- **The Ultimate 3x3 Basketball Tournament Hits February 22!**
- **Secure your spot to the event, free registration** [here,](https://euroleague.tbits.me/tb_app/518045) **only few seats left!**

The highly anticipated Hoop District presented by Turkish Airlines, the premier 3x3 content creators’ tournament, is back and bigger than ever – landing in Bologna on February 22! This exciting event brings basketball to the heart of Italy’s Basketball City, with an action-packed day that promises more than just thrilling games. Expect an electrifying blend of entertainment, music, and plenty of surprises, all set against the vibrant backdrop of Bologna Fiera, starting from 4PM to 9PM.

**The Home Advantage: Alessandro della Giusta Leads Team Bologna**

This year, local hero [Alessandro della Giusta](https://www.tiktok.com/@aledellagiusta?lang=fr), from Team Bologna, will be leading his squad into the tournament, with the ultimate goal of clinching victory right in their hometown. Alessandro shared his excitement about the challenge: "Representing your own nation is always a unique and special experience. Bologna is a city in Italy famous for its passion for basketball, and it’s a true pleasure to be part of this reality. Additionally, I have friends who have played in Serie A, and I hope to show them, with my dedication, how determined and strong I am."

**Entertainment, Stars, and Surprises Between the Hoops**

When the basketball action pauses, the fun is just getting started. Prepare for an adrenaline-packed day featuring a breakdance competition, a thrilling dunk contest, and surprise appearances from some of the most exciting local celebrities, including [Valentina Vignali](https://www.instagram.com/valentinavignali/)*,* [Alice Sabatini](https://www.instagram.com/alice.sabatini/)*,* and [Tommaso Marino](https://www.instagram.com/tommy_marino1/)*.* The star power doesn’t end there—Virtus players [Riccardo Visconti](https://www.youtube.com/@Visco_9/videos) and [Rayjon Tucker ](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/rayjon-tucker/012591/)will also join in, mingling with fans and soaking up the high-energy atmosphere.

With the crowd buzzing, DJ [Waffle Da Sizzla](https://www.instagram.com/waffledasizzla/?hl=en) will keep the beats flowing, while [Fede Flora](https://www.instagram.com/_fedefiora/) from Virtus Bologna entertains with his witty banter, making sure the hype never dies down.

**Activate Your Senses: Must-See Stands and Exciting Experiences**

But that’s not all—this year’s Hoop District promises to be a sensory overload, with plenty of stands offering interactive experiences. Don’t miss the *EuroLeague 25th Anniversary* stand, presented by [BKT](https://www.linkedin.com/company/bkt-tyres/posts/?feedView=all), where fans can relive some of the most iconic moments in basketball history and have the opportunity to see all the EuroLeague trophies up close, take photos with them, and experience a unique basketball moment. Challenge your skills at the [Motorola](https://www.linkedin.com/company/motorola-mobility/) stand in an epic last-shot battle against influencers. Need a break? Head to the Turkish Airlines VIP Lounge to unwind in style or taste the local cuisine in the *Food District*, offering a glimpse of Bologna’s finest bites.

**Don’t Miss Out – Register Now! Last seats available!**

With a full schedule of events, entertainment, and non-stop basketball action, the 2025 Hoop District in Bologna is the place to be. **Be sure to secure your spot at this epic event—few seats available left!** [Register for free](https://euroleague.tbits.me/tb_app/518045) today and join us for a day of unforgettable memories.

The ultimate 3x3 basketball tournament hits February 22

Hoop District lands in Bologna!

Olimpia Milano, Crvena Zvezda BC and Panathinaikos BC each won respectively in the quarterfinals of the Italian Cup Frecciarossa Final Eight, Radivoj Korac Cup and the Greek Cup on Wednesday. 

Domestic cups: Milan, Zvezda, Panathinaikos march into semis

### Italy: Milan KO's Virtus in quarterfinals

EA7 Emporio Armani Milan bounced Virtus Segafredo Bologna with a 77-91 win in the Frecciarossa Final Eight at Inalpi Olympic Arena in Turin, Italy. Shavon Shields paced Milan with 19 points, Zach LeDay posted 16 points and 7 rebounds, Nenad Dimitrijevic added 14 points and Leandro Bolmaro 10. Momo Diouf scored a game-high 20 for Virtus, Toko Shengelia paired 14 points with 8 rebounds and Marco Belinelli contributed 10 points in defeat. Milan will next face Germani Brescia in the semifinals. Brescia beat Bertram Derthona Tortona 86-79 in the first quarterfinal game.

Alessandro Pajola gave Virtus an early lead, but Milan got a three each from Stefano Tonut and Dimitrijevic in a 0-9 run to take the lead and it was 18-20 after 10 minutes. Milan then went off for 27 points in the second quarter to lead 33-47 at halftime. The margin reached 19 in the third and Milan held on the rest of the way.

<center><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="ca" dir="ltr">Semifinals 🤍❤️🔜 <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/insieme?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#insieme</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ForzaOlimpia?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ForzaOlimpia</a> <a href="https://t.co/Eq6naJxfb5">pic.twitter.com/Eq6naJxfb5</a></p>&mdash; Olimpia Milano (@OlimpiaMI1936) <a href="https://twitter.com/OlimpiaMI1936/status/1889790850625872240?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 12, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

### Serbia: Zvezda blasts Borac 104-70

Crvena Zvezda Meridianbet Belgrade made easy work of Borac Cacak in claiming a 104-70 victory in the first quarterfinal of the Radivoj Korac Cup on Wednesday at Cair Sports Center in Nis, Serbia. Zvezda jumped to a 10-4 start and led 30-19 late in the opening quarter. It was 55-44 at halftime before an 8-0 start to the second half saw Zvezda pull away for good.  

Ognjen Dobric led the way for Zvezda with 18 points, Filip Petrusev paired 16 points with 6 rebounds, Nemanja Nedovic scored 15 and Isaiah Canaan 11. Pavle Nikolic was Borac’s top scorer with 14 points.  

<center><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="sr" dir="ltr">Убедљив тријумф у четвртфиналу 🤩<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/sportmts?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@sportmts</a> <a href="https://t.co/vY0zzKtVZO">pic.twitter.com/vY0zzKtVZO</a></p>&mdash; KK Crvena zvezda Meridianbet (@kkcrvenazvezda) <a href="https://twitter.com/kkcrvenazvezda/status/1889749961396334928?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 12, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

### Greece: Panathinaikos overpowers Peristeri

Panathinaikos AKTOR Athens routed Peristeri Athens 93-63 in the quarterfinals at Nea Alikarnassos behind a balanced attack that saw all 11 players in uniform make a basket. Cedi Osman scored 6 points in a 14-0 run that bridged the first two quarters that broke the game open. The Greens led 48-26 by halftime and cruised the rest of the way.

Osman finished with 15 points for Panathinaikos, Konstantinos Mitolglou and Wenyen Gabriel netted 12 points each and posted 8 and 7 rebounds, respectively, and Kendrick Nunn dished out 8 assists for the winners. Jarell Eddie led Peristeri with 15 points. Panathinaikos will take on Promitheas in Friday’s semifinal. Promitheas defeated Megaridas 86-77 earlier Wednesday.

<center> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Final Score ☘️<br><br>We have advanced to the semi finals!<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/paobcaktor?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#paobcaktor</a> - <a href="https://twitter.com/peristeribc?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@peristeribc</a> 93-63 <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WeTheGreens?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WeTheGreens</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/LiveTheGreenMagic?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#LiveTheGreenMagic</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Club1908?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Club1908</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/OneClubOneApp?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#OneClubOneApp</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/OPAP_Final8?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#OPAP_Final8</a> <a href="https://t.co/q6HFkPlZM9">pic.twitter.com/q6HFkPlZM9</a></p>&mdash; Panathinaikos BC (@Paobcgr) <a href="https://twitter.com/Paobcgr/status/1889767525052772823?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 12, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

### Turkiye: Allman, Terry lead Besiktas past Efes

Besiktas Fibabanka Istanbul used finished the game on a 12-4 run to defeat Anadolu Efes Istanbul 85-80 in the quarterfinals of the Turkish Cup at Besiktas Akatlar Arena. Kyle Allman scored Besiktas final 8 points, including the free throws with 21 seconds remaining to ice the game. He led all scorers with 26 points, while Emanuel Terry posted 20 points and 12 rebounds and Dustin Sleva scored 10. Elijah Bryant paced Efes with 25 points and 8 assists, Jordan Nwora added 21 points and 7 rebounds and Erdan Osmani netted 12 points. In the semifinal on Friday, Besiktas will face Mersin, which eliminated Tofas 101-90 earlier Wednesday thanks to 27 points from Justin Cobbs.

Nwora scored 6 points in the first 3 minutes as Efes grabbed a 2-10 lead. Besiktas rallied behind Sleva and Allman to tie it at 19-19 before P:J. Dozier put Efes ahead 19-20 at the end of the first quarter. Yigit Arslan gave Besiktas its first lead early in the second quarter and it held on to a 43-41 halftime edge. Bryant helped Efes take control in the third quarter with the lead reaching 49-63 on an Osmani triple. The difference was still 9 several minutes into the fourth quarter when Besiktas scored 8 straight points to get back into the game and set up Allman’s strong finish.

<center><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="tr" dir="ltr">ING Türkiye Kupası Çeyrek Final<br>Beşiktaş Fibabanka 85 - 80 Anadolu Efes | Maç Sonucu<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/BenimYerimBuras%C4%B1?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#BenimYerimBurası</a> <a href="https://t.co/RZRITYm6pf">pic.twitter.com/RZRITYm6pf</a></p>&mdash; Anadolu Efes SK (@AnadoluEfesSK) <a href="https://twitter.com/AnadoluEfesSK/status/1889761492997734877?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 12, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Alongside those three winners, Virtus and Efes both saw their cup runs end

Tuesday night saw two Turkish Airlines EuroLeague clubs make it into the semifinals of their domestic cups, with Fenerbahce Beko Istanbul and Paris Basketball both securing quarterfinal victories. LDLC ASVEL Villeurbanne also made it into the last eight.

### Turkiye: A comfortable night for Fener

Fenerbahce eased to an 87-56 win over BKT EuroCup side Bahcesehir College Istanbul in the Turkish Cup, setting up a semifinal meeting with archrival Galatasaray Istanbul.

Nigel Hayes-Davis led Fenerbahce in scoring with 14 points, while Tuesday night also marked the second game back from injury for Wade Baldwin, who had 7 points and 7 assists. Nicolo Melli and Errick McCollum were Fenerbahce's other double-digit scorers, netting 12 and 10 points, respectively. For Bahcesehir, Tai Odiase had 15 points and Marko Simonovic finished with 10.

Fenerbahce held a commanding 22-7 lead at the end of the first quarter after going on a 15-3 run in the final six minutes of the period. From that point on, Bahcesehir was always playing catch up. Saras Jasikevicius's men extended their advantage to 20 points (34-14) midway through the second quarter, then went up by as many as 27 at 45-18 with 2:55 minutes to go before halftime. At the break, Fenerbahce led 49-25.

A 29-point lead was established just over two minutes into the third as Fenerbahce held a 56-27 advantage, and a pair of free throws by Hayes-Davis made it a 31-point game at 65-34 with 3:10 minutes left in the quarter. A Tarik Biberovic triple ended the period with a new game-high 32-point difference at 70-38. Baldwin's jump shot turned it into a 34-point advantage at 72-38 early in the fourth, and Biberovic put Fenerbahce 35 points up at 78-43. Fenerbahce coasted the rest of the way en route to its eventual 87-56 victory.

<center>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="tr" dir="ltr">ING Türkiye Kupası&#39;nda Yarı Finaldeyiz! 💪<br><br>Tebrikler Fenerbahçe Beko! 👏<br><br>Maç Sonucu | Fenerbahçe Beko 🆚 Bahçeşehir Koleji: 87-56<br><br>Skor dağılımımız: Hayes-Davis 14, Melli 12, McCollum 10, Biberovic 8, Metecan 8, Baldwin 7, Birch 6, Melih 6, Guduric 6, Hall 5, Sertaç 4, Emre 1.… <a href="https://t.co/nsRaN2EywN">pic.twitter.com/nsRaN2EywN</a></p>&mdash; Fenerbahçe Beko (@FBBasketbol) <a href="https://twitter.com/FBBasketbol/status/1889391547831165317?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 11, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

### France: Paris takes care of business

Paris bounced back from a slow start to beat Dijon 93-78 and advance to the semifinals of the French Cup for the first time in club history.

TJ Shorts continued his excellent performances from the EuroLeague by posting 20 points, while Collin Malcolm had 15 and Sebastian Herrera netted 11.

Despite Dijon leading 21-22 at the end of the first quarter, Paris bounced back in the second by scoring 25 points to go 46-41 at the break. Paris scored another 25 points in the third quarter to lead 71-57 after 30 minutes, then Tiago Splitter's men edged the fourth quarter 22-21 to come away with a 93-78 win.

<center>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="fr" dir="ltr">ON EST EN DEMI-FINALE POUR LA PREMIÈRE FOIS DE NOTRE HISTOIRE 😍 <a href="https://t.co/9zXf7loWE5">pic.twitter.com/9zXf7loWE5</a></p>&mdash; Paris Basketball (@ParisBasketball) <a href="https://twitter.com/ParisBasketball/status/1889418330379030674?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 11, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

### France: ASVEL wins, will face Monaco

ASVEL reached the quarterfinals of the French Cup after beating Saint-Quentin 54-76, with a last-eight matchup against fellow EuroLeague side AS Monaco to come.

It was a contest that saw ASVEL's big men come to the fore on the offensive end, led by Ben Bentil with a game-high 15 points. Melvin Ajinca wasn't far behind on 14 and Joffrey Lauvergne added 10. Forward Andre Roberson grabbed 9 rebounds, too. Saint-Quentin's Nolan Traore, a projected lottery pick in the 2025 NBA Draft, was held to just 3 points.

A hard-fought first quarter finished with ASVEL leading 14-20, before it held Saint-Quentin to just 8 second-quarter points as Pierric Poupet's side went into halftime with a 22-36 advantage. ASVEL erupted for 26 points in the third, winning the quarter 14-26, to go 36-62 ahead. With such a big lead, ASVEL took its foot off the gas and allowed Saint-Quentin to outscore them 18-14, but it still did enough to win 54-76.

<center>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="fr" dir="ltr">Direction les quarts de finale de Coupe de France ! 💪<br><br>Solides et appliqués, nos Villeurbannais s&#39;imposent largement à Saint-Quentin et affronteront Monaco au prochain tour ! 🎫<br><br>🔜 Maintenant, place à la Leaders Cup dès vendredi.<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/LDLCASVEL?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#LDLCASVEL</a> <a href="https://t.co/DVbFJwh6G6">pic.twitter.com/DVbFJwh6G6</a></p>&mdash; LDLC ASVEL (@LDLCASVEL) <a href="https://twitter.com/LDLCASVEL/status/1889415195354677555?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 11, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

It was a good night for three EuroLeague teams

Domestic Cups: Fenerbahce, Paris into semifinals; ASVEL reaches last eight

Panathinaikos AKTOR announced on Tuesday that it has terminated Kostas Antetokounmpo’s contrast

Panathinaikos parts ways with Kostas Antetokounmpo

Panathinaikos AKTOR announced on Tuesday that it has terminated [Kostas Antetokounmpo](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/kostas-antetokounmpo/011221/)’s contrast. The center played a key role off the bench last season when he appeared in 31 games, including both games at the Turkish Airlines EuroLeague Final Four as the Greens won the championship. However this season, injuries have limited Antetokounmpo - the younger brother of global superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo - to just four EuroLeague games during which he has averaged 2.5 points and 0.8 rebounds in 7:55 minutes.

<center> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="el" dir="ltr">Η ΚΑΕ Παναθηναϊκός AKTOR ανακοινώνει τη λύση της συνεργασίας της με τον Κώστα Αντετοκούνμπο. <br><br>Ο Κώστας αποτέλεσε μέρος της ιστορικής περσινής χρονιάς της ομάδας μας συνεισφέροντας στην επιστροφή της στην κορυφή της Ευρώπης. <br><br>Τον ευχαριστούμε για την προσφορά του και του… <a href="https://t.co/ZL0tdnJShx">pic.twitter.com/ZL0tdnJShx</a></p>&mdash; Panathinaikos BC (@Paobcgr) <a href="https://twitter.com/Paobcgr/status/1889369301863350756?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 11, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

In a statement released by the club, Panathinaikos said: "Kostas was part of our team's historic year last year, contributing to its return to the top of Europe. We thank him for his contribution and wish him all the best in the rest of his life and career."

Antetokounmpo previously played a season each in the EuroLeague for LDLC ASVEL Villeurbanne and Fenerbahce Beko Istanbul. After playing college basketball at the University of Dayton, Antetokounmpo began his professional career in the NBA with the Dallas Mavericks and also played two seasons with the Los Angeles Lakers, with which he won the NBA championship in 2020.

With his big brother Giannis seated court-side, Kostas Antetokounmpo entered his first Final Four game ever on Friday and immediately registered a sky-walking block for a Panathinaikos AKTOR Athens team that was on its way to victory. "I didn't get to see my brothers action, because I was yelling at the crowd, but they told me it was pretty crazy," Kostas says. "There are a lot of nerves in the Final Four, but once the clock starts, everything goes away for me. Once I go on the court, I'm ready to give everything I've got."

All angles of Kostas Antetokounmpo's walk-on block

The big man helped the Greens win their sixth EuroLeague crown last season 

Panathinaikos BC won its seventh EuroLeague title by going all the way at the 2024 Final Four in Berlin, Germany.

Final Four 2024 Berlin

### Panathinaikos, Real Madrid got the job done in the semis

Back at its first Final Four in 12 years, Panathinaikos AKTOR Athens rose to the occasion in its semifinal against Fenerbahce Beko Istanbul. The Greens held Fenerbahce scoreless for the first five minutes of the contest, during which time it went 12-0 ahead, and they ended up leading the rest of the way – despite a Fenerbahce fightback – en route to a 73-57 victory in the first semifinal at the 2024 Turkish Airlines EuroLeague Final Four in Berlin. All-EuroLeague center Mathias Lessort posted a 17-point, 10-rebound double-double, while All-EuroLeague guard Kendrick Nunn had 14 points. Jerian Grant also chipped in with 13 points for the winners.

The second semifinal saw Real Madrid prevent a potential all-Greek final by downing Olympiacos Piraeus 87-76, the second time in a row that the Spanish side eliminated the Reds at the Final Four after previously coming out on top in the 2023 championship game. Real Madrid blitzed Olympiacos early to take a 28-10 lead and was up 56-37 at the break. Even though the Reds outscored *Los Blancos* in the second half, 31-39, it wasn’t enough. Dzanan Musa led Real Madrid in scoring with 20 points, followed by Mario Hezonja with 12, and Guerschon Yabusele and Vincent Poirier with 11 apiece. Facundo Campazzo dished 9 assists.

### The return of the king!

Panathinaikos trumped Real Madrid 80-95 to make Ergin Ataman’s prophecy come true, as the Greens secured their seventh star and first EuroLeague championship since 2011. Despite a 36-25 first quarter in Real Madrid’s favor, Panathinaikos responded in the second frame to trim it to 54-49 at the interval. After the break, the Greens held *Los Blancos* to just 7 third-quarter points while scoring 15 to take a 61-64 lead into the last quarter. Panathinaikos then made sure of the victory by putting the game to bed in style by outscoring the defending champs 19-31. Kostas Sloukas paced Panathinaikos with 24 points, with Kendrick Nunn adding 21, Mathias Lessort netting 17 and Jerian Grant scoring 11.

[Game info](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/game-center/2023-24/real-madrid-panathinaikos-aktor-athens/E2023/333/#boxscore).

Panathinaikos AKTOR Athens v Fenerbahce Beko Istanbul (2024-05-24T16:00:00.000Z)

Real Madrid v Olympiacos Piraeus (2024-05-24T19:00:00.000Z)

Real Madrid v Panathinaikos AKTOR Athens (2024-05-26T18:00:00.000Z)

Olympiacos Piraeus v Fenerbahce Beko Istanbul (2024-05-26T15:00:00.000Z)

Maccabi Playtika Tel Aviv erased a double-digit second-half deficit to edge crosstown rival Hapoel Shlomo Tel Aviv 95-93 on Monday at Pais Arena in the Israeli capital in the Israeli State Cup semifinals

Maccabi wins Tel Aviv derby in Israeli Cup semifinals 

Maccabi Playtika Tel Aviv erased a double-digit second-half deficit to edge crosstown rival Hapoel Shlomo Tel Aviv 95-93 on Monday at Pais Arena in the Israeli capital in the Israeli State Cup semifinals. The win sets up a matchup with Hapoel Bank Yahav Jerusalem in the final on Thursday. 

Rokas Jokubaitis led Maccabi with 27 points and 8 assists, Roman Sorkin posted 22 points and 8 rebounds and Levi Randolph tallied 21 points and 8 boards – including the go-ahead basket in overtime. Yam Madar led Hapoel with 23 points and 8 assists, Tomer Ginat scored 19, Johnathan Motley 15 and Marcus Foster 11.

<center>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="iw" dir="rtl">אחרי אחד ממשחקי הדרבים הגדולים אי פעם, במעמד חצי גמר גביע המדינה ישראל קנדה, ניצחה מכבי ת&quot;א את הפועל ת&quot;א 93-95 לאחר הארכה. יוקובאיטיס בלט עם 27 נקודות, משחק נהדר למדר בצד שני. הגמר יפגיש שוב, בפעם השלישית ברציפות בין מכבי ת&quot;א להפועל ירושלים ביום חמישי הקרוב.<br><br>סיקור, קלעים וגלריה… <a href="https://t.co/HFWhk6EYKz">pic.twitter.com/HFWhk6EYKz</a></p>&mdash; איגוד הכדורסל הישראלי (@TherealIBBA) <a href="https://twitter.com/TherealIBBA/status/1889068145316446273?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 10, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Maccabi jumped out to a 19-13 start with Sorkin pouring in 7 points. Hapoel came back to tie it at 23-23 on a Bar Timor triple and it was 27-2 after 10 minutes. Hapoel went ahead 31-32 on a Guy Palatin three-pointer. Motley took charge with a flurry of points before dishing a pretty assist to Bruno Caboclo for a three in the corner that made it 35-43. Maccabi pushed back through Sorkin and Will Rayman to get within 44-46 at halftime. Hapoel surged ahead in the third quarter behind Madar and Foster. Maccabi trimmed the gap to 1 only to see Ginat drill a three and a fastbreak layup. Madar's circus shot gave Hapoel the game’s first double-digit lead, 56-66. Sorkin revived Maccabi with a three and John DiBartolomeo finished a 9-0 Maccabi run with a triple to end the third quarter at 65-66.

Maccabi tied it on Rivero free throws to start the fourth quarter and it was tied again at 68-68 and 71-71, but Maccabi was not able to pull in front. Threes by Madar and Foster made it 72-79 with less than 5 minutes to play. Maccabi answered with a triple by Jokubaitis and an alley-oop from Trevion Williams before Jokubaitis’s fastbreak layup tied it at 81-81 with 2 minutes to play. Sorkin gave Maccabi its first lead of the second half and. Foster tied things and the game came down to the closing seconds. Randolph's put-back of Jokubaitis's miss with 6.7 seconds left gave Maccabi the lead, but left enough time for Madar to feed Motley for a dunk that tied it at 87-87. Maccabi turned the ball over and Madar's potential buzzer-beater came after time expired, sending the game to overtime. Free throws by Madar and a layup by Joe Ragland gave Hapoel a 4-point lead with 2 minutes left in the extra session. Sorkin responded with a long jumper and Randolph banked in a go-ahead three. Madar came up empty on Hapoel's last possession and Maccabi celebrated a thrilling victory.

<center>
<i>Photo credit: Seffi Magriso/Maccabi Playtika Tel Aviv <i>

Maccabi will face Hapoel Bank Yahav Jerusalem in the final on Thursday

Tickets for the 2025 EuroLeague Final Four in Abu Dhabi officially go on sale on February 26 at 09:00 CET (12:00 ADT), giving fans the chance to experience the unique atmosphere of Europe’s premier club basketball showdown.

Tickets for the 2025 EuroLeague Final Four in Abu Dhabi go on sale February 26!

For the first time ever, the Turkish Airlines EuroLeague Final Four [will be held in Abu Dhabi at the state-of-the-art Etihad Arena](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/news/abu-dhabi-to-host-2025-turkish-airlines-euroleague-final-four/) from May 23 to May 25, 2025. Basketball fans will have the opportunity to witness the thrilling conclusion of Europe’s top club competition.

Tickets officially go on sale on February 26 at 09:00 CET (12:00 ADT), giving fans the chance to experience the unique atmosphere of Europe’s premier club basketball showdown in Abu Dhabi. All ticket information and sales will be available exclusively online at [www.f4tickets.com](http://www.f4tickets.com) and Abu Dhabi Event Tickets in Etihad Arena.

As in previous seasons, a pre-sale window will open on Tuesday, February 25, for season ticket holders of EuroLeague clubs who participate in this initiative, EuroLeague TV subscribers, and previous Final Four ticket purchasers.

### World-class basketball in a premier destination

The 2025 EuroLeague Final Four will bring its signature excitement to Abu Dhabi, a global hub for world-class sporting events known for its passionate basketball fans, cutting-edge infrastructure, vibrant culture, and unique attractions. The Etihad Arena, located on the city’s entertainment hub of Yas Island, will provide the perfect stage for the competition.

The Final Four will start on Friday, May 23, with semifinal showdowns taking place at 19:00 and 22:00 local time, while the EuroLeague Third-Place Game will tip off on Sunday at 18:00 local time, before the EuroLeague Championship Game takes center stage at 21:00 local time, with one team set to become the 2024-25 EuroLeague champion.

### Ticketing options

General public tickets provide access to all four games (two on Friday and two on Sunday) and are available in the following price categories, ranging from €74.75 per game (€299 total) to €187.25 per game (€749 total).

Also, VIP hospitality packages and ticket + hotel bundles will be available starting February 26, offering fans and businesses exclusive benefits to enhance their Final Four experience. Full details are available at [www.f4tickets.com](http://www.f4tickets.com). For further inquiries, please contact [f4tickets@euroleague.net](mailto:f4tickets@euroleague.net).

Don’t miss your chance to witness one of the biggest sporting events of the year in Abu Dhabi, the home of basketball in the Middle East!

The semifinals take place on May 23 before the third-place game and championship game on May 25

Tickets for the 2025 EuroLeague Final Four in Abu Dhabi go on sale February 26

Wins like Friday in Round 26 on the road at FC Barcelona make it clear that this year could be different and Olympiacos Piraeus BC is ready to go all the way in the Turkish Airlines EuroLeague.

Olympiacos sitting pretty after dramatic win in Barcelona

[FC Barcelona](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/teams/fc-barcelona/roster/bar/?season=2024-25) versus [Olympiacos Piraeus](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/teams/olympiacos-piraeus/roster/oly/?season=2024-25) in the final game before the February break always looked like it would deliver a thrilling Friday night, and the Round 26 Rivalry Series showdown at Palau Blaugrana did not disappoint.

Right from the opening exchanges, there was nothing to choose between these two perennial title contenders. [Sasha Vezenkov](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/sasha-vezenkov/003469/) predictably opened the scoring…[Youssoupha Fall](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/youssoupha-fall/006568/) hit straight back; [Evan Fournier](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/evan-fournier/013380/) struck a triple… [Joel Parra](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/joel-parra/007464/) did the same; Vezenkov netted from mid-range…so too did [Jabari Parker](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/jabari-parker/012745/).

Six scores, three ties, and the stage had been appropriately set for an intriguingly close encounter that ended up producing 17 lead changes and a seemingly limitless supply of momentum changes.

With neither team able to establish a double-digit lead at any time, and both showing firm resolve to keep on fighting back and landing strong counter-punches whenever the opponent seemed to be getting on top, the outcome was in the balance right until the final possession.

In the end, it all came down to a tied game, 88-88, with 18 seconds remaining and Olympiacos possessing the basketball. It could have gone either way, but Fournier had nothing in his mind other than a road victory as he produced one of the [moments of the season](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/news/evan-fournier-showed-big-shot-mentality-for-olympiacos/), scooping and scoring his team to [a statement-making triumph](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/news/olympiacos-overcomes-barcelona-in-last-second-thriller-88-90/).

The timing – of both the shot and the victory – could not have been better, coming as it did on the eve of a mid-season break that will pause action in the Turkish Airlines EuroLeague until the last week of February.

Olympiacos Piraeus swingman Evan Fournier spoke to EuroLeague TV after his team beat FC Barcelona in Round 26 of the 2024-25 Turkish Airlines EuroLeague season.

Evan Fournier: 'I'm glad I made the shot!'

With an 18-7 record, it is Olympiacos that can sit pretty and enjoy its status as league leader during that break, and the comments of its head coach and star player after the game made it clear just how highly they valued the victory.

Vezenkov, who led the scoring with 24 points, could not stop smiling as he faced the [EuroLeague.TV](http://EuroLeague.TV) cameras to exclaim: “It was a really tough game, with real energy. Congratulations to Barca for giving us this fight. But congratulations to my team because we fought until the end.

“Barca is a really talented team, a really good team, especially in their homecourt. It’s a really important win because we want to stay first, so we’re really happy about it.”

Olympiacos head coach

"The ‘refuse to lose’ mentality that we have gave us one more win today."

[Coach Georgios Bartzokas](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/teams/olympiacos-piraeus/oly/bartzokas-georgios/) admitted the victory was even sweeter as it came just two days after another hard-earned [road win at Paris Basketball](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/news/vezenkov-fournier-power-olympiacos-past-paris-73-90/), and revealed that his team was forced to overcome physical problems to achieve those successes in the season’s penultimate double round week.

“It was a really tough game for us, but also for Barca. Both teams are fighting for the best possible position in the rankings,” he said.

“And for us, before we started traveling on this specific trip we had a lot of small injuries with Fournier, with [\[Moustapha\] Fall](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/moustapha-fall/008811/), and with Vezenkov after the game in Paris, and without two point guards, [Thomas Walkup](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/thomas-walkup/008855/) and [Luca Vildoza](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/luca-vildoza/007947/).

<center>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">After a tough but perfectly successful week on the road, we are back at home!<br><br>Can’t wait to have you again tomorrow on our side!<br><br>🏀 <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/OlympiacosBC?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#OlympiacosBC</a> – PAOK BC (10/02, 17:15)<br><br>ΒΕ ΤΗΕRE!<br><br>🎟️ <a href="https://t.co/U1KLmfkjIK">https://t.co/U1KLmfkjIK</a><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/OlympiacosBC?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#OlympiacosBC</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://t.co/oDofdSbjN3">pic.twitter.com/oDofdSbjN3</a></p>&mdash; Olympiacos B.C. (@Olympiacos_BC) <a href="https://twitter.com/Olympiacos_BC/status/1888637786997014729?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 9, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

“We thought that having one win from those two games would be okay. But obviously the ‘refuse to lose’ mentality that we have gave us one more win today against a team that gave everything.”

Bartzokas’s delight is understandable. Olympiacos has come very close to title glory in recent seasons, reaching three consecutive Final Fours for the first time in club history, but missing out on the ultimate prize by finishing fourth, second and third.

But wins like Friday’s in Barcelona make it clear that this year could be different, and the Reds are ready to go all the way.

Game News

The men from Piraeus will be sitting atop the standings for at least another fortnight

FC Barcelona v Olympiacos Piraeus (2025-02-07T19:30:00.000Z)

EuroLeague top photos of the week

Chimezie Metu of Barcelona and Maccabi's Will Rayman battle for a rebound

Bruno Fernando of Real Madrid dunks against Anadolu Efes

Matt Strazel of Monaco tries to strip the ball from Baskonia's Luka Samanic

Iffe Lundberg of Partizan dribbles past Virtus's Toko Shengelia 

Filip Petrusev of Crvena Zvezda dunks against ALBA Berlin

Neal Sako of ASVEL and Crvena Zvezda's Filip Petrusev vie for a rebound

Moustapha Fall of Olympiacos denies Barcelona's Kevin Punter

Elias Harris of Bayern dunks in Round 26 against ASVEL

Elijah Bryant of Efes and Panathinaikos's Ioannis Papapetrou dive for a loose ball

Youssoupha Fall of FC Barcelona dunks against Olympiacos

Look back at all the action from Round 25 and 26 of the regular season by checking out the best photos of the week!