In a direct battle of second place in the Turkish Arlines EuroLeague Regular Season standings, FC Barcelona thrashed Virtus Segafredo Bologna 84-57 in a special night for one of its stars. 


Birthday boy Laprovittola makes the difference

In a direct battle for second place in the Turkish Airlines EuroLeague Regular Season standings, [FC Barcelona thrashed Virtus Segafredo Bologna 84-57](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/news/euroleague-live-blog-barca-basket-vs-virtus-bologna/) on a special night for one of its stars. 

It was [Nico Laprovittola](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/nicolas-laprovittola/006435/)'s 34th birthday and he made sure to celebrate it in style, playing a good game and allowing Barca to win the game and get the potential tiebreak advantage against Virtus.

Nico Laprovittola had 16 points to lead FC Barcelona past Virtus Segafredo Bologna in Round 24. What a way to celebrate his birthday!

Laprovittola celebrates 34th birthday with a win

Laprovittola was full of confidence all night long. When he hit his second three-pointer, the Argentine was so sure that the ball would go in that he turned around and started running to the defensive end before it went in. The shot hit nothing but the net. He buried 3 three-pointers before the break, adding a fourth one and a big, rare basket in the low post that broke the game open, 50-31.

"I think we played with the same energy for 40 minutes: very good energy, very good intensity, and I think we dominated the game against a very tough team," Laprovittola said after the game. "We are good. We are second now. We have to keep going in the same way, working hard as every day. I think we are in a good dynamic."

<center><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Birthday boy 🎂 <a href="https://t.co/vtbXN3o6UH">pic.twitter.com/vtbXN3o6UH</a></p>&mdash; Barça Basket (@FCBbasket) <a href="https://twitter.com/FCBbasket/status/1752761163635392938?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 31, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></center>

Laprovittola finished the game with 16 points, 2 rebounds, 2 assists, 1 steal and a PIR of 15. He had been held scoreless in each of his last two games, before and after a small injury that kept him out from Rounds 20 to 22.

Barca's energy was proved in the rebounds stats. The hosts outrebounded Virtus 17-31, pulling down 16 offensive boards against Virtus's 20 defensive rebounds. That means that Virtus did not grab 55.6% of the rebounds under its rim. Barca finished the game with 31 defensive rebounds, matching its season-high, allowing the guests to get just 11 offensive boards. Therefore, Barca grabbed 73.8% of all rebounds under its own basket.

Barca finished the game with 18 points and 10 assists, and forced Virtus to shoot just 4-for-25 from downtown for a season-low 16%. All that allowed Laprovittola to celebrate his birthday in style!

More Barcelona news

On his 34th birthday, Nico Laprovittola made sure to celebrate in style with a decisive win. 


Birthday boy Laprovittola made the difference for Barca

FC Barcelona v Virtus Segafredo Bologna (2024-01-31T19:30:00.000Z)

Mike James became the EuroLeague's joint second-top scorer on a night in which Monaco Basket beat KK Partizan 85-70 in Round 24.

Special night for Mike James as aggressive Monaco Basket subdued KK Partizan

AS Monaco celebrated its first-ever Turkish Airlines EuroLeague win over Partizan Mozzart Bet Belgrade after iconic playmaker [Mike James](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/mike-james/005985/) led [the French side to an 85-70 victory](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/news/euroleague-live-blog-as-monaco-basket-vs-kk-partizan/) over its Serbia opponent, scoring 19 points to hit a rare milestone.

James climbed to joint second in the competition’s all-time scoring list alongside LDLC ASVEL Villerbaunne guard [Nando De Colo](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/nando-de-colo/002100/), tying the Frenchman’s tally of 4,383 career points and moving behind retired Greek legend [Vassilis Spanoulis](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/vassilis-spanoulis/juo/), who tops the chart on 4,455 points.

James’s individual accomplishment aside, Monaco improved to 14-10 and boosted its hopes of securing direct qualification for the playoffs, while Partizan’s bid to reach the postseason remained hanging in the balance as the Serbian club slipped to 12-12.

Mike James shined vs. Partizan on milestone night

Mike James shined vs Partizan on milestone night

Having trailed 14-16 after the first quarter, Monaco nosed ahead in the second and held a slender lead until early in the fourth, when the hosts forced Partizan into submission with ironclad defense which stifled out the visitors.

James was at the heart of an 11-0 run which gave Monaco an unassailable 74-61 run midway through the final period, having hit a deep three-pointer which galvanized the home crowd and propelled the hosts in the closing stages.

### Mike James chose to focus on the win

The 33-year-old native of Portland, Oregon, played down the significance of his personal achievement and stressed that it was all about facilitating Monaco’s championship bid.

“We’re just trying to gain some momentum and rhythm so we can get some wins,” James said in a flash post-game interview before then commenting on his milestone. “It’s more important to win. When I retire it will be something I’ll look back at and take some pride in, but right now the objective is to win games and try to get to the championship.”

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="fr" dir="ltr">🚀 𝑨𝒍𝒘𝒂𝒚𝒔 𝒄𝒍𝒐𝒔𝒆𝒓 𝒕𝒐 𝐆𝐋𝐎𝐑𝐘 🌟<br><br>💫Ce soir, Mike James entre toujours plus 𝒅𝒂𝒏𝒔 𝒍𝒂 𝒍𝒆́𝒈𝒆𝒏𝒅𝒆 en devenant le 2️⃣e meilleur scoreur d&#39;<a href="https://twitter.com/EuroLeague?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@EuroLeague</a> de l&#39;histoire ⏫️🎯 <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/RocaTeam?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#RocaTeam</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/EveryGameMatters?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#EveryGameMatters</a> <a href="https://t.co/Uvyowv23Gl">pic.twitter.com/Uvyowv23Gl</a></p>&mdash; AS Monaco Basket 🇲🇨 (@ASMonaco_Basket) <a href="https://twitter.com/ASMonaco_Basket/status/1752783931831722348?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 31, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Monaco grabbed 10 offensive boards more than Partizan (17-7) and also forced 16 turnovers from the visitors, who only managed 13 assists. The home team had 15 assists and a mere 6 turnovers, while it also managed 7 steals as its aggressive approach had Partizan on the back foot.

### The importance of this win

The mindset pleased Monaco head coach Sasa Obradovic, who praised his team for a gritty performance and singled out James for his unselfish approach at both ends of the court. “Every win in the EuroLeague is huge and we really had to work hard for this one,” Obradovic said.

“It was like a playoff game and a fight for every possession, we were stronger in the last quarter, especially defensively. I am proud of the team and it’s visible that we are improving with each game.”

“We did a great job as a team and we’re raising our game to another level. I am really happy for Mike and it has to be noted that he also did a great job defensively. This year he is even more mature than before and it’s a real pleasure to coach the likes of him.”

Partizan head coach Zeljko Obradovic underscored that Monaco was much more aggressive, adding that losing the battle in the paint was crucial.

“They had 20 possessions more than us and that gave them a barrage of second-chance shots,” he said. “We have to learn from this defeat and some of the players must understand that they need to do a lot more. Again, I must thank our fans who turned up here tonight.”

More Monaco News

AS Monaco guard Mike James is pictured after his team's win against Partizan Mozzart Bet Belgrade in Round 24 of the 2023-24 Turkish Airlines EuroLeague season.

The point guard went joint second on the all-time scoring list with a commanding performance.

Special night for Mike James as aggressive Monaco subdued Partizan

AS Monaco v Partizan Mozzart Bet Belgrade (2024-01-31T18:00:00.000Z)

Zalgiris Kaunas scored a club-record 36 points in the first quarter in its 96-70 win against Anadolu Efes S.K. in Round 24 of the 2023-24 EuroLeague season.

Historic first quarter put Zalgiris Kaunas on the right track against Anadolu Efes

There was no stopping Zalgiris Kaunas in the first quarter of [its Turkish Airlines EuroLeague clash with Anadolu Efes Istanbul](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/news/euroleague-live-blog-zalgiris-kaunas-vs-anadolu-efes-sk/) on Wednesday night.

After going on an 8-0 run to start the first quarter, Zalgiris kept going and going as it raced to a 23-4 lead inside the first 6:15 minutes of the contest. Efes started to mount a fightback, but Andrea Trinchieri’s squad finished the opening period with a 34-14 advantage.

### A historic start for Zalgiris

Those 34 points are the most scored in Zalgiris history in a first quarter, with [Rolands Smits](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/rolands-smits/007109/) and [Brady Manek](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/brady-manek/012715/) netting 6 apiece, while [Keenan Evans](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/keenan-evans/011218/) had 5. In the first 10 minutes alone, nine Zalgiris had at least 1 point, with [Lukas Lekavicius](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/lukas-lekavicius/003210/) being the only player not to score who stepped onto the floor in the first quarter.

[Edmond Sumner](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/edmond-sumner/012787/)’s three-point play with the final score of the opening period gave Zalgiris what was at that point at 20-point lead, 34-14, but the hosts swelled their advantage to as many as 30 points on two occasions in the second quarter: 44-14 and 46-16.

Everything was going right for Zalgiris on offense, while its play on defense prevented Efes’s stars from finding their rhythm. That first-half display, and the advantage Zalgiris built in the first quarter, provided the perfect foundation for what turned out to be a 96-70 triumph.

Two teams bidding to reignite their fading playoff-ambitions meet as Zalgiris welcomes Efes. In the paint, Laurynas Birutis is becoming more influential under Andrea Trinchieri and will try win his contest with visiting powerhouses Tyrique Jones and Dan Oturu, who are certain to prove quite the challenge.

Zalgiris Kaunas-Anadolu Efes Istanbul | Round 24 Highlights | 2023-24 Turkish Airlines EuroLeague

“We came out hard. We know they are a really talented team, but we didn’t let them easily get into the game,” said [Laurynas Birutis](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/laurynas-birutis/005504/), who led Zalgiris on the night with a team-high 18 points. “I think we had a really solid game. Of course, we had a run of turnovers, turnovers we don’t want, crazy turnovers, but overall we played a really solid game.”

### The Trinchieri effect is paying off

Since Coach Trinchieri took charge of Zalgiris ahead of Round 18, the team has secured three wins from three at Zalgirio Arena. Importantly, the players are getting a better understanding of what the Italian technician expects from them, which was clearly evident on the court against Efes.

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">What a W at home! 💚 <a href="https://t.co/LKOZdqt0ik">pic.twitter.com/LKOZdqt0ik</a></p>&mdash; BC Zalgiris Kaunas (@bczalgiris) <a href="https://twitter.com/bczalgiris/status/1752786000802169157?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 31, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

As Trinchieri explained in the post-game press conference, he is looking to tap into his players’ existing qualities but also make them more aggressive on both ends of the floor.

“What I am trying to do is use all the basketball knowledge of my players, which is very high, their IQ, and put them in a more aggressive system – offensively and defensively,” he noted. “Instead of waiting for things to happen, provoke so that things will happen. So do something to make the thing happen.

“Sometimes players will look at me like, ‘What is he trying to do?’ But game after game, practice after practice, we are improving. I see a lot of improvement in my team.”

That improvement was certainly evident in Round 24, with Zalgiris looking to keep its momentum going when it hosts Panathinaikos AKTOR Athens on Friday night. A fourth straight win at Zalgirio Arena would see Zalgiris’s Play-In hopes get a big boost, too.

More Zalgiris News

The Zalgiris Kaunas players celebrate with the crowd inside Zalgirio Arena after beating Anadolu Efes Istanbul in Round 24 of the 2023-24 Turkish Airlines EuroLeague season.

Andrea Trinchieri’s group grabbed a huge win against a competitor in the race for the Play-In Showdown.

Historic first quarter put Zalgiris on the right track against Efes

Zalgiris Kaunas v Anadolu Efes Istanbul (2024-01-31T18:00:00.000Z)

Barça Basket defeated Virtus Bologna 84-57 in Round 24 of the 2023-24 EuroLeague season.

Barça Basket beats Virtus Bologna 84-57, keeps hold of second place

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Nikola Kalinic of FC Barcelona looks to get past Iffe Lundberg of Virtus Segafredo Bologna in Round 24 of the 2023-24 Turkish Airlines EuroLeague Regular Season.

The hosts were no match for the visitors, who were outscored in all four quarters.

Barcelona beats Virtus, 84-57, keeps hold of second place

Panathinaikos B.C. beat Olimpia Milano 79-62 in Round 24 of the 2023-24 EuroLeague season.

Panathinaikos B.C. flexes its muscles against Olimpia Milano, 79-62

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Jerian Grant of Panathinaikos AKTOR Athens is guarded by Shabazz Napier of EA7 Emporio Armani Milan in Round 24 of the 2023-24 Turkish Airlines EuroLeague season.

The Greens have now won five straight games at OAKA.

Panathinaikos flexes its muscles against Milan, 79-62

Panathinaikos AKTOR Athens v EA7 Emporio Armani Milan (2024-01-31T19:15:00.000Z)

AS Monaco Basket beat KK Partizan 85-70 in Round 24 of the 2023-24 EuroLeague season, with Mike James going joint second in the competition's all-time scoring list.

Monaco Basket brushes KK Partizan aside, 85-70, as Mike James hits milestone

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Mike James of AS Monaco seeks a teammate during his team's win against Partizan Mozzart Bet Belgrade in Round 24 of the 2023-24 Turkish Airlines EuroLeague Regular Season.

The hosts boosted their chances of securing direct qualification to the playoffs.

Monaco brushes Partizan aside, 85-70, as Mike James hits milestone

Zalgiris Kaunas thrashed Anadolu Efes S.K. 96-70 in Round 24 of the 2023-24 EuroLeague season.

Zalgiris Kaunas wipes the floor with Anadolu Efes, 96-70

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Rolands Smits of Zalgiris Kaunas looks to get away from Derek Willis of Anadolu Efes Istanbul in Round 24 of the 2023-24 Turkish Airlines EuroLeague Regular Season.

There was no stopping Andrea Trinchieri's side on Wednesday night.

Zalgiris wipes the floor with Efes, 96-70

Round 24 in the EuroLeague is here, with the playoff race starting to heat up as we enter the home stretch.

EuroLeague Game Center: The double-round week starts now!

### Wednesday, January 31

[Zalgiris Kaunas 96-70 Anadolu Efes Istanbul](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/news/euroleague-live-blog-zalgiris-kaunas-vs-anadolu-efes-sk/)

Zalgiris remains perfect at home in the Andrea Trinchieri era after beating Efes 96-70 in Round 24. After losing by 4 points at Efes back in Round 7, Wednesday night's 26-point victory gave Zalgiris the head-to-head advantage. Both teams now share a 9-15 record.

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">From start to finish! ✅ <br><br>Zalgiris celebrates victory after a perfect game at <a href="https://twitter.com/ZalgirioArena?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ZalgirioArena</a>! 💚 <a href="https://t.co/RdU9fCxSgL">pic.twitter.com/RdU9fCxSgL</a></p>&mdash; BC Zalgiris Kaunas (@bczalgiris) <a href="https://twitter.com/bczalgiris/status/1752784979891716416?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 31, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

[AS Monaco 85-70 Partizan Mozzart Bet Belgrade](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/news/euroleague-live-blog-as-monaco-basket-vs-kk-partizan/)

Monaco romped to an 85-70 home win over Partizan in Round 24, improving to 14-10 as Mike James went joint second in the competition's all-time scoring list. Partizan dropped to 12-12 as its poor road form continued despite a fine individual performance from Kevin Punter.

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="fr" dir="ltr">📢 𝙌𝙪𝙚𝙡𝙡𝙚 𝙫𝙞𝙘𝙩𝙤𝙞𝙧𝙚 𝙙𝙚 𝙡𝙖 <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/%F0%9D%99%8D%F0%9D%99%A4%F0%9D%99%98%F0%9D%99%96%F0%9D%99%8F%F0%9D%99%9A%F0%9D%99%96%F0%9D%99%A2?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#𝙍𝙤𝙘𝙖𝙏𝙚𝙖𝙢</a> ! ❤️‍🔥<br><br>✅️ Dans une ambiance survoltée, l&#39;ASM s&#39;impose 🆚️ <a href="https://twitter.com/PartizanBC?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@PartizanBC</a> et enchaîne un 3️⃣e succès de rang en <a href="https://twitter.com/EuroLeague?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@EuroLeague</a> 📈<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/RocaTeam?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#RocaTeam</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/EveryGameMatters?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#EveryGameMatters</a> <a href="https://t.co/7YZPb7YvjJ">pic.twitter.com/7YZPb7YvjJ</a></p>&mdash; AS Monaco Basket 🇲🇨 (@ASMonaco_Basket) <a href="https://twitter.com/ASMonaco_Basket/status/1752785521049313726?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 31, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

[Panathinaikos AKTOR Athens 79-62 EA7 Emporio Armani Milan](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/news/euroleague-live-blog-panathinaikos-bc-vs-olimpia-milano/)

Panathinaikos led from start to finish in a 79-62 win against Milan on Wednesday night. The hosts produced another solid performance on defense that caused plenty of problems for the Italian side. With its fifth straight win at home, PAO improved to a 15-9 record, while Milan dropped to 10-14.

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Final Score ☘️<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/paobcaktor?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#paobcaktor</a> - <a href="https://twitter.com/OlimpiaMI1936?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@OlimpiaMI1936</a> 79-62 <a href="https://t.co/e7eZoylt8L">pic.twitter.com/e7eZoylt8L</a></p>&mdash; Panathinaikos BC (@paobcgr) <a href="https://twitter.com/paobcgr/status/1752800370227556615?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 31, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

[FC Barcelona 84-57 Virtus Segafredo Bologna](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/news/euroleague-live-blog-barca-basket-vs-virtus-bologna/)

FC Barcelona claimed sole possession of second place in the Turkish Airlines EuroLeague standings by downing Virtus Segafredo Bologna 84-57 at Palau Blaugrana on Wednesday. Barca improved to 16-8 while Virtus dropped to 15-9.

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="ca" dir="ltr">𝐅𝐈𝐍𝐀𝐀𝐀𝐀𝐋! Quin cop d&#39;autoritat a la segona posició 🫡 <a href="https://t.co/ClIKKfSZut">pic.twitter.com/ClIKKfSZut</a></p>&mdash; Barça Basket (@FCBbasket) <a href="https://twitter.com/FCBbasket/status/1752802417949708681?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 31, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

### Tuesday, January 30

[FC Bayern Munich 112-109 Baskonia Vitoria-Gasteiz (after OT)](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/news/euroleague-live-blog-fc-bayern-basketball-vs-saski-baskonia/)

Bayern missed a chance to close the deal in regulation but found a way to pull out a 112-109 overtime win over the visiting Baskonia on Tuesday night. The win not only improved Bayern to a 10-14 record but gave it a sweep of Baskonia, which dropped to a 12-12 mark.

<center>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">𝐎𝐕𝐄𝐑𝐓𝐈𝐌𝐄 𝐖𝐈𝐍 ❗❗❗<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/FCBB?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#FCBB</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/BAYBKN?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#BAYBKN</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/EuroLeague?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#EuroLeague</a> (c) Pahnke <a href="https://t.co/f1fCDdu3FA">pic.twitter.com/f1fCDdu3FA</a></p>&mdash; FC Bayern Basketball (@FCBBasketball) <a href="https://twitter.com/FCBBasketball/status/1752440403255513191?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 30, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

[LDLC ASVEL Villeurbanne 73-83 Fenerbahce Beko Istanbul](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/news/euroleague-live-blog-ldlc-asvel-vs-fenerbahce-beko/)

Fenerbahce overturned a double-digit first half deficit to overcome bottom club ASVEL 73-83 on Tuesday night. ASVEL's Mike Scott scored 21 points in the first half to seemingly lead the French club towards an upset win, but Fener bounced back after the break and looked comfortable in the fourth quarter.

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="tr" dir="ltr">Lyon&#39;da Galibiyet Bizim!<br><br>Tebrikler Fenerbahçe Beko! 👏<br><br>Maç Sonucu | <a href="https://twitter.com/LDLCASVEL?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@LDLCASVEL</a> 🆚 Fenerbahçe Beko: 73-83<br><br>Skor dağılımımız: Motley 24, Wilbekin 17, Noua 11, Calathes 8, Sertaç 8, Guduric 7, Papagiannis 5, Biberovic 3. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/YellowLegacy?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#YellowLegacy</a> <a href="https://t.co/QjgnZoZBlV">pic.twitter.com/QjgnZoZBlV</a></p>&mdash; Fenerbahçe Beko (@FBBasketbol) <a href="https://twitter.com/FBBasketbol/status/1752436996130148418?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 30, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

[Crvena Zvezda Meridianbet Belgrade 82-64 Valencia Basket](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/news/euroleague-live-blog-kk-crvena-zvezda-vs-valencia-basket/)

Crvena Zvezda kept its hopes of making the EuroLeague Playoffs alive by defeating Valencia 82-64 at Stark Arena on Tuesday night. This win improved the Serbian side to a 10-14 mark, while the Spanish team dropped to 12-12. Having lost by 4 points at Valencia earlier this season, Zvezda's 18-point triumph means it holds the head-to-head advantage if needed at the end of the regular season.

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Great team effort to grab the victory ✅<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/EveryGameMatters?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#EveryGameMatters</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/sportmts?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@sportmts</a> <a href="https://t.co/8lGPLxx5GS">pic.twitter.com/8lGPLxx5GS</a></p>&mdash; KK Crvena zvezda Meridianbet (@kkcrvenazvezda) <a href="https://twitter.com/kkcrvenazvezda/status/1752436922213974483?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 30, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

[Olympiacos Piraeus 101-87 ALBA Berlin](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/news/euroleague-live-blog-olympiacos-bc-vs-alba-berlin/)

Olympiacos grabbed a 101-87 victory over ALBA to extend its winning streak at home to four games. The visitors dictated the pace in the first half, but Olympiacos bounced back after the break to get back to winning ways after losing at Real Madrid last week. The hosts improved to a 13-11 record, while ALBA dropped to 5-18.

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="it" dir="ltr">Final score🏀 <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/OlympiacosBC?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#OlympiacosBC</a> - ALBA B. 101-87 (40&#39;) <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/EveryGameMatters?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#EveryGameMatters</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WeAreOlympiacos?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WeAreOlympiacos</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TogetherWeFight?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TogetherWeFight</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/OLYBER?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#OLYBER</a> <a href="https://t.co/7vYDv29kB7">pic.twitter.com/7vYDv29kB7</a></p>&mdash; OLYMPIACOS BC (@Olympiacos_BC) <a href="https://twitter.com/Olympiacos_BC/status/1752436478729236678?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 30, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

[Real Madrid 106-101 Maccabi Playtika Tel Aviv](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/news/euroleague-live-blog-real-madrid-baloncesto-vs-maccabi-tel-aviv-bc/)

Real Madrid remained undefeated at home in the EuroLeague by edging Maccabi 106-101 in the Spanish capital. Real improved to 21-3 while Maccabi dropped to 13-11. Dzanan Musa paced the winners with 19 points. Mario Hezonja and Vincent Poirier each added 16, Facu Campazzo had 12 while Sergio Rodriguez got 11 for Real. Poirier added 10 rebounds for a double-double. Wade Baldwin led Maccabi with 18 points. Bonzie Colson added 25, James Webb had 18 and Roman Sorkin chipped in with 10.

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="es" dir="ltr">👊 Victoria frente al <a href="https://twitter.com/MaccabiTLVBC?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@MaccabiTLVBC</a> para sumar la 21ª en la <a href="https://twitter.com/EuroLeague?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Euroleague</a>; la 12ª en casa 👊<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/HalaMadrid?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#HalaMadrid</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/UnicajaBanco?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@UnicajaBanco</a> <a href="https://t.co/pFsLQlC441">pic.twitter.com/pFsLQlC441</a></p>&mdash; Real Madrid Basket (@RMBaloncesto) <a href="https://twitter.com/RMBaloncesto/status/1752444415950348563?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 30, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

The first half of the penultimate double-round week of the season is now in the books.

Game Center: Four home winners to close Round 24

Real Madrid v Maccabi Playtika Tel Aviv (2024-01-30T19:30:00.000Z)

FC Bayern Munich v Baskonia Vitoria-Gasteiz (2024-01-30T19:00:00.000Z)

Olympiacos Piraeus v ALBA Berlin (2024-01-30T19:15:00.000Z)

LDLC ASVEL Villeurbanne v Fenerbahce Beko Istanbul (2024-01-30T19:00:00.000Z)

Crvena Zvezda Meridianbet Belgrade v Valencia Basket (2024-01-30T19:00:00.000Z)

Two of the oldest and winningest teams in continental basketball face in Round 24, as Panathinaikos AKTOR Athens (14-9) welcomes EA7 Emporio Armani Milan (10-13) at OAKA Altion on Wednesday at 20:15 CET. 

Panathinaikos B. C. hosts Olimpia Milano in heavyweight clash

### Tradition on and off the bench 

Panathinaikos first put a basketball team together in 1919. Milan was founded in 1936. Both teams combine for 69 domestic league titles in 10 decades, which says enough about their legacy. Panathinaikos and Milan also combine for nine top continental titles. Both teams are trying to get back to the very elite of European basketball. In 2021, Milan reached the EuroLeague Final Four for the last time since 1992. Panathinaikos won five of its six EuroLeague titles from 2000 to 2011, but has not made it to the Final Four since 2012. Both teams have deep rosters and above all, made sure to get a coach that knows what it takes to be a champion. 

Speaking in the midst of the 22-23 EuroLeague season, the veteran coach discusses the prospect of moulding EA7 Emporio Armani Milan into championship-contenders.

Ettore Messina: Leading Milan

Panathinaikos head coach Ergin Ataman has won consecutive EuroLeague titles with Anadolu Efes Istanbul in 2021 and 2022. It is the highlight of a legendary career which saw him lift three other European trophies and become the only head coach to win the Turkish League title with three different teams. Ettore Messina has a double role of president and head coach in Milan. He won the Italian League with three different teams and lifted the EuroLeague trophy four teams, twice each with Virtus Segafredo Bologna (1998, 2001) and CSKA Moscow (2006, 2008). Each Ataman and Messina have worked in more than 400 games, so the tactical battle should be one to follow closely. 

### Mirotic, back to OAKA 

There are some good news for Milan, that is gradually bringing back players to have a deeper rotation. [Shavon Shields](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/shavon-shields/007831/) already played two EuroLeague games after his injury, [Maodo Lo](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/maodo-lo/007032/) returned last week and now, superstar forward [Nikola Mirotic](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/nikola-mirotic/000796/) is back in action and expected to play in Athens. He returned in an Italian League game this season, getting 16 points and a PIR of 19 in barely 15 minutes. Mirotic's return is definitely not good news for Panathinaikos, who has won his last seven games against the Greens. He has played really well against Panathinaikos, particularily at OAKA Altion. 

Nikola Mirotic of FC Barcelona had 26 points against Panathinaikos AKTOR Athens at OAKA Altion in the 2022-23 season.

Mirotic's last game at OAKA

Since joining FC Barcelona, Mirotic played four games in the Greek capital and beat Panathinaikos all four times, scoring 20 points or more in each game, and getting his team's highest PIR in each and every showdown. In four games at OAKA since coming back from the NBA, Mirotic averages 22.8 points, hitting 17 of 23 two-pointers (73.9% 2FG), 12 of 26 three-pointers (46.2% 3FG) and 21 of 24 free throws (87.5% FT), adding 6.0 rebounds, 5.0 fouls drawn and a PIR of 27.0. Mirotic definitely feels comfortable in OAKA, he also won with Real Madrid in his only visit to the building with Los Blancos, and has a chance to prove it again, this time with a different team. 

### Panathinaikos looks for backcourt answers 

Panathinaikos faces this game star playmaker [Kostas Sloukas](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/kostas-sloukas/001926/) sidelined. [Luca Vildoza](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/luca-vildoza/007947/), who missed his team's last four games, is questionable for this game and if he plays, probably not in the best rhythm after a month sidelined. All that forces Coach Ataman to be a little bit creative when it comes to organizing his team's offense, as Sloukas not only averaged 10.9 points and a team-high 5.5 assists, but is his team's first option in crunch time due to his experience and great clutch skills. Two players are expected to take center stage: [Jerian Grant](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/jerian-grant/011204/) and [Panagiotis Kalaitzakis](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/panagiotis-kalaitzakis/011209/).

Jerian Grant and Panagiotis Kalaitzakis of Panathinaikos AKTOR Athens combined for 32 points in a losing effort against Maccabi Playtika Tel Aviv

Grant, Kalaitzakis step up against Maccabi

Grant averages almost 35 minutes per game in Panathinaikos's last five games. Without Sloukas, Grant had an all-around game against Maccabi Playtika Tel Aviv last week, getting 13 points, 5 rebounds (all on the offensive end), 5 assists and a PIR of 15 in a 90-75 losing effort. In that game, Panathinaikos had as many asssists as turnovers, 15. Kalaitzakis had a career-best game, playing over 20 minutes for the first time this season to get 17 points and a PIR of 14. Kalaitzakis went on to get 18 points in a Greek League win. Their matchup against Lo, [Shabazz Napier](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/shabazz-napier/011224/) and recently signed [Rodney McGruder](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/rodney-mcgruder/012800/) should be critical for the outcome of this interesting game. 

There is tradition, superstars at both ends of the floor, great coaches and a one-of-a-kind crowd. Make sure you don't miss the game on Wednesday night! 