prestigious road win over Gran Canaria last week, with 3 offensive rebounds from [Regimantas Miniotas](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/players/regimantas-miniotas/004645/) contributing towards a team total of 21. Leading scorer [Anthony Cowan](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/players/anthony-cowan-jr/012003/) (15.3 points per game) has scored in double digits in every game, so stopping him is a defensive key for Trento.

Round 8 Head-to-Head: Zemaitis vs. Ford

### Trefl Sopot vs. Hapoel Shlomo Tel Aviv (19:00 CET)

Trefl (0-7) continues its search for an elusive first win continues with a visit from Hapoel (4-3), which is eager to get back to winning ways in this first-ever meeting between the teams. Hapoel will look for more power in the paint from [Bruno Caboclo](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/bruno-caboclo/012096/), who had a double-double (11 points, 10 rebounds) in last week’s loss at Bahcesehir, including 4 off the offensive glass. Star man [Patrick Beverley](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/patrick-beverley/001927/) will also look to stay hot after netting 18 points in that game. Trefl can call upon in-form forward [Andy Van Vliet](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/andy-van-vliet/003885/), who has averaged 13.3 points and 5.3 rebounds in the last three games, but the team needs improved defense after allowing an average of 89.7 points per night.

### Veolia Towers Hamburg vs. Aris Midea Thessaloniki (19:30 CET)

Hamburg (1-6) will look to climb off the bottom of Group B as it welcomes Aris (2-5). The Greek team gave a good fight to no avail against Valencia last week with the usual scoring heroics from sharpshooter [Vassilis Toliopoulos](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/players/vassilis-toliopoulos/004292/), who leads the competition with 3.4 triples per game. But Aris also needs to find offensive effectiveness from elsewhere after averaging only 74.7 points per night – lowest in the league. Hamburg is only slightly better with an average of 74.9 points, but it does pose a long-range threat through [Osaro Rich](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/players/osaro-rich/011256/) with at least 10 points in four of his last five games.

### Valencia Basket vs. Cedevita Olimpija Ljubljana (20:30 CET)

Valencia (6-0) is hoping to stay perfect with a visit from faltering Cedevita (4-3). It is sure to be an emotional occasion as Valencia plays its first home game since the tragic flooding that devastated the region, but Cedevita will attempt to put sentiment aside as it hopes to end a two-game losing slide. Expect plenty of scoring: Cedevita is always an offensive threat with the likes of [Jaka Blazic](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/jaka-blazic/003452/), who scored 23 in last week’s loss to Bourg and ranks sixth in the EuroCup’s all-time scoring charts. Valencia’s loaded roster, meanwhile, will be led by rising star [Jean Montero](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/players/jean-montero/010042/), who ranks third in the competition with 6.2 assists per game.

Round 8 Head-to-Head: Montero vs. Nikolic

## Wednesday, November 13

### U-BT Cluj-Napoca vs. 7Bet-Lietkabelis Panevezys (18:00 CET)

Cluj (3-4) will attempt to get back in the winning groove as it hosts a Lietkabelis team (2-4) which has the motivation of attempting to climb into the all-important top six as it seeks a first road win. The Lithuanian team leaned on a personal-best 22 points from young guard [Mantas Rubstavicius](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/players/mantas-rubstavicius/009299/) to easily beat Hamburg last week, but must improve its three-point shooting accuracy after only making 26.1% so far – worst in the competition. Cluj, conversely, is the second-most effective two-point shooting team (60.6%), so will keep on feeding big man [Zach Hankins](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/players/zach-hankins/013304/) (11.1 points per game on 66.7% two-pointers) inside.

### Besiktas Fibabanka Istanbul vs. Dreamland Gran Canaria (18:00 CET)

A big battle in Group A will see Besiktas (4-3) attempt to wrestle second place away from Gran Canaria (5-2). The Spanish team will look to recover its offensive fluency after being held to just 66 points in last week’s home loss to Wolves, and needs offensive leader [Nico Brussino](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/players/nicolas-brussino/008121/) (10.3 points per game) to rediscover his range after making just 1-of-7 field-goal attempts in that game. Besiktas, which has won three of the last four, had no such problems as it piled on 100 points against Trefl last week, and shooting star [Yigit Arslan](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/players/yigit-arslan/007914/) will look to stay hot after averaging 3.5 three-pointers over the last four games.

Round 8 Head-to-Head: Sleva vs. Shurma

### ratiopharm Ulm vs. Bahcesehir College Istanbul (19:00 CET)

Group A leader Bahcesehir (6-1) will look to keep on rolling as it travels to a dangerous but inconsistent Ulm (4-3). The Turkish team’s latest triumph, against Hapoel last week, saw 15 assists from offensive leader [Jaleen Smith](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/jaleen-smith/011192/) as he orchestrated an all-round team effort that included a personal-best 23 points from [Sehmus Hazer](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/sehmus-hazer/011201/), whose dynamic play epitomizes Bahcesehir’s success so far. Ulm’s recent defensive problems continued in on overtime loss at Buducnost, when 25 points from [Justinian Jessup](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/justinian-jessup/013290/) weren’t enough to prevent defeat as the German team allowed its opponent to convert 66.6% of two-point attempts – a clear point of emphasis this week against Bahcesehir’s fast-paced offense.

Round 8 Head-to-Head: Weidemann vs. Hazer

### Hapoel Bank Yahav Jerusalem vs. Cosea JL Bourg-en-Bresse (19:00 CET)

The tie for second place in Group B will be broken as Jerusalem (5-2) meets Bourg (5-2) for a game which could go a long way towards deciding seeded status in the playoffs. Jerusalem will be feeling confident after sinking 94 points to easily overcome Reyer last week, partly thanks to a huge 45 rebounds led by 7 from [Jeremy Morgan](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/players/jeremy-morgan/010431/) – who will be playing against his former club after helping take Bourg to last season’s title game. And this could be a high-scoring shootout because Bourg is also firing on all cylinders offensively, netting 90 points to overcome Cedevita last week led by 16 from all-round threat [Xavier Castaneda](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/xavier-castaneda/013266/).

Round 8 Head-to-Head: Wiley vs. Kokila

### Umana Reyer Venice vs. Turk Telekom Ankara (20:00 CET)

Turk Telekom (4-3) will look to consolidate its position in the top six with a trip to a Reyer team in search of consistency (2-5). The visitors could give a debut to [new backcourt signing Speedy Smith](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/news/turk-telekom-adds-speedy-smith/), who averaged 7.8 points and 5.2 assists during his six games with previous team Hapoel Jerusalem. He should form a dangerous combination with Round 7 MVP [Anthony Brown](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/players/anthony-brown/009025/), whose confidence could not be higher after he drained a career-high 39 points – the most of any player this season – to down Cluj last week. Reyer needs to boost its own morale after being thrashed by 28 points against Jerusalem in Round 7, and hopes to follow the hustling example set by [Carl Wheatle](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/carl-wheatle/013305/), with multiple steals in four straight games.

### Joventut Badalona vs. Buducnost VOLI Podgorica (20:30 CET)

Struggling Joventut (2-5) will aim to emerge from its four-game losing slump with a visit from direct rival Buducnost (3-4) in a key matchup on the fringes of the playoffs places. The Spanish side, which has lost [Kaiser Gates](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/kaiser-evan-bray-gates/013287/) to injury, needs to take better case of the basketball after committing 16 turnovers in last week’s morale-damaging late collapse at Trento. Conversely, Buducnost’s game-winner from Round 7, [Yogi Ferrell](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/players/yogi-ferrell/011281/), who had 17 points in that game, is just one of the offensive weapons available for the Montenegrin team, and Joventut will try to slow down the rhythm of offensive leader [McKinley Wright IV](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/players/mckinley-wright-iv/012606/), who averages 10.1 points per night.

Four games take place on Tuesday and the remaining six are played on Wednesday

Joventut Badalona v Buducnost VOLI Podgorica (2024-11-13T19:30:00.000Z)

Umana Reyer Venice v Turk Telekom Ankara (2024-11-13T19:00:00.000Z)

ratiopharm Ulm v Bahcesehir College Istanbul (2024-11-13T18:00:00.000Z)

Hapoel Bank Yahav Jerusalem v Cosea JL Bourg-en-Bresse (2024-11-13T18:00:00.000Z)

U-BT Cluj-Napoca v 7Bet-Lietkabelis Panevezys (2024-11-13T17:00:00.000Z)

Besiktas Fibabanka Istanbul v Dreamland Gran Canaria (2024-11-13T17:00:00.000Z)

Valencia Basket v Cedevita Olimpija Ljubljana (2024-11-12T19:30:00.000Z)