Take a look at the best tips for this round in the EuroLeague Fantasy Challenge powered by Ardu Prime.

Fantasy tips, Rounds 3-4: Double the fun!

It is the first double-round week of the 2023-24 Turkish Airlines EuroLeague season, and that makes it a challenging week in EuroLeague Fantasy Challenge, powered by Ardu Prime, too. This week, we are mostly choosing players who play both games at home. We also took injuries and domestic games into consideration to offer you the best choices for Rounds 3 and 4. Here are our five recommendations.

 

[Toko Shengelia, Virtus Segafredo Bologna (12.8 credits) –](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/tornike-shengelia/001133/) Everything clicks for Shengelia in this double round. Virtus comes off a big road win in Monaco and plays consecutive games at home. Shengelia had a strong start of the season, averaging 14.5 points, 4.0 assists and a PIR of 19.5. He should keep leading Virtus all season long.

 

[Scottie Wilbekin, Fenerbahce Beko Istanbul (10.9 credits) –](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/scottie-wilbekin/006661/) Tyler Dorsey is sidelined due to a broken foot so Wilbekin should see extended playing time and responsibilities from now on. He has been doing very well until now, averaging 16.5 points on 50% three-pointers and a PIR of 15.5. All for less than 11 credits!

Facu Campazzo, Tadas Sedekerskis, Tim Schneider, Scottie Wilbekin and Toko Shengelia are featured in this week's article.

EuroLeague Fantasy Tips Rounds 3-4

[Tadas Sedekerskis, Baskonia Vitoria-Gasteiz (8.6 credits) –](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/tadas-sedekerskis/007230/) Sedekerskis is the competition's leading rebounder at 11.5 boards per night. He doesn't need to shoot a lot to finish games with a high PIR. Baskonia rested him this weekend, so he should be ready to go in back-to-back home games this week.

 

[Facu Campazzo, Real Madrid (13.7 credits) –](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/facundo-campazzo/005928/) Real is one of five teams playing two games this week in front of their fans. Campazzo needed no adjustment to Real and has delivered right away, getting a PIR of 24 in Round 2 against Efes. Expect him to dazzle Real fans with his court vision and deep range this week.

 

[Tim Schneider, ALBA Berlin (5.3 credits) –](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/tim-schneider/006251/) An undervalued choice to complete your team. Schneider had 17 points and a PIR of 16 in Round 2 against Baskonia, and followed that with another solid performance in the German League: 11 points and a PIR of 12. Schneider could be a difference-maker in EuroLeague Fantasy Challenge.

Eurohoops presents the deeds of all teams in 42 “devil weeks” in the EuroLeague from 2016 until today.

The ultimate roller coaster: double-round weeks by the numbers

Nobody likes change — until he gets used to it. It’s even better if it turns out to be such a worthy change. It was 2016 when the EuroLeague introduced the existing round-robin format with all teams playing against each other. It was also 2016 when they introduced double-round weeks — aka “devil weeks” — five that first season due to the 16-team format, seven from 2019 with the increase to 18 teams, and eight for the first time this season.

There is no need to explain why they exist today, let alone in such high numbers. Adding them to the schedule initially offered much more than the obvious, namely the two games in a period of up to 72 hours. Besides the status of the teams, their current shape and injuries started to have more of an impact on the result, the element of unpredictability grew, and, long story short, things became even more exciting. Now, just as the teams immediately circle those weeks on the calendar and books plane tickets and hotels, EuroLeague fans circle them and book seats on what has become the ultimate roller coaster of emotions.

[MORE...
](https://www.eurohoops.net/en/trademarks/1566791/the-ultimate-roller-coaster-double-round-weeks-by-the-numbers/)

The ultimate roller coaster: Double-round weeks by the numbers

### Zeljko Obradovic, Partizan head coach

We are playing against one of the main favorites in the EuroLeague. They have a series of good results and are playing very well. We are happy that we are playing in the Arena for the first time in front of our fans, I expect from them at least the level that was last year. Barcelona is playing well, they have made a roster which is filled in every position. Everyone who came in fit in well, the coach knows everything, he played in Barcelona and was the captain of the team. They are doing some things similar to last season. They can play with different lineups, the perimeter players set the tone for the game, especially Laprovitola. Abrines is in great shooting form, Kalinic can play in the position of three or four. Last year we lost to them, now if we want to be good, we have to play as well as possible. 

### Roger Grimau, Barcelona head coach

For now, we are relaxing a little bit. We did our scouting of Partizan. It will be a tough game in one of the hottest arenas in Europe against a team that has a great roster. We go there to compete, show our level and try to play as best as we can. We played serious games lately, in difficult moments we were united and that is the path we must follow.

### Balsa Koprovica, Partizan player

We are excited, we have caught a good rhythm.  We play against a very good team and we are happy because of the opportunity to start a series of EuroLeague home games with such a big clash. We have to stop their three-point shooting and make offensive rebounds impossible, that is the key. The fans always mean to us, they are very helpful at home. They give us the wind at our backs. I'm ready to give everything for the team, whether I play five or 25 minutes. I'm looking forward to every match in the EuroLeague.

### Joel Parra, Barcelona player

An important game. It will be an intense game, because we know where we are going. Partizan has a great team and a great atmosphere at home. We will try to keep winning, keep growing. If we keep working like we are doing lately, I think we have options to take the win. Playing a game in such an atmosphere gives a boost to both teams on the court, but we must remain focused and turn things to our side.

Unbeaten Barca (2-0) takes its perfect record into the cauldron of Stark Arena to face a Partizan team (1-1) that's looking to build on last week's strong win at ASVEL. Barca has won the last seven meetings between these teams, a sequence dating to 2010.

Pre-game quotes: Partizan vs. Barcelona

Partizan Mozzart Bet Belgrade v FC Barcelona (2023-10-17T16:30:00.000Z)

The first of the season's eight double-round weeks hits the ground running with six showdowns on Tuesday followed by three on Wednesday of Round 3.

First double-round week gets going on Tuesday

### Tuesday, October 18

[Partizan Mozzart Bet Belgrade vs. FC Barcelona](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/game-center/2023-24/partizan-mozzart-bet-belgrade-fc-barcelona/E2023/22/)

Unbeaten Barca (2-0) takes its perfect record into the cauldron of Stark Arena to face a Partizan team (1-1) that's looking to build on last week's strong win at ASVEL. Barca has won the last seven meetings between these teams, a sequence dating to 2010. To end that loop, Partizan will have to defend the perimeter against the league's top-ranked shooters in three-point accuracy (45.7%) – perhaps giving special attention to last week's hero, Alex Abrines. The host will also look for the energy of Zach LeDay, who averages 9 points, 5 rebounds and 2 blocks after the first two games, to disrupt Barca's dangerous big men Willy Hernangomez and former Partizan star Jan Vesely. 

[Fenerbahce Beko Istanbul vs. Panathinaikos Athens](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/game-center/2023-24/fenerbahce-beko-istanbul-panathinaikos-athens/E2023/21/)

Fenerbahce (1-1) will look to rebound from last week's loss in Valencia by overcoming a Panathinaikos team (1-1) whose confidence was renewed with a solid first win over FC Bayern Munich. Fenerbahce has lost scoring guard Tyler Dorsey to injury since that win and head coach Dimitris Itoudis will therefore hope that veteran playmaker Nick Calathes can start to find his rhythm after failing to register any points or assists so far this season. After seeing Fenerbahce struggle to on the boards in Valencia, Panathinaikos could look to dominate through Juancho Hernangomez and Mathias Lessort, both of whom average 8.0 rebounds after two games. 

It's a homecoming for Shane Larkin as he takes to the Sinan Erdem Dome court for the first time in 22/23 and wishes to help affirm Efes' playoff-spot, whereas LDLC ASVEL have focus to better their defence since shipping 90+ points to Real Madrid and ALBA.

Anadolu Efes Istanbul vs LDLC ASVEL Villeurbanne - Round 17 - Highlights

[Anadolu Efes Istanbul vs. LDLC ASVEL Villeurbanne](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/game-center/2023-24/anadolu-efes-istanbul-ldlc-asvel-villeurbanne/E2023/19/)

A first win of the season is the prize as Efes (0-2) and ASVEL (0-2) look to recover from slow starts. A pair of 20-point defeats in which it faced double-digit deficits after all but one quarter requires that ASVEL try to relieve some pressure and gain some self-belief by keeping this game close for as long as possible. Efes has struggled to find offensive balance so far but is starting to settle under the leadership of new playmaker Darius Thompson, who has averaged 11 points and 4 assists in his first two games. ASVEL can boost its chances of success by taking better care of the basketball, having averaged as many turnovers as assists (15 per game) during its two heavy losses. 

[Baskonia Vitoria-Gasteiz vs. FC Bayern Munich](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/game-center/2023-24/baskonia-vitoria-gasteiz-fc-bayern-munich/E2023/24/)

Two teams tied with 1-1 records go head-to-head as Baskonia welcomes Bayern for a showdown that already looks like it could have an impact on the playoffs race. Baskonia has enjoyed inspiration from new signing Chima Moneke, who is averaging 14 points and 7 rebounds, and his battle with Bayern veteran Serge Ibaka. Among the newcomers for the German team is all-action guard Leandro Bolmaro, who has started his second EuroLeague stint in fine form with 14.5 points and 17.0 PIR per game. Baskonia, on the other hand, is still waiting for scoring star Markus Howard to get hot after he made just 6 of 23 field goal attempts so far. 

[Real Madrid vs. Zalgiris Kaunas](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/game-center/2023-24/real-madrid-zalgiris-kaunas/E2023/23/)

Only one 100% record will remain intact as Real (2-0) welcomes Zalgiris (2-0) to the Spanish capital. Facundo Campazzo has settled quickly into his second spell with Real, averaging a league second-best 7.5 assists per game. His backcourt battle with Keenan Evans will be crucial, with the fit-again Zalgiris dynamo averaging 16.5 points so far. The visitor also has to find a way of slowing down Guerschon Yabusele, who has delivered sensational early-season form with averages of 20 points and 8 rebounds. With Vincent Poirier also in strong form and Walter Tavares back from injury, Zalgiris big men Kevarrius Hayes – who co-leads the league with 2.5 blocks per game – and Laurynas Birutis face a major task in trying to control the paint. 

[EA7 Emporio Armani Milan vs. Olympiacos Piraeus](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/game-center/2023-24/ea7-emporio-armani-milan-olympiacos-piraeus/E2023/20/)

Milan (0-1) returns to action after an unplanned bye week aiming to take its first victory of the season against a hurting Olympiacos (1-1), which will be eager to banish memories of its fourth quarter collapse against Barcelona. Alec Peters has made an outstanding start to the season with averages of 14 points, 7 rebounds and 3 steals, and the visitors will need his all-round skills to control the threat of Milan star Nikola Mirotic, who makes his EuroLeague home debut in the Italian fashion capital. The same applies to big man Alex Poythress, who has a major challenge in going up against Reds giant Nikola Milutinov (12.5 points and 5.5 rebounds per game). 

Following a second monthly MVP award for Sasha Vezenkov, he and his Olympiacos teammates set sights on further success when they welcome a resurgent Milan group, propelled by a strong defense that's conceded just 68 and 76 in their last two European encounters.

EA7 Emporio Armani Milan vs Olympiacos Piraeus - Round 26 - Highlights

### Wednesday, October 18

[Crvena Zvezda Meridianbet Belgrade vs. AS Monaco](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/game-center/2023-24/crvena-zvezda-meridianbet-belgrade-as-monaco/E2023/25/)

A pair of teams aiming to bounce back from tough losses meet in the Serbian capital for the first of three games on Wednesday. Monaco (0-2) remains winless after suffering its worst-ever EuroLeague home loss in Round 2 with a 24-points thrashing at the hands of Virtus Segafredo Bologna. Sasa Obradovic's men mustered only 65 and 59 points in the first two games, and desperately need to improve their outside shooting efficiency after making just 26.1% of three-pointers so far. Zvezda (1-1) is coming off a narrow defeat at Zalgiris that saw Dusko Ivanovic's team unable to capitalize on a mammoth 20 offensive rebounds – with 5 of those taken by Luka Mitrovic – after being outscored by 11 points in the final quarter.

[Virtus Segafredo Bologna vs. ALBA Berlin](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/game-center/2023-24/virtus-segafredo-bologna-alba-berlin/E2023/27/)

A week after downing Monaco in impressive style on the road, Virtus (1-1) will look to build further momentum with a visit from winless ALBA (0-2). Get ready for a fierce battle inside the paint as Virtus veteran Toko Shengelia (14.5 points and 4.5 rebounds per game) goes up against ALBA big man Johannes Thiemann, who registered his first EuroLeague double-double in Round 2 with 13 points and 10 boards. Virtus knocked down 16 three-pointers during the win against Monaco, 4 of which came from Jaleen Smith, who will go up against his former team in ALBA.

Valencia have surged towards the playoff-places with five straight wins. Awaiting them are fellow postseason-hopefuls Maccabi, who are on an opposite trajectory and require a reverse in fortune if they're to avoid a premature exit.

Valencia Basket vs Maccabi Playtika Tel Aviv - Round 23 - Highlights

[Valencia Basket vs. Maccabi Playtika Tel Aviv](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/game-center/2023-24/valencia-basket-maccabi-playtika-tel-aviv/E2023/26/)

Valencia (2-0) will look to make it three wins out of three with a visit from Maccabi (1-0), which is also unbeaten after the postponement of its scheduled Round 2 game against Milan. This game could be settled by the question of whether Valencia – boasting the competition's best defense after two games (69.5 points allowed) -. can limit Maccabi's potent offense which blasted 96 points in its season-opening victory over Partizan. Former Maccabi guard Chris Jones will be motivated to dominate the backcourt battle against his ex-team, and his head to head with Lorenzo Brown – who scored 22 points in Round 1 – will be well worth watching. 

Virtus Segafredo Bologna v ALBA Berlin (2023-10-18T18:30:00.000Z)

Valencia Basket v Maccabi Playtika Tel Aviv (2023-10-18T18:30:00.000Z)

Crvena Zvezda Meridianbet Belgrade v AS Monaco (2023-10-18T18:00:00.000Z)

Real Madrid v Zalgiris Kaunas (2023-10-17T18:45:00.000Z)

EA7 Emporio Armani Milan v Olympiacos Piraeus (2023-10-17T18:45:00.000Z)

Baskonia Vitoria-Gasteiz v FC Bayern Munich (2023-10-17T18:30:00.000Z)

Anadolu Efes Istanbul v LDLC ASVEL Villeurbanne (2023-10-17T17:30:00.000Z)

Fenerbahce Beko Istanbul v Panathinaikos Athens (2023-10-17T17:15:00.000Z)

EuroLeague week on social media

**CHAMPS' REUNION**: The exhibition game against Luka Doncic and the Dallas Mavericks was a chance for a reunion of Real Madrid's 2018 EuroLeague championship team, with Doncic receiving a replica of the trophy.

<center><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="es" dir="ltr">🏆 Nuestros capitanes entregaron una réplica de la Décima a <a href="https://twitter.com/luka7doncic?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@luka7doncic</a> 🏆 <a href="https://t.co/Vnal75uCds">pic.twitter.com/Vnal75uCds</a></p>&mdash; Real Madrid Basket (@RMBaloncesto) <a href="https://twitter.com/RMBaloncesto/status/1711871120889024635?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 10, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="es" dir="ltr">🏆 El Real Madrid entregó una réplica de la Décima a <a href="https://twitter.com/luka7doncic?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@luka7doncic</a>.</p>&mdash; Real Madrid Basket (@RMBaloncesto) <a href="https://twitter.com/RMBaloncesto/status/1711833580672786919?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 10, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>.

**MEET & GREET**: Virtus fans had the chance to meet Ognjen Dobric, Bruno Mascolo and Isaia Cordinier, ask them questions, take selfies and get autographs.

<center><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="nl" dir="ltr">Meet &amp; Greet al LazaBar insieme a <a href="https://twitter.com/segafredoitalia?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@segafredoitalia</a> 😍☕️<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AmarsiAncora?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AmarsiAncora</a> <a href="https://t.co/P3ZUac43c8">pic.twitter.com/P3ZUac43c8</a></p>&mdash; Virtus Segafredo Bologna (@VirtusSegafredo) <a href="https://twitter.com/VirtusSegafredo/status/1712359352839925884?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 12, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

**VISITING THEIR FUTURE HOME**: Bayern players were able to see club's future home, the SAP Garden. Bayern is expected to play the majority of its EuroLeague games at this venue next season.

<center><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="de" dir="ltr">Der <a href="https://twitter.com/SAPGarden?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@SAPGarden</a> nimmt Formen an - das weiß jetzt auch unser Team. Die Jungs haben sich auf der Baustelle mal ganz genau angeschaut, wo wir ab nächstem Jahr (auch) spielen werden! Alles zum Baustellenbesuch ⤵️<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/FCBB?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#FCBB</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WeBallTogether?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WeBallTogether</a></p>&mdash; FC Bayern Basketball (@FCBBasketball) <a href="https://twitter.com/FCBBasketball/status/1711777401716330645?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 10, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

**HELPING HAND**: During difficult and shocking times, Maccabi players and staff spent time with refugee kids and families.

<center><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="iw" dir="rtl">מכבי ו-Playtika מתגייסות למען מפוני העוטף &gt; <a href="https://t.co/0e7KhkudEQ">https://t.co/0e7KhkudEQ</a> <a href="https://t.co/lXiV4w4sZO">pic.twitter.com/lXiV4w4sZO</a></p>&mdash; Maccabi Tel Aviv BC (@MaccabiTLVBC) <a href="https://twitter.com/MaccabiTLVBC/status/1712138943532085475?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 11, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script> 
 

**GETTING CLOSER**: Kemba Walker is practicing with Monaco and nearing his Turkish Airlines EuroLeague debut.

<center><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">🔥 𝗞𝗲𝗺𝗯𝗮 𝗁𝖺𝗌 𝗋𝖾𝗍𝗎𝗋𝗇𝖾𝖽 𝗍𝗈 𝗽𝗿𝗮𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗰𝗲 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝘁𝗲𝗮𝗺 𝗍𝗁𝗂𝗌 𝗐𝖾𝖾𝗄 🙌 𝖺𝗇𝖽 𝗐𝗂𝗅𝗅 𝖻𝖾 𝗋𝖾𝖺𝖽𝗒 𝘀𝗼𝗼𝗻 ⏳<br>💆♂️ 𝖣𝗈𝗇&#39;𝗍 𝗋𝗎𝗌𝗁 𝗍𝗁𝖾 𝗉𝗋𝗈𝖼𝖾𝗌𝗌, 𝗍𝗋𝗎𝗌𝗍 𝗂𝗍 💪 <a href="https://t.co/aXiXLVZa9Z">pic.twitter.com/aXiXLVZa9Z</a></p>&mdash; AS Monaco Basket 🇲🇨 (@ASMonaco_Basket) <a href="https://twitter.com/ASMonaco_Basket/status/1712421650287747321?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 12, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

**PIECE OF CAKE**: Abrines made hitting long-range shots look easy in practice. It was a hint of what was about to come, as he went 5-for-7 from three-point range a couple days later in a road win at Olympiacos.

<center><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Easy 😝 <a href="https://t.co/6ucz8XQOuO">pic.twitter.com/6ucz8XQOuO</a></p>&mdash; Alex Abrines (@alexabrines) <a href="https://twitter.com/alexabrines/status/1712485612081811900?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 12, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

**GREETING POLONARA:** Before their trip to Monaco, Virtus players and staff greeted Achille Polonara who was forced to the sidelines due to a surgery to address a recently discovered testicular tumor. On Friday, after the team's 24-point win, the team made sure Achille was with them.

<center><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="it" dir="ltr">Prima della partenza per Montecarlo, un saluto speciale ❤️<a href="https://twitter.com/ilpupazzo33?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ilpupazzo33</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AmarsiAncora?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AmarsiAncora</a> <a href="https://t.co/TKJ13ciIUD">pic.twitter.com/TKJ13ciIUD</a></p>&mdash; Virtus Segafredo Bologna (@VirtusSegafredo) <a href="https://twitter.com/VirtusSegafredo/status/1712458413492346895?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 12, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="es" dir="ltr">Per te Achille ❤️💪🏼<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AmarsiAncora?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AmarsiAncora</a> <a href="https://t.co/iDc7TZcYPl">pic.twitter.com/iDc7TZcYPl</a></p>&mdash; Virtus Segafredo Bologna (@VirtusSegafredo) <a href="https://twitter.com/VirtusSegafredo/status/1712909025417875676?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 13, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

**WINNERS' CORNER**: Five road teams were victorious in Round 2, and only four teams – Barcelona, Zalgiris, Real and Valencia – remain unbeaten.

<center><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Ideal Thursday Night 👌🏼☘️<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/paobc?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#paobc</a> - <a href="https://twitter.com/FCBBasketball?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@FCBBasketball</a> 78-71<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WeTheGreens?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WeTheGreens</a> <a href="https://t.co/0594bSsuyo">pic.twitter.com/0594bSsuyo</a></p>&mdash; Panathinaikos BC (@paobcgr) <a href="https://twitter.com/paobcgr/status/1712575056147054645?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 12, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="es" dir="ltr">LA TENEMOS. NOS LLEVAMOS EL TRIUNFO DE BERLÍN 💪🏽🔥<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/GoazenBaskonia?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#GoazenBaskonia</a> 🔵🔴 <a href="https://t.co/R123ROe5YT">pic.twitter.com/R123ROe5YT</a></p>&mdash; Baskonia (@Baskonia) <a href="https://twitter.com/Baskonia/status/1712559186020860280?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 12, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="es" dir="ltr">Paso a paso 🤍💪🏾 <a href="https://t.co/cRp7XOhnYs">pic.twitter.com/cRp7XOhnYs</a></p>&mdash; Edy Tavares (@waltertavares22) <a href="https://twitter.com/waltertavares22/status/1712641838962590036?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 13, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="es" dir="ltr">Gran victoria equipo!!! <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/HalaMadrid?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#HalaMadrid</a> <a href="https://t.co/io8e1gDCQw">pic.twitter.com/io8e1gDCQw</a></p>&mdash; Dzanan Musa (@DzMusa) <a href="https://twitter.com/DzMusa/status/1712559168727749102?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 12, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="sl" dir="ltr">Samo tebi verni, samo tebi odani!🖤🤍<br><br>HVALA GROBARI!<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/KKPartizan?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#KKPartizan</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/EuroLeague?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#EuroLeague</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/EuroLeague?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@EuroLeague</a> <a href="https://t.co/C2ED0daOmp">pic.twitter.com/C2ED0daOmp</a></p>&mdash; KK Partizan Mozzart Bet (@PartizanBC) <a href="https://twitter.com/PartizanBC/status/1712570560180285737?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 12, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Second! ✌️<br><br>MVP sends greetings from the locker room! 🫡 <a href="https://t.co/xHKSvqV1T0">pic.twitter.com/xHKSvqV1T0</a></p>&mdash; BC Zalgiris Kaunas (@bczalgiris) <a href="https://twitter.com/bczalgiris/status/1712907689028628708?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 13, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="es" dir="ltr">Gran trabajo del equipo! Vamos!! 💙❤️ <a href="https://t.co/RW6zTqRIzh">pic.twitter.com/RW6zTqRIzh</a></p>&mdash; Willy Hernangómez Geuer (@willyhg94) <a href="https://twitter.com/willyhg94/status/1712958092604805317?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 13, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="ca" dir="ltr">Dale papa!<br><br>Força Barçaaaaa! <a href="https://t.co/MF9V0VNiCG">pic.twitter.com/MF9V0VNiCG</a></p>&mdash; Alex Abrines (@alexabrines) <a href="https://twitter.com/alexabrines/status/1712934993473753516?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 13, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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Valencia Basket advanced to 2-0 in the 2023-24 EuroLeague Regular Season, with both of those wins coming at La Fonteta.

Home comforts boosting perfect Valencia Basket

When Valencia Basket was tasked with opening the new campaign against two high-powered opponents, both of whom qualified for the Turkish Airlines EuroLeague Playoffs last season, even the most loyal fans of *Las Taronjas* would have been forgiven for cautiously expecting their team to make an 0-2 start.

Instead, AS Monaco was vanquished first and then Fenerbahce Beko Istanbul was swept aside, and Valencia is sitting at the top of the pile as one of only four teams with a 100% record after two games.

<center>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="es" dir="ltr">𝙑𝘼𝙈𝙊𝙊𝙊𝙊𝙊𝙊 🧡🧡🧡<br>¡Cae otro coco en la Fonteta! <br><br>¡Que sean 2️⃣ de 2️⃣ en la <a href="https://twitter.com/EuroLeague?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@EuroLeague</a>! 😍<br><br>🏆 J2 <a href="https://twitter.com/EuroLeague?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@EuroLeague</a><a href="https://twitter.com/valenciabasket?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@valenciabasket</a> 77<br>🆚 <a href="https://twitter.com/FBBasketbol?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@FBBasketbol</a> 74<br>🤝 <a href="https://twitter.com/pamesaceramica?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@pamesaceramica</a> <a href="https://t.co/Qxcx8aIUxz">pic.twitter.com/Qxcx8aIUxz</a></p>&mdash; Valencia Basket Club (@valenciabasket) <a href="https://twitter.com/valenciabasket/status/1712933318784692600?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 13, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

### A clear emphasis on defense

It doesn’t take long to realize that defense has been the key for the team coached by Alex Mumbru, with Valencia holding Monaco’s explosive squad to just 65 points before then grinding out another [low-scoring victory, 77-74, over Fenerbahce](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/news/live-blog-valencia-basket-vs-fenerbahce-basketball/). No team has allowed fewer points than Valencia (139).

Mumbru, who was himself widely recognized for strong defensive qualities during his long and successful playing career with Joventut Badalona, Real Madrid, Bilbao Basket and the Spanish national team, certainly agreed that the main ingredient for his team’s success so far is its ability to limit opponents.

“It’s important for us to control the rebounds,” he said after the Round 2 win over Fenerbahce. “This was one of the keys that allowed us to win the game in the last seconds.

“We're working good on defense. In some moments we played perfect in the first quarter, and that showed the path for us to beat a team like Fenerbahce. In the third quarter we were not good but finally we were able to recover in the last 5 or 6 minutes, especially knowing where are our strong points and weak points.”

Losing coach Dimitris Itoudis agreed, noting: “Valencia plays a lot of big ball and they go aggressively to the rebounds. We didn’t find a way to win that battle.”

Valencia Basket-Fenerbahce Beko Istanbul | Round 2 Highlights | 2023-24 Turkish Airlines EuroLeague

### Quickly built team chemistry

In addition to playing with power, playing good defense also requires that great intangible quality: chemistry. And that is being displayed by Valencia surprisingly quickly, especially considering the fact that Mumbru is integrating seven new players in these early weeks of the new season.

Perhaps one element behind the speed with which Valencia’s new and existing players are gelling together is [the team’s preseason schedule](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/news/inside-training-camp-with-valencia-basket/). The club rejected the modern trend for summer training camps in sunny climes abroad – hardly necessary when you live in Valencia – and instead stayed at home, playing seven preseason games within Spain, and all of them against Spanish opposition except a meeting with German team ratiopharm Ulm in Menorca.

That, maybe, allowed the new players to feel at home quickly, and they have responded by providing major contributions to the 100% start – especially Semi Ojeleye in Round 1 and Brandon Davies the following week.

And that chemistry was hinted at by another summer signing, Damien Inglis, as he smiled: “Basketball is fun. And we're just going to keep on rolling."

Valencia Basket forward Damien Inglis spoke after his team's 77-74 win against Fenerbahce Beko Istanbul in Round 2 of the 2023-24 Turkish Airlines EuroLeague Regular Season.

Damien Inglis's post-game interview vs. Fenerbahce

Next week, Valencia will look to keep on rolling with the first two-round week of the season, welcoming another big-name visitor in the form of Maccabi Playtika Tel Aviv on Wednesday. Then, finally, comes Valencia’s first trip away from Spain this season, with a visit to Anadolu Efes Istanbul on Friday.

If Inglis and his teammates can still say that ‘basketball is fun’ after that tough week, it will be high time to start reassessing our expectations for this Valencia side.

More Valencia News

Brandon Davies celebrates during Valencia Basket's 77-74 win against Fenerbahce Beko Istanbul in Round 2 of the 2023-24 Turkish Airlines EuroLeague Regular Season.

The Spanish team enters the upcoming double-round week with a perfect record in the 2023-24 Turkish Airlines EuroLeague.

Home comforts boost perfect Valencia

Valencia Basket v Fenerbahce Beko Istanbul (2023-10-13T18:30:00.000Z)

Mario Hezonja of Real Madrid grabs a rebound between Efes's Will Clyburn and Ante Zizic

Mathias Lessort of Panathinaikos dunks against Bayern

ALBA's Justin Bean tries to shoot over Baskonia's Chima Moneke

Lukas Mitrovic of Crvena Zvezda dunks in front of Zalgiris's Arna Butkevicius 

Kostas Papanikolaou of Olympiacos grabs a rebound against Barcelona

Isaia Cordinier of Virtus dunks against Monaco

Ante Zizic of Efes reaches for the ball over Madrid's Vincent Poirier

Nando De Colo of ASVEL dribbles past Partizan's Alen Smailagic

Nigel Hayes-Davis of Fenerbahce and Boubacar Toure of Valencia chase down a loose ball

ALBA's Louis Olinde rises to dunk against Baskonia's Matt Costello 

Look back at all the action from Round 2 of the regular season by checking out the best photos of the week!

The Top 10 photos of the week, Round 2

Fenerbahce Beko Istanbul will have to do without the services of scoring guard Tyler Dorsey for the foreseeable future due to a broken right foot, the club announced on Saturday. Dorsey was Fenerbahce's leading scorer with 17 points in a 77-74 road loss at Valencia Basket on Friday night. 

Fenerbahce loses Dorsey to broken foot

Fenerbahce Beko Istanbul will have to do without the services of scoring guard [Tyler Dorsey](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/tyler-dorsey/009849/) for the foreseeable future due to a broken right foot, the club announced on Saturday. Dorsey (1.96 meters, 27 years old) was Fenerbahce's leading scorer with 17 points in a 77-74 road loss at Valencia Basket on Friday night. 

He apparently hurt his foot during the game, which Dorsey exited with 11 seconds left when called for a technical foul to go with an earlier unsportsmanlike one whistled against him earlier. He was tested on Saturday and found to have fractured a bone in the top of his foot. Fenerbahce did not give a time-line for his recovery.

Dorsey, in his fifth Turkish Airlines EuroLeague and second with Fenerbahce Beko Istanbul, had started both games so far this season and was averaging 16.0 points, on 58.3% three-point shooting, 3.0 rebounds and 2.5 assists so far.

Tyler Dorsey averages 16.0 points through two games

Dorsey, in his fifth Turkish Airlines EuroLeague and second with Fenerbahce, had started both games so far this season and was averaging 16.0 points, 3.0 rebounds and 2.5 assists so far. He was shooting particularly well from downtown, tied for the league lead with 7 three-pointers made so far, which he did at a rate of 58.3%.

Dorsey's injury, coming as Fenerbahce enters the season's first double-round week with home dates against [Panathinaikos Athens on Tuesday](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/game-center/2023-24/fenerbahce-beko-istanbul-panathinaikos-athens/E2023/21/) and [LDLC ASVEL Villeurbanne on Thursday](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/game-center/2023-24/fenerbahce-beko-istanbul-ldlc-asvel-villeurbanne/E2023/28/), is likely to press either [Scottie Wilbekin](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/scottie-wilbekin/006661/) or [Marko Guduric](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/marko-guduric/004004/) into starter's duty. Wilbekin is leading the team with 16.5 points per game and Guduric has scored 10.5 so far.

Fenerbahce suffered an early injury blow when its second-best scorer this season was found to have a broken bone in his foot.

Many players stand out in each round of the Turkish Airlines EuroLeague, whether or not their teams win. Here are some players who really impressed in Round 2.

Round 2 roll call: Big boards and big shots

### Abrines shot the lights out

FC Barcelona had a great shooting performance against Olympiacos Piraeus, downing 15-of-26 three-pointers (57.7%), in a [68-77 win](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/game-center/2023-24/olympiacos-piraeus-fc-barcelona/E2023/16/). Shooting specialist [Alex Abrines](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/alex-abrines/003478/) was especially accurate, burying 5-of-7 triples to finish the game with more points (16) than minutes (15). He added a couple of rebounds and 1 steal for a PIR of 14. Abrines knocked down his first shot late in the first quarter and quickly buried two more to give Barca a 20-32 lead. Olympiacos regained a 66-64 edge, then Abrines struck twice from beyond the arc in a 0-9 run that sealed the outcome, 66-73, in the final minute.

Alex Abrines hit 5 of 7 three-pointers to lead FC Barcelona past Olympiacos Piraeus in Round 2.

Alex Abrines makes the difference in Piraeus

### Lundberg stood out on his return

[Iffe Lundberg](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/iffe-lundberg/010781/) returned to action in Round 2 of the 2023-24 Turkish Airlines EuroLeague Regular Season, leading Virtus Segafredo Bologna to a dominant [59-83](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/game-center/2023-24/as-monaco-virtus-segafredo-bologna/E2023/15/) road victory over AS Monaco. After missing Round 1, Lundberg made quite an impact on his return, contributing in many aspects of the game. In 22 minutes off the bench, Lundberg led Virtus in scoring with 14 points on 2-of-3 shots from downtown, while he also had 4 rebounds, 4 assists and 3 fouls drawn for a PIR of 13. His team-oriented mentality and great experience for a player at age 28, at the prime of his career, are truly important qualities for Virtus.

Iffe Lundberg led Virtus Segafredo Bologna to a 59-83 road win against AS Monaco.

Lundberg returns to lead Virtus

### Sedekerskis dominated the boards in Berlin

Baskonia Vitoria-Gasteiz picked up its first win of the season, holding off ALBA Berlin [86-91](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/game-center/2023-24/alba-berlin-baskonia-vitoria-gasteiz/E2023/10/) in the German capital. Forward [Tadas Sedekerskis](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/tadas-sedekerskis/007230/) was particularly involved in helping his team fight for this victory. The Lithuanian’s presence was mostly felt on the boards, where he pulled down 13 rebounds, including 7 on the offensive end. Both marks were not just a new career high for Sedekerskis, but also the most by any player this week. Playing a team-high 29 minutes, Sedekerskis also scored 11 points, making 4-of-8 two-pointers and his only three-point attempt. He recorded 3 steals and dished 2 assists, as the 25-year-old finished the game with a PIR of 21 and rubber stamped Baskonia’s first win this season.

Baskonia's Tadas Sedekerskis did a lot of everything in Berlin against ALBA

Sedekerskis did a lot of everything in Berlin

### Thiemann's first double-double in game No. 100

In that same game, the only player with a higher PIR than Sedekerskis was ALBA center [Johannes Thiemann](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/johannes-thiemann/003958/). The veteran big man, who was making his 100th EuroLeague appearance, had his first career double-double, scoring 13 points and grabbing a career-high 10 rebounds. That is the first time he has had a double-digit number of rebounds, with this feat coming in his fifth season in the competition. Thiemann was 4-of-6 from two-point range and 1-of-2 from distance, and it was his triple from way downtown that cut the deficit to 86-89 with 46 seconds to go. Thiemann shined on Thursday night, but ALBA did not manage to complete its comeback.

ALBA Berlin center Johannes Thiemann's best plays against Baskonia

Thiemann's best plays against Baskonia

### Vintage Causeur helped take down Efes

Real Madrid stormed through Istanbul, [downing Anadolu Efes 80-103](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/game-center/2023-24/anadolu-efes-istanbul-real-madrid/E2023/11/), and [Fabien Causeur](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/fabien-causeur/001392/) showed once again he is aging like a fine French wine. The 36-year-old was in Los Blancos’ starting lineup and was one of the players who helped the team set the tone early in the game. He then played an important role with 8 points, including 2 three-pointers, in the third quarter as Real broke the game wide open. Causeur finished the contest with 18 points, netting 4-of-7 triples. He was also perfect from two-point range and the free-throw line, making both of his shots. It was a big performance in a big win for the defending champions.

Real Madrid guard Fabien Causeur's top plays in a Round 2 win over Anadolu Efes Istanbul

Vintage Causeur helped take down Efes

Many players stand out in each round of the Turkish Airlines EuroLeague, whether or not their teams win. Here are some players who impressed in Round 2.