Another double-round week roars into action on Tuesday with a thrilling slate of games featuring the reigning champs facing the hottest team in the league. This is what to expect from Round 25 of the Turkish Airlines EuroLeague.

Round 25 at a glance: The playoff race is starting to heat up

Another double-round week roars into action on Tuesday with a thrilling slate of games featuring the reigning champs facing the hottest team in the league. This is what to expect from Round 25 of the Turkish Airlines EuroLeague.

## Tuesday, February 4

### Anadolu Efes Istanbul vs. Real Madrid (18:30 CET)

Two recent champions aiming to bounce back meet in Istanbul as Efes (11-13) welcomes Real (13-11). Both teams suffered tight road losses last week, with the Turkish team going down bravely at Olympiacos, while Real’s offense spluttered during a defeat at Monaco. The visitors lead the league in rebounding (36.5 per game), so will look for the likes of [Walter Tavares](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/walter-tavares/005791/) (7.6 boards per game) to give physical dominance and open up space on the perimeter for [Mario Hezonja](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/mario-hezonja/003108/), who led his team’s scoring at Monaco with 15 points but was also ejected for two technical fouls. Efes won 64-74 in Madrid in November with the help of 8 points, 6 rebounds and 2 blocked shots from big man [Vincent Poirier](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/vincent-poirier/004887/), who will again look to get the better of his former teammate Tavares.

Round 25 Head-to-Head: Nwora vs. Hezonja

### Zalgiris Kaunas vs. ALBA Berlin (19:00 CET)

Struggling Zalgiris (11-13) will attempt to reignite its fading playoff challenge by overcoming an ALBA team (4-20) aiming for a second straight victory for the first time this season. The host needs to find more scoring solutions than just [Sylvain Francisco](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/sylvain-francisco/007975/), whose 33 points carried his team in last week’s home loss to Bayern, which took Andrea Trinchieri’s men to seven losses in the last eight games. ALBA’s morale-boosting victory over Maccabi came courtesy of 22 points from the in-form [Yanni Wetzell](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/yanni-wetzell/011934/), who has now scored at least 10 points in four straight games. Zalgiris has struggled for production inside the paint all season, and needs [Alen Smailagic](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/alen-smailagic/011051/) (7.8 points per game) or [Laurynas Birutis](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/laurynas-birutis/005504/) (4.5) to step up and power the team to a badly-needed victory.

### Crvena Zvezda Meridianbet Belgrade vs. LDLC ASVEL Villeurbanne (20:00 CET)

With morale boosted by last week’s derby victory over Partizan, Zvezda (14-10) will attempt to strengthen its challenge for the top four by overcoming inconsistent ASVEL (11-13). The French team has struggled defensively in recent weeks, allowing an average of 91.8 points over the last four games, and will look for the same kind of toughness that led to a 77-74 home win over Zvezda in Round 10, including a double-double (13 points, 10 rebounds) for center [Joffrey Lauvergne](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/joffrey-lauvergne/004194/). But [Joel Bolomboy](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/joel-bolomboy/009035/) – who leads the league in rebounding with 8.0 boards per night – missed that game through injury so he’ll look to make the difference for the Serbian team after making a strong contribution to last week’s win over Partizan with 14 points and 8 boards.

### Panathinaikos AKTOR Athens vs. Fenerbahce Beko Istanbul (20:15 CET)

A major heavyweight battle will be played in a playoff-style atmosphere in Athens as reigning champ Panathinaikos (14-10) welcomes second-placed Fenerbahce (16-7). The Greens are looking to bounce back from last week’s surprising defeat at Milan and will look to establish dominance of the paint through [Juancho Hernangomez](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/juancho-hernangomez/012712/), who averages 9.8 rebounds over the last four games. Fenerbahce enjoyed a perfect January with six wins out of six, partly thanks to a strong start from new signing [Errick McCollum](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/errick-mccollum/005216/), who netted 15 points on 7-of-10 field goal shooting in last week’s win over Virtus. The Turkish team is also looking for revenge – and a six-point winning margin for head-to-head advantage – after the Greens won 76-81 in Istanbul in Round 5, led by 12 points and 5 assists from former Fener guard [Lorenzo Brown](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/lorenzo-brown/009622/).

Round 25 Head-to-Head: Nunn vs. Guduric

### FC Bayern Munich vs. EA7 Emporio Armani Milan (20:45 CET)

A pair of direct rivals who enjoyed morale-boosting victories last week will go head to head, with Bayern (14-10) hosting Milan (13-11). The German team comfortably beat Zalgiris last time out, partly thanks to yet another long-range shooting exhibition from [Andreas Obst](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/andreas-obst/004508/) (26 points on 8-of-12 triples), while [Zach LeDay](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/zach-leday/008987/)’s 33 points on 12-of-17 field-goal shooting inspired Milan to overcome its injury and beat Panathinaikos. The Italian team will try to control the influence of Bayern playmaker [Nick Weiler-Babb](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/nick-weiler-babb/010391/), who underlined his importance with a double-double of 14 points and a personal best 13 assists in Kaunas. Milan’s own version of Weiler-Babb, do-it-all forward [Shavon Shields](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/shavon-shields/007831/), will also have a key role as the Italian team look to become only the third visiting victors in Munich all season.

Round 25 Head-to-Head: Obst vs. Shields

## Wednesday, February 5

### AS Monaco vs. Baskonia Vitoria-Gasteiz (19:00 CET)

Boosted by a last-gasp victory over Barcelona last week, Baskonia (10-14) will attempt to keep moving towards the playoff places with a tough trip to third-placed Monaco (15-9). [Trent Forrest](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/trent-forrest/013367/) was the author of Baskonia's game-winning basket last time out, and the guard has become a key figure for Pablo Laso’s men after scoring in double digits in the last six games. Monaco regained its defensive identity to down Real last week, with [Nick Calathes](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/nick-calathes/001932/) helping cover the absence of injured guards [Elie Okobo](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/elie-okobo/011212/) and [Jordan Loyd](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/jordan-loyd/009754/) by recording a double-double of 12 points and 10 assists. Another Monaco backcourt star could take center stage on this occasion: [Mike James](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/mike-james/005985/) needs 11 points to become the first player in EuroLeague history to reach a career total of 5,000.

### Virtus Segafredo Bologna vs. Partizan Mozzart Bet Belgrade (20:30 CET)

Two teams desperate for victory go head to head as lowly Virtus (7-17) welcomes a Partizan (12-13) team eager to bounce back from last week’s Belgrade derby defeat and climb back into the top ten. The home team will hope that veteran leader [Toko Shengelia](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/tornike-shengelia/001133/) can stay hot after netting a personal-best 35 points in last week’s loss at Fenerbahce, meaning he has now scored at least 12 points in six straight games. He will be confronted by [Brandon Davies](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/brandon-davies/007870/), who showed his defensive prowess by snaring 8 rebounds and 6 steals in the loss to Zvezda. Partizan’s hot hand is guard [Carlik Jones](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/carlik-jones/013369/), who has averaged 20.3 points in the last three games, and Virtus will try to contain him through the veteran smarts of [Daniel Hackett](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/daniel-hackett/001844/).

Round 25 Head-to-Head: Cordinier vs. Brown

### Paris Basketball vs. Olympiacos Piraeus (20:30 CET)

Paris (14-9) will attempt to stay in the all-important top four by overcoming league leader Olympiacos (17-7). The French team, which has won three of the last four, will hold no fear after already beating Olympiacos this season in Piraeus, triumphing 90-96 in December behind 21 points and 8 assists from playmaker [TJ Shorts](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/tj-shorts/012608/). One of Shorts’s main competitors for this season’s MVP award, [Sasha Vezenkov](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/sasha-vezenkov/003469/), will have revenge on his mind after only making 4 of his 13 field-goal attempts in that game. The Reds will also be aware of the threat of [Tyson Ward](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/tyson-ward/012610/), who combined 14 points with 5 rebounds and 3 steals in Paris’s win in Piraeus, and will hope for another strong game from big man [Nikola Milutinov](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/nikola-milutinov/003941/) after his 11 points and 7 rebounds in last week’s win over Efes.

Round 25 Head-to-Head: Ward vs. Fournier

### FC Barcelona vs. Maccabi Playtika Tel Aviv (20:30 CET)

After the frustration of last week’s last-second loss at Baskonia, Barcelona (13-11) will attempt to bounce back by overcoming struggling Maccabi (6-18). The absence of injured forward [Jaylen Hoard](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/jaylen-hoard/006835/) is a blow for Maccabi, which will look for former Barca guard [Rokas Jokubaitis](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/rokas-jokubaitis/007519/) to maintain his strong season (12 points, 5.1 assists per game) on his return to Palau Blaugrana. He was effectively replaced by rising star [Juan Nunez](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/juan-nunez/010106/), who will look to continue his progression after averaging 10.5 points and 4.5 assists in the last two games. The Spanish side took a thriller, 86-88, when the teams met in Round 9, powered by 18 points and 9 rebounds from [Jabari Parker](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/jabari-parker/012745/), and will be confident of completing a sweep against a Maccabi side that has won just once on the road all season.

The final double-round week of the season is here, starting with games on Tuesday and Wednesday

Virtus Segafredo Bologna v Partizan Mozzart Bet Belgrade (2025-02-05T19:30:00.000Z)

Paris Basketball v Olympiacos Piraeus (2025-02-05T19:30:00.000Z)

FC Barcelona v Maccabi Playtika Tel Aviv (2025-02-05T19:30:00.000Z)

AS Monaco v Baskonia Vitoria-Gasteiz (2025-02-05T18:00:00.000Z)

FC Bayern Munich v EA7 Emporio Armani Milan (2025-02-04T19:45:00.000Z)

Panathinaikos AKTOR Athens v Fenerbahce Beko Istanbul (2025-02-04T19:15:00.000Z)

Crvena Zvezda Meridianbet Belgrade v LDLC ASVEL Villeurbanne (2025-02-04T19:00:00.000Z)

Zalgiris Kaunas v ALBA Berlin (2025-02-04T18:00:00.000Z)

Anadolu Efes Istanbul v Real Madrid (2025-02-04T17:30:00.000Z)

Fenerbahce Beko has signed Jilson Bango on a deal until the end of the 2026-27 season, the club announced on Monday.

Fenerbahce signs center Jilson Bango

[Fenerbahce Beko Istanbul](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/teams/fenerbahce-beko-istanbul/ulk/) has signed Jilson Bango on a deal until the end of the 2026-27 season, the club announced on Monday.

Bango (2.08 meters, 26 years old) arrives from the Spanish League where the Angolan center made waves this season with Casademont Zaragoza, being named the ACB's MVP of the Month in December. Across 18 Spanish League appearances, Bango averaged 13.9 points and 5.6 rebounds. He also posted 14.3 points and 5.8 rebounds in nine FIBA Europe Cup fixtures.

<center>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="tr" dir="ltr">Jilson Bango Fenerbahçe Beko’da! ✍️💛💙<br><br>👉 <a href="https://t.co/L8FvFxOU3i">https://t.co/L8FvFxOU3i</a> <a href="https://t.co/If0wxVNM1Q">pic.twitter.com/If0wxVNM1Q</a></p>&mdash; Fenerbahçe Beko (@FBBasketbol) <a href="https://twitter.com/FBBasketbol/status/1886339387274801302?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 3, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

This is Bango's third campaign in Europe, having played for Braunschweig in Germany between 2022 and 2024 prior to signing for Zaragoza, where he spent the first half of this season. Now, he will get the chance to feature in the Turkish Airlines EuroLeague for the first time with Fenerbahce.

An international teammate of [new Real Madrid signing Bruno Fernando](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/news/bruno-fernando-signs-for-real-madrid-baloncesto/), Bango's first years as a professional came in Angola as he suited up for Marinha de Guerra (2018-19) and Primeiro de Agosto (2019-22).

More Fenerbahce News

The Angolan big man will make his EuroLeague debut with the court

Maximizing trips to the free-throw line is having an impact on the EuroLeague's offensive renaissance this season

Stats review: Making noise from the foul line

It was an eventful week in the Turkish Airlines EuroLeague capped by a tense duel between [Crvena Zvezda Meridianbet Belgrade](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/teams/crvena-zvezda-meridianbet-belgrade/red/) and [Partizan Mozzart Bet Belgrade](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/teams/partizan-mozzart-bet-belgrade/par/) in the Belgrade derby that did not see either team ever lead by more than 6 points.

In victory, Zvezda did not convert a single catch-and-shoot jump shot, but went 20 of 24 from the foul line to close out [a two-point win](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/news/crvena-zvezda-earns-bragging-rights-over-partizan-in-belgrade-derby-71-73/) after Partizan had pulled things even in the final minutes. With seven different players making at least 2 free throws, the away team’s poise in front of one of the sport’s greatest atmospheres was critical to the win.

Zvezda’s free throw shooting in the Belgrade derby was just another example of how teams are finding ways to win games on the margins this season. There are currently seven teams with a point differential of under two points per game; the details matter more than ever in the EuroLeague.

The table above shows which teams have gotten to the line at the highest rates this season, the percentage of their total points that have come from foul shots, and their free-throw percentage.

[Olympiacos Piraeus](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/teams/olympiacos-piraeus/oly/) and [EA7 Emporio Armani Milan](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/teams/ea7-emporio-armani-milan/mil/) have gone to the line more consistently than any other teams on the year and rank first and second in overall offensive efficiency, respectively. While Olympiacos has been able to rely on its back-to-the-basket threats to draw fouls in one-on-one situations, it has been Milan’s ability to draw contact driving closeouts and using advantages off screens from the perimeter that has driven its placement on this list.

The EuroLeague at large has an interesting relationship with the foul line relative to other top-tier leagues at the moment.  And there is one big reason: the four players who have made over 100 free throws so far this season are shooting a combined 90% at the line.  Perhaps just as notable is the fact that only one of those players — [Theo Maledon](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/theo-maledon/007027/) who has made 47 more free throws than anyone else this season by drawing fouls in bunches — is a primary ball handler. The other three players above that mark are [Sasha Vezenkov](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/sasha-vezenkov/003469/), [Nikola Mirotic](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/nikola-mirotic/000796/), and [Zach LeDay](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/zach-leday/008987/).  Olympiacos and Milan have been as deliberate about the process of getting their versatile frontcourt stars to the line as any teams in the sport, and the payoff for them has been staggering.

[Virtus Segafredo Bologna](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/teams/virtus-segafredo-bologna/vir/) represents a more conventional free-throw generating profile. The collective effort and physicality of its lineups in transition and on the offensive glass bolster the efforts of its main offensive options. Twenty-three-year-old center [Momo Diouf](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/mouhamet-diouf/013374/) is the most glaring example of how the aggressiveness of Virtus's role players has contributed to the team's success as he’s drawn a staggering 8.7 trips to the foul line per-40 minutes in his 15.7 minutes per game on the floor — one of the highest marks in the EuroLeague.

Among the other leaders in fouls drawn per-minute: [Filip Petrusev](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/filip-petrusev/011194/) of Zvezda and [Tyrique Jones](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/tyrique-jones/011981/) of Partizan. While Jones led the Belgrade derby drawing 5 fouls, he only attempted 1 free throw as it is not always the player drawing the fouls reaping the benefits in the box score. Regardless of how teams manufacture and maximize their trips to the line, there’s little doubt that it is having an impact on the league's offensive renaissance this season.

When Partizan Mozzart Bet Belgrade and Crvena Zvezda Meridianbet Belgrade lock horns, life in a city of some two million souls comes to a standstill.   

The latest Belgrade derby delivered in so many ways 

Belgrade, Serbia -- First-time city derby goers who flocked to the Serbian capital for the event must have felt like they were in another universe on Friday night. Those of them fortunate enough to scramble a ticket for the Turkish Airlines EuroLeague’s most anticipated regular season fixture surely got their money's worth.

When [Partizan Mozzart Bet Belgrade](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/teams/partizan-mozzart-bet-belgrade/par/) and [Crvena Zvezda Meridianbet Belgrade](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/teams/crvena-zvezda-meridianbet-belgrade/red/) lock horns, life in a city of some two million souls comes to a standstill.

It had the buzz of a championship game, but, in fact, it was just another city derby, like many before. By Serbian standards, that is. In a country where basketball is so much more than just a game and the rivalry is so intense, the atmosphere is beyond pulsating whenever these two clash even in a pre-season warmup, let alone in a EuroLeague blockbuster.

This time was no different, as 20,000 fervent Partizan fans turned the gym into a cauldron, shaking the Belgrade Arena to its core with support so frenetic that it sends a chill down the spine of any visiting team and their supporters.

Not Zvezda, though, as Partizan’s bitter city foes are all too familiar with the atmosphere and they were able to weather the perfect storm by [coming out on top, 71-73](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/news/crvena-zvezda-earns-bragging-rights-over-partizan-in-belgrade-derby-71-73/), allowing their own 1,000 fans in the venue to do all the singing and dancing at the end of a grueling matchup.

In no small part thanks to [Filip Petrusev](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/filip-petrusev/011194/), who produced yet another monster performance to lead Zvezda with 17 points and 8 boards, having been complemented by [Joel Bolomboy](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/joel-bolomboy/009035/) as the twin tower racked up 14 points and 8 rebounds.

The duo subdued Partizan’s big men [Tyrique Jones](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/tyrique-jones/011981/) and [Brandon Davies](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/brandon-davies/007870/) while playmaker [Codi Miller-McIntyre](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/codi-miller-mcintyre/009048/) provided the backcourt spark required to tame Partizan’s perimeter, where [Carlik Jones](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/carlik-jones/013369/) cut a lone wolf with a game-high 20 points.

Petrusev keeps excelling in his second spell with Zvezda on loan from Olympiacos Piraeus after a brief stint in the NBA and in his post-game comments, he revealed just how strength-sapping the captivating low-scoring contest was. 

“I don’t remember playing a tougher game,” Petrusev told reporters as his jubilant teammates headed out of the locker room. “It was a real fight and it wasn’t pretty, but such is the derby sometimes. We showed character and the will to win, as we racked up a lot of loose balls and offensive rebounds.

“We were under pressure as they had caught up with us in the standings so we were really focused and at full strength this time, as Joel was absent in the reverse fixture. We knew what to expect so we put our game faces on when we stepped out there.”

Asked by [Euroleague.net](http://Euroleague.net) how big an impact Bolomboy has made after missing Partizan’s 77-89 victory in the reverse fixture as well as a bunch of other games earlier this season, Petrusev was unequivocal in heaping praise on Zvezda’s silent water that runs deep.

“Joel’s return from injury is priceless,” he said. “He brings so much to the team and to me personally because we complement each other when we’re both on the court. We switched on defense a lot so having two big men out there for much of the game really helped.”

<center>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="sr" dir="ltr">С’ тобом Црвена звездо ја сам јак! 🔴⚪️<br><br>Сјајна подршка у Арени!<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/kkcz?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#kkcz</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WeAreTheTeam?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WeAreTheTeam</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/CrvenoBelaPorodica?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#CrvenoBelaPorodica</a> <a href="https://t.co/D5yt7Yn5Nv">pic.twitter.com/D5yt7Yn5Nv</a></p>&mdash; KK Crvena zvezda Meridianbet (@kkcrvenazvezda) <a href="https://twitter.com/kkcrvenazvezda/status/1885775987901653021?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 1, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Brazilian guard [Yago dos Santos](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/yago-dos-santos/012044/), who performed the thankless job of facilitating at both ends in a manner not reflected by statistics, summed up the magnitude of the result which propelled Zvezda to 14-10 and lifted it back into the playoff picture.

“This is the Belgrade derby, the best game in Europe,” he told [Euroleague.net](http://Euroleague.net). “There is nothing like it and winning it can change your season so we’re delighted for the club and the fans. We played good defense on Partizan’s guards as we knew they had the quality so we knew we needed to contain them.”

The clash was also a stern test for Zvezda head coach Ioannis Sfairopoulos, who got his first taste of defeat against Partizan in the reverse fixture after eight successive wins against counterpart Zeljko Obradovic and his men in all competitions.

The stone-faced Greek tactician refused to get carried away at the postgame press conference, insisting Zvezda must keep its feet on the ground after a monumental effort to come out on top against Partizan this time in a most dramatic finish.

Yago Dos Santos: 'We played good defense on Partizan's guards'

“It wasn’t an easy game for either team,” said Sfairopoulos. “We believed that we could do something good tonight and we controlled the rhythm for the best part of the game. Partizan has a lot of quality but we were focused and we had so much desire to win. We wrestled away most of the 50-50 balls and picked up a lot of offensive rebounds.

“Now we have to take it one game at a time in the remaining 10 rounds. I want to thank our fans for being here to support us. We played good defense. We didn’t shoot well from outside but we did well from inside and from the foul line.”

Having seen his men roar back into postseason contention with a 10-3 run after a dismal 2-8 start to the season, Obradovic must now go back to the drawing board and lift his troops for the final push in the home stretch, as Partizan handed over the city’s bragging rights back to Zvezda. Obradovic was also brave in assessing his own shortcomings on a night when thin lines made all the difference.

“It’s simple, the players didn’t react the right way tonight and that means the coach too didn’t do his job to the best of his abilities,” he said.  “We’ve got to knuckle down back to some hard work, it’s the only thing we can do. We had a chance to win despite being very apprehensive, but it didn’t pan out for us.

“Things just didn’t go our way when the chips were down. We won’t roll over, there are 10 games left and we’ll do all we can to reach the postseason.”

Game News

The rugged and physical contest between Serbia’s big two created an unmatched atmosphere in which brave Zvezda prevailed   

Partizan Mozzart Bet Belgrade v Crvena Zvezda Meridianbet Belgrade (2025-01-31T19:30:00.000Z)

EuroLeague top photos of the week

Look back at all the action from Round 24 of the regular season by checking out the best photos of the week!

Top 10 photos of the week: Round 24

Virtus Segafredo Bologna boosted its roster with experience by signing Justin Holiday, the club announced Saturday. Holiday has inked a three-month deal with the Italian club, with an option to extend it for another two months.

Virtus inks former NBA champ Justin Holiday to short-term deal

Virtus Segafredo Bologna boosted its roster by signing Justin Holiday, the club announced Saturday. The sides penned a three-month deal with an option to extend it for another two months. 

Holiday (1.98 meters, 35 years old) last played with the Denver Nuggets, where he appeared in 70 games last season and helped the team reach the Western Conference Semifinals with 3.8 points and 1.3 rebounds in the regular season and the playoffs combined.

Holiday returns to Europe after more than 10 years in the NBA. He made his debut there in 2013 with the Philadelphia 76ers, before spending a year with the Golden State Warriors, with which he won the NBA championship in 2015. He also played with the Atlanta Hawks, New York Knicks, Chicago Bulls, Memphis Grizzlies, Indiana Pacers, Sacramento Kings, Dallas Mavericks and Denver.

<center><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">𝐉𝐔𝐒𝐓-𝐈𝐍 ⚪️⚫️<br>Welcome Justin Holiday 🔥 <a href="https://t.co/tmXzyD5U8X">pic.twitter.com/tmXzyD5U8X</a></p>&mdash; Virtus Segafredo Bologna (@VirtusSegafredo) <a href="https://twitter.com/VirtusSegafredo/status/1885679627852464575?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 1, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Holiday played more than 700 games in the NBA, posting averages of 8.0 points, 2.7 rebounds and 1.4 assists in 680 regular-season games. He averaged at least 10 points in four of his 11 NBA seasons.

Holiday started his professional journey in 2011 with Okapi Aalstar in Belgium and has spent the 2013-14 season in Hungary with Szolnoki Olaj. He has also played for the Santa Cruz Warriors and Idaho Stampede in the G League. Holiday is now set to make his Turkish Airlines EuroLeague debut.

More Virtus News

The veteran small forward won the NBA title with the Golden State Warriors in 2015

Virtus signs former NBA champ Justin Holiday

A wonderful performance for an undermanned EA7 Emporio Armani Milan has seen Zach LeDay secure Round 24 MVP honors with a season-high PIR of 39.

Round 24 MVP: Zach LeDay, EA7 Emporio Armani Milan

A wonderful performance for an undermanned EA7 Emporio Armani Milan has seen [Zach LeDay](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/zach-leday/008987/) secure Round 24 MVP honors with a season-high PIR of 39.

LeDay tied his career high with 33 points – a total he had only managed once before, back in Round 15 of this current season – after making 7-of-10 two-pointers, 5-of-7 three-pointers and 4-of-4 free throws. He also grabbed 8 rebounds, dished 1 assist, drew 6 fouls and had a +18 in the plus/minus column, the second best of any player in this round. This is the third time this season that LeDay has secured the MVP of the Round prize, having done so in Round 7 and Round 15. It is his fourth MVP of the Round award overall, as he first took home this honor in Round 10 of the 2018-19 season.

The Milan forward was not the only player to post a 39 PIR in this round as Virtus Segafredo Bologna’s [Toko Shengelia](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/tornike-shengelia/001133/) did so as well, yet it came in defeat as his team fell to a 95-81 loss at Fenerbahce Beko Istanbul. That 39 PIR is a career high for Shengelia, who also posted a career-best mark with 35 points on 10-of-14 two-pointers, 2-of-3 three-pointers and 9-of-10 free throws. Shengelia added 5 rebounds, 3 assists and 6 fouls drawn to his tally.

The third-best PIR in Round 24 belonged to Zalgiris Kaunas’s [Sylvain Francisco](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/sylvain-francisco/007975/), who had a career-high 36 PIR in his team’s 82-97 defeat against FC Bayern Munich. Francisco posted a personal-best 33 points on 5-of-8 two-pointers, 5-of-8 three-pointers and 8-of-8 free throws, 1 rebound, 5 assists and 7 fouls drawn.

Rounding out the list of Round 24’s top performers are Olympiacos Piraeus’s [Sasha Vezenkov](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/sasha-vezenkov/003469/), Baskonia Vitoria-Gasteiz’s [Chima Moneke](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/chima-moneke/012201/) and Bayern’s [Nick Weiler-Babb](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/nick-weiler-babb/010391/), all with a PIR of 34. Vezenkov amassed 26 points, 9 rebounds, 1 assist, 1 block and 7 fouls drawn in Olympiacos’s 92-89 win over Anadolu Efes Istanbul, Moneke recorded 22 points, 9 rebounds, 3 assists and 8 fouls drawn in Baskonia’s 88-86 triumph over FC Barcelona, while Weiler-Babb had a near-perfect performance in Bayern’s win at Zalgiris with 14 points, 7 rebounds, 13 assists, 2 steals, 3 fouls drawn and zero turnovers.

### Individual highs: Toko Shengelia, Virtus, 35 points

Shengelia led all players in Round 24 with a career-high 35 points. Vezenkov is the leading scorer in the EuroLeague with 20.3 points per game.

[Juancho Hernangomez ](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/juancho-hernangomez/012712/)of Panathinaikos pulled down a career-best 13 rebounds in Round 24, more than anyone else. Crvena Zvezda Meridianbet Belgrade’s [Joel Bolomboy](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/joel-bolomboy/009035/) averages a league-best 8.0 boards per night.

Nick Weiler-Babb set a new career best with a round-high 13 assists. Maccabi Playtika Tel Aviv’s [Tamir Blatt](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/tamir-blatt/011193/) leads the league in assists with 7.5 per game.

[Brandon Davies](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/brandon-davies/007870/) of Partizan Mozzart Bet Belgrade made 6 steals in Round 24, which is the joint most of any player this season. Weiler-Babb is atop the steals charts with 1.6 per night.

[Donta Hall](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/donta-hall/011196/) of Baskonia tied his career high by blocking 4 shots this week, the most of any player in Round 24. Real Madrid’s [Walter Tavares](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/walter-tavares/005791/), the EuroLeague’s all-time leader in blocks, is the season leader in this category with 1.4 per game.

Weiler-Babb (14 points, 13 assists), ALBA Berlin’s [Martin Hermannsson](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/martin-hermannsson/008780/) (11 points, 11 assists) and AS Monaco’s [Nick Calathes](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/nick-calathes/001932/) (12 points, 10 assists) were the only players to record a double-double in Round 24, and all three did so without committing a turnover.

This is his third MVP of the Round award this season

Turkish Airlines EuroLeague fans, we have our 24th winner in this season's EuroLeague Fantasy Challenge! Sava Aleksic beat everyone else in Round 24 with his team 'sava.05', which had a Fantasy Challenge score of 252.05.

EuroLeague Fantasy Challenge Round 24 winner

Turkish Airlines EuroLeague fans, we have our 24th winner in this season's [EuroLeague Fantasy Challenge](https://euroleaguefantasy.euroleaguebasketball.net/)! Sava Aleksic beat everyone else in Round 24 with his team 'sava.05', which had a Fantasy Challenge score of 252.05.

Sava had the following starting lineup: Zach LeDay of EA7 Emporio Armani Milan as team captain, then FC Bayern Munich's Nick Weiler-Babb, Virtus Segafredo Bologna's Toko Shengelia, Baskonia Vitoria-Gasteiz's Chima Moneke, and Crvena Zvezda Meridianbet Belgrade's Joel Bolomboy. His sixth man was Fenerbahce Beko Istanbul's Marko Guduric. The rest of Sava's bench consisted of Baskonia duo Kamar Baldwin and Ousmane Ndiaye, and Milan duo Diego Flaccadori and Giampaolo Ricci. His team's head coach was Bayern play-caller Gordie Herbert.

The prize for finishing first in Round 24 is a free VIP Euroleague TV subscription for the 2025-26 season, so congratulations, Sava!

Marko Dukic and his team 'Kughat' remains the leader of the [EuroLeague Fantasy Challenge](https://euroleaguefantasy.euroleaguebasketball.net/) overall standings with 4,081.09 points.

Trades are now open for Round 25. Remember, four trades are allowed before each round until the end of the regular season. You can either trade up to four players, or a head coach and three players.

The first game in Round 24 tips off on Tuesday, February 4, as Anadolu Efes Istanbul hosts Real Madrid at 18:30 CET. That game marks the next round's deadline.

Make new teams now or improve your existing ones and try to become our next round winner!

EuroLeague Fantasy Challenge offers weekly prizes to the top team manager. 

On Friday night, Nick Calathes showed that he is still more than capable of playing an important role for a title-chasing team, leading AS Monaco to a big 77-73 victory over Real Madrid with a double-double of 12 points and 10 assists.

Nick Calathes back to his best to boost Monaco past Real Madrid

[Nick Calathes](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/nick-calathes/001932/) is one of the most decorated players in Turkish Airlines EuroLeague history, leading the competition’s all-time charts in both assists and steals.

Naturally, plenty of excitement was generated by his arrival at [AS Monaco](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/teams/as-monaco/mco/) this past summer, allowing him to team up with all-time scoring king [Mike James](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/mike-james/005985/) and another duo of talented guards, [Elie Okobo](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/elie-okobo/011212/) and [Jordan Loyd](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/jordan-loyd/009754/), to create what looked like a dream backcourt.

The opening half of the season didn’t follow that script, however, as Calathes was sidelined by a knee injury which prevented him from making his Monaco debut until Round 19, and then understandably needed time to recover his rhythm and gain familiarity with his new teammates.

On Friday night, though, Calathes showed that he is still more than capable of playing an important role for a title-chasing team, leading Monaco to [a big 77-73 victory over Real Madrid](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/news/monaco-takes-control-of-third-place-by-downing-real-madrid-77-73/) with a double-double of 12 points and 10 assists.

Calathes also showcased his ball-thieving skills with a pair of steals, and proved his competitive edge by grabbing 3 rebounds and committing 4 fouls. Perhaps most significantly, though, the 35-year-old spent 33 minutes and 30 seconds on the floor – more than any other player – to demonstrate firstly that he has returned to full physical fitness and secondly that he’s earned the total trust of coach Vassilis Spanoulis.

Although that heavy workload was partly necessitated by injuries to teammates Loyd and Okobo, Calathes’s experience and knowhow was vital in managing the tempo, containing Real’s potentially explosive offense and allowing his team to never fall behind after moving ahead early in the second half.

In fact, it should have been an easier win as Monaco led by 10 points with less than three minutes remaining, before committing a series of errors to allow Real to keep fighting until the very end.

<center>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">🔥 𝑫𝒐𝒖𝒃𝒍𝒆-𝒅𝒐𝒖𝒃𝒍𝒆<br><br>Bald Eagle had a night! 🦅<br><br>🎯 12 points<br>🎁 10 assist<br>⚡️ 17 PR<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/RocaTeam?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#RocaTeam</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/DagheMunegu?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#DagheMunegu</a> <a href="https://t.co/5bbia48i4l">pic.twitter.com/5bbia48i4l</a></p>&mdash; AS Monaco Basket 🇲🇨 (@ASMonaco_Basket) <a href="https://twitter.com/ASMonaco_Basket/status/1885430025727435239?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 31, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

And rather than dwelling on his strong personal contribution, Calathes preferred to focus on the improvements his team need to make when he reflected on the action. “We’ve got to be able to close it out better,” he told [EuroLeague.TV](http://EuroLeague.TV)

“Obviously we made some stupid mistakes, and if we want to win big games we’ve got to be solid.”

However, the veteran playmaker did acknowledge his team’s achievement in downing a fellow title candidate as he added: “Real Madrid is Real Madrid. They’ve been playing great basketball.

“Obviously they’ll be in the playoffs and be contenders like they always are. But every game for us is like a final, and we’ll see how it goes throughout these last ten games.”

With Calathes getting back to his best, Monaco looks in great position to use those remaining games to seal a top-four finish.

The all-time assists leader guided his team to an important victory 

AS Monaco v Real Madrid (2025-01-31T18:00:00.000Z)