Name: Tarik Black: 'My teammates trusted me'
Channel: Euroleague Basketball

LDLC ASVEL center Tarik Black spoke to EuroLeague TV after his team beat Anadolu Efes in Round 20 of the 2024-25 EuroLeague season.

Tarik Black: 'My teammates trusted me'

LDLC ASVEL Villeurbanne center Tarik Black spoke to EuroLeague TV after his team beat Anadolu Efes Istanbul in Round 20 of the 2024-25 Turkish Airlines EuroLeague season.

Anadolu Efes Istanbul v LDLC ASVEL Villeurbanne (2025-01-10T17:30:00.000Z)

Anadolu Efes Istanbul-LDLC ASVEL Villeurbanne | RS Round 20 Highlights | 2024-25 Turkish Airlines EuroLeague

Mario Hezonja gets the ball from Facu Campazzo and spins in the air to score - wow!


Hezonja somehow scores! Motorola Magic Moment

Mario Hezonja gets the ball from Facu Campazzo and spins in the air to score - wow!

Zalgiris Kaunas v Real Madrid (2025-01-10T18:00:00.000Z)

LDLC ASVEL came back from an 11-point third-quarter deficit, not allowing a single field goal in the fourth quarter, as it beat Anadolu Efes 76-82 on Friday night. 

Defensive-minded ASVEL rallies to stun Efes, 76-82

LDLC ASVEL Villeurbanne came back from an 11-point third-quarter deficit, not allowing a single field goal in the fourth quarter, as it beat Anadolu Efes Istanbul 76-82 on Friday night. The win improved ASVEL to a 9-11 record and saw Pierric Poupet's men sweep the season series against Efes, which dropped to 10-10 and 0-1 under new head coach Luca Banchi.

Efes led 57-46 and held multiple 10-point leads in the third quarter, but ASVEL went on a 2-16 run bridging the third and fourth quarters to take a 68-73 lead, which the visitors never relinquished. Nando De Colo scored 16 points, making all 5 of his field goals including 4 three-pointers, while Black had 15 points and 7 assists. Theo Maledon also scored 15, and Shaquille Harrison had 11 points in a winning effort. Shane Larkin and Vincent Poirier scored 14 apiece for the hosts, Ercan Osmani scored 13, and Elijah Bryant 12 points in a loss.

Game Videos

Andre Roberson’s second-chance triple opened the scoring, giving ASVEL an early boost and a 1-7 lead. Back-to-back triples from Larkin and Darius Thompson tied things at 9-9, but Melvin Ajinca hit a pair of triples to give ASVEL an 11-17 edge. Bryant and Harrison traded three-pointers before Dan Oturu scored twice inside, but thanks to Harrison and Maledon, the visitors held a 20-24 advantage after 10 minutes.

Harrison hit a triple to open the second quarter to help extend the lead to eight points. Rolands Smits and Bryant got Efes going again, but David Lighty had a jumper and Maledon took it to the rim to make it 24-33. But Efes stepped up defensively, playing better defense on Maledon, while Smits and Poirier started dominating under ASVEL’s basket. The duo combined to score 7 points, before Osmani capped a 9-0 run to tie the game. Paris Lee netted a triple, but Osmani battled his way for 6 more points to give Efes a 41-38 halftime lead.

Game News

Back-to-back triples from Larkin and Osmani opened a 47-38 margin. Maledon hit a triple and Lee added another one of his own to cut it to 51-46. But Poirier scored inside, then Larkin fed Jordan Nwora then raced for a fast-break layup to give the hosts a 57-46 advantage, the first double-digit lead of the game. De Colo hit back-to-back triples before Thompson and Roberson traded close-range baskets. Oturu helped the hosts restore a double-digit margin, 64-54, but De Colo hit another one from long range and Tarik Black scored twice from close range, including a dunk that made it 66-61 after 30 minutes.

De Colo opened the fourth with a three-pointer that made it a two-point game, forcing an Efes timeout after only 61 seconds. Efes was without a single point for exactly 5 minutes, as Maledon and Harrison found their way to the free-throw line, and Black scored twice inside for ASVEL to restore its lead, 68-73. Bryant and Poirier made free throws to end Efes’s scoring drought, but Black scored twice more inside to keep the visitors ahead, 74-77, with 2 minutes to go. ASVEL kept it up defensively, not allowing a field goal the rest of the way, as De Colo and Black sealed the deal.

The French side ruined coach Luca Banchi’s debut on Efes bench

Alen Smailagic takes over with a put-back slam in traffic!


Smailagic's put-back dunk! Motorola Magic Moment

Alen Smailagic takes over with a put-back slam in traffic!

Moustapha Fall misses inside but picks up the offensive board and smashes the rim!

Fall’s monster slam! Motorola Magic Moment

Olympiacos Piraeus v FC Bayern Munich (2025-01-10T19:15:00.000Z)

Shabazz Napier connects with Devin Booker, who slams it home!


Booker rocks the rim! Motorola Magic Moment

Shabazz Napier connects with Devin Booker, who slams it home!

Facu Campazzo surprises everyone with an outstanding fast-break layup!

Campazzo's acrobatic layup! Motorola Magic Moment

TJ Shorts feeds Kevarrius Hayes for a vicious two-hander which bends the rim!


A monster dunk from Hayes! Motorola Magic Moment

TJ Shorts feeds Kevarrius Hayes for a vicious two-hander which bends the rim!

Crvena Zvezda Meridianbet Belgrade v Paris Basketball (2025-01-10T19:00:00.000Z)

Arvydas Sabonis, a legendary figure at Zalgiris Kaunas, was honored ahead of the team's game against Real Madrid, another his former teams, on Friday night.

Zalgiris honors club legend Arvydas Sabonis

[Arvydas Sabonis](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/arvydas-sabonis/ayo/) received a standing ovation before the game between [Zalgiris Kaunas](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/teams/zalgiris-kaunas/zal/) and [Real Madrid](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/teams/real-madrid/mad/).

The fact that he is not a fan of public appearances made the evening even more significant. This night was chosen for the ceremony because Zalgiris played against Real, one of Sabonis's former teams, and the iconic center turned 60 years old recently, on December 19. Honoring Sabonis was the latest special event among  Zalgiris's 80th anniversary celebrations.

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">True legend and Zalgiris synonym. 🌟<br><br>In honor of Zalgiris’s 80th season, the legendary basketball player Arvydas Sabonis, who recently celebrated his 60th birthday, was honored before the EuroLeague game. 👏🏼 <a href="https://t.co/hLAuiMLdgq">pic.twitter.com/hLAuiMLdgq</a></p>&mdash; BC Zalgiris Kaunas (@bczalgiris) <a href="https://twitter.com/bczalgiris/status/1877780114978566592?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 10, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Zalgiris used artificial intelligence to turn old photos into the videos that were shown on the jumbotron during the pregame tribute.

Sabonis is more than a Zalgiris legend. He is the club's Honorary President and the best player to ever come out of basketball-crazy Lithuania. As a player, Sabonis was a generational talent ahead of this time, a 2.21-meter mobile center who could run the floor and pass the ball like a guard, take three-point shots and finish in the paint with great authority. His off-the-charts basketball IQ allowed him to dominate almost any basketball game. Sabonis is also a Lithuanian icon who remained loyal to his country, as the country's most famous sports person when it regained independence in the early 1990s.

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Back to the ‘80s with the true legend Arvydas Sabonis! 🎞️<br> <br>In honor of Zalgiris’s 80th season, the legendary basketball player Arvydas Sabonis, who recently celebrated his 60th birthday, will be honored in tomorrow’s EuroLeague game before the team introductions. 🌟 <a href="https://t.co/u09C130bKA">pic.twitter.com/u09C130bKA</a></p>&mdash; BC Zalgiris Kaunas (@bczalgiris) <a href="https://twitter.com/bczalgiris/status/1877336171098808753?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 9, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Born in Kaunas, Sabonis made his Zalgiris's first-team debut in 1981. He helped Zalgiris win three consecutive Soviet Union League titles from 1985 to 1987, setting up a legendary, ongoing sports rivalry with CSKA Moscow. His matchup against CSKA center Vladimir Tkachenko defined an era in European basketball. They played together on the Soviet Union national team, which Sabonis helped win respective gold medals at the 1988 Olympic Games, 1982 Basketball World Cup and EuroBasket 1985. When Lithuania became independent, Sabonis led its national team to Olympic bronze medals in 1992 and 1996 and silver at EuroBasket 1995.

Despite two Achilles tendon injuries that led to chronic knee, ankle and groin issues, Sabonis went on to play in Spain, first for Valladolid and then for Real, which he led to the 1995 EuroLeague crown as the Final Four MVP. Even he was no longer than explosive, Sabonis changed his game, enhancing his three-point shooting and unique passing skills.

Sabonis played in the NBA for seven seasons for the Portland TrailBlazers before returning to Zalgiris, where he played the 2003-04 EuroLeague. At age 40, Sabonis simply dominated, averaging 16.7 points, 10.7 rebounds and a league-best PIR of 26.3. He took Zalgiris to the very gates of the 2004 Final Four, but a heartbreaking overtime loss against Maccabi in Tel Aviv prevented his team from reaching even higher.

One of his sons, Domantas Sabonis, is an NBA star. Another, Tautvydas, is one of Zalgiris's assistant coaches. More than 20 years after retiring from basketball, if Zalgiris is mentioned anywhere around the world, Arvydas Sabonis is the first player who comes to mind.

More Zalgiris News

The club chose its game against Real Madrid, one of his former clubs, to pay homage to the legendary center

Vincent Poirier’s 200th career block leads to a massive dunk from Jordan Nwora on the other end.

Poirier’s milestone block leads to fast-break dunk! Motorola Magic Moment

Anadolu Efes big men Rolands Smits and Vincent Poirier combine in the paint for a big dunk.

Smits feeds dunkin’ Poirier! Motorola Magic Moment

Tyler Ennis is thriving in a big role for Reyer Venezia, which has three Canadians among its key players during the 2024-25 season.

Tyler Ennis enjoying playing with fellow Canadian and 'best GM in Europe' Wiltjer 

[Umana Reyer Venice](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/teams/umana-reyer-venice/vnc/) kind of feels like Team Canada among the BKT EuroCup teams thanks to a trio of international stars from the North American country. And [Tyler Ennis](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/tyler-ennis/008858/) is definitely enjoying playing alongside his compatriots [Mfiondu Kabengele](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/mfiondu-kabengele/012796/) and [Kyle Wiltjer](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/kyle-wiltjer/008052/) – the latter being one of his closest friends in the game. 

Ennis is spending his second season in the EuroCup after playing four games during the 2021-22 season with Turk Telekom Ankara, a campaign during which he was coming back from a major injury and eventually left the team. Wiltjer was playing with Ennis in the Turkish capital as well during the 2020-21 campaign. 

Ennis actually called that 2020-21 season his favorite memory with Wiltjer, who is two years older than him. 

“It was during COVID and that team spent a lot of time together off the court. We all just wanted to win and were willing to sacrifice individual stats. Again, we had amazing chemistry and trust with each other and with that team. If I don’t get injured, I think we win one or two trophies that year,” says Ennis, who tore his Achilles in November 2020 and missed the remainder of the season with the Turkish team. 

“We just have a chemistry. We are close friends off the court, which also helps. We hold each other accountable, which is necessary. Scoring is easy for him and I sometimes just have to get him the ball in his spots. But we think in the same way and have had success in the pick and roll because there isn’t much teams can do to stop it. He makes my job easier. He trusts I’m going to get him open shots,” Ennis says about playing with Wiltjer.

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The two also played in the NBA together, spending the 2016-17 season united on the court with the Houston Rockets. That made Ennis’s decision to come to Venice that much easier.

“It always helps joining a team with someone you are close friends with. He never put pressure on me.”

Ennis joked that Wiltjer is nicknamed the “best GM in Europe”.

“He was behind getting myself, Sam Dekker, Nick Johnson on Turk Telekom with him a few years ago,” Ennis says. “Kyle is such a talented player and we have always had a great chemistry playing together from Houston Rockets to Telekom and now in Venice.” 

This time around, Ennis is playing with a third Canadian in the big man Kabengele.

"This is my first time playing with Mfiondu. We are both from Toronto and I watched his career from college," Ennis notes. "I knew that we would play well together. He’s having a monster season and showing how good he is. I think after this year, he deserves to get a chance to show he belongs back in the NBA."

The best plays of Umana Reyer Venice guard Tyler Ennis through the first 14 rounds of the 2024-25 BKT EuroCup season.

Tyler Ennis's best plays so far this season

Reyer is Ennis’s second club in Italy after playing parts of five seasons in Turkiye for Fenerbahce Beko Istanbul, Turk Telekom and Tofas. Last season, he helped Napoli win the Italian Cup in his first season in Italy. 

“Naples was amazing – one of my favorite stops of my European career," he said. "We had a great group of players that loved playing and being around each other. For me, I wanted something new after being in Turkiye. I enjoyed Turkiye, but I wanted a different market and Italy checked the boxes."

After the Italian season was over, Ennis decided against returning home and joined Hapoel Shlomo Tel Aviv in mid-May for the final stretch of the Israeli regular season and playoffs.

“I didn’t know what to expect. At first, I didn’t want to go. My wife and I just had a baby in April and I was ready to get home. But again, a gut feeling told me it was something that I should do, like signing with Naples," Ennis remembers. 

"Everything about that move was eye-opening. The coach, the fans, the organization, the city and players were all top of the line. I joined the team to win the championship and we were one game from achieving that goal. I really wanted to give that club a championship and we were close. I had an amazing time in Tel Aviv and loved my time with the club.”

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Now the goal is for big things with Reyer, and the team is playing extremely well with six wins in the last seven games for an 8-6 record and a solid chance for a top-two spot in Group B. Included in the recent run was [an 81-74 home victory over Valencia Basket](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/news/reyer-kept-victories-coming-even-against-11-win-valencia/) in Round 13. 

“It was a good test. We approach every game the same since we had a lot of ground to make up after how the season started. The first round wasn’t pretty playing them and we wanted to continue building and stacking wins. They have a really good team,” says Ennis, who picked up 12 points, 3 rebounds and 6 assists in the win over Valencia. 

Ennis knows the team is playing well, but they are still missing two pieces. 

When asked what the team needs to be successful, he said: “Health is important. We still aren’t 100% and hope to get [Xavier Munford](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/xavier-munford/007759/) and [Rodney McGruder](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/rodney-mcgruder/012800/) back. We know what works for us and how we have to play. It’s up to us to keep playing for each other like we have all season. With a healthy team the sky is the limit.”

All thanks to the EuroCup version of Team Canada. 

More Reyer News

The Reyer point guard is having a strong season back in the EuroCup and playing with two compatriots

[ALBA Berlin](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/teams/alba-berlin/ber/) has announced the signing of [Michael Kessens](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/michael-kessens/003481/) on a deal until the end of the season, following the center's exit from [Paris Basketball](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/teams/paris-basketball/prs/) on Thursday.

Kessens (2.06 meters, 33 years old) lifted the BKT EuroCup title last season as Paris's captain, but he did not feature for the club through the first 20 rounds of the 2024-25 Turkish Airlines EuroLeague season.

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="de" dir="ltr">Willkommen bei ALBA, Michael Kessens! 👋<br> <br>Vertrag bis zum Saisonende: Der deutsche Center wechselt von Paris nach Berlin und wird unseren Frontcourt in der <a href="https://twitter.com/easyCreditBBL?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@easyCreditBBL</a> verstärken.<br> <br>Let&#39;s gooooooooo! 💛💙<br> <br>🔗 Alle Infos: <a href="https://t.co/oxQ95JpXiX">https://t.co/oxQ95JpXiX</a> <a href="https://t.co/PM4LmHQ6r7">pic.twitter.com/PM4LmHQ6r7</a></p>&mdash; ALBA BERLIN (@albaberlin) <a href="https://twitter.com/albaberlin/status/1877675277343485992?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 10, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

During Paris's EuroCup-winning season in 2023-24, Kessens averaged 4.3 points, 3.2 rebounds and 1.2 assists in 13 appearances.

A Germany international, the 33-year-old returns to Germany where he had previously spent his entire professional career, suiting up for Eisbaren Bremerhaven (2017-18), SC Rasta Vechta (2018-20), the Fraport Skyliners (2020-21), and Telekom Baskets Bonn (2021-23). 

With Bonn, Kessens was part of the team that won the 2023 Basketball Champions League title under Tuomas Iisalo, who then brought several Bonn players to Paris and went on to secure the EuroCup championship.

More ALBA Berlin News

He heads back to Germany after a season and a half in the French capital

Michael Kessens switches Paris for ALBA

There are several mouth-watering games for EuroLeague fans to enjoy in Round 20 of the 2024-25 EuroLeague season this Friday night.

Game Center: Round 20 continues this Friday night

## Friday, January 10

### [Anadolu Efes Istanbul 76-82 LDLC ASVEL Villeurbanne](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/news/defensive-minded-asvel-rallies-to-stun-efes-76-82/)

ASVEL came back from an 11-point third-quarter deficit, not allowing a single field goal in the fourth quarter, as it beat Efes 76-82 on Friday night. The win improved ASVEL to a 9-11 record and saw Pierric Poupet's men sweep the season series against Efes, which dropped to 10-10 and 0-1 under new head coach Luca Banchi.

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="fr" dir="ltr">NEW WIN ON THE ROAD ! 🔥<br><br>Au caractère, les Villeurbannais vont chercher une énorme victoire sur le parquet du double vainqueur de l&#39;Euroleague, l&#39;Anadolu Efes ! 💪<br><br>Place désormais à 3 matchs consécutifs européens à la maison et ça commence dès mardi face au Partizan ! <br>🎟… <a href="https://t.co/4FzrAPwY9e">pic.twitter.com/4FzrAPwY9e</a></p>&mdash; LDLC ASVEL (@LDLCASVEL) <a href="https://twitter.com/LDLCASVEL/status/1877801113371693096?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 10, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

### [Zalgiris Kaunas 64-83 Real Madrid](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/news/real-madrid-defense-pounds-zalgiris-into-submission-64-83/)

Real Madrid grabbed its fifth consecutive victory by edging Zalgiris 64-83 on the road in Round 20 on Friday. Real improved to 11-9 in the standings while Zalgiris dropped to 10-10 and is on a four-game losing streak. *Los Blancos*' 19-point win saw them also take the tiebreak advantage after registering a nine-point loss against Zalgiris in Round 15.

![Image](https://pbs.twimg.com/media/Gg9RPLLXcAAc9Gk?format=jpg&name=large)

### [Crvena Zvezda Meridianbet Belgrade 85-69 Paris Basketball](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/news/dominant-crvena-zvezda-subdues-paris-85-69/)

Crvena Zvezda rolled on with a resounding 85-69 home win over Paris in the EuroLeague, improving to 12-8 after its fourth successive victory while the visitors dropped to 11-8 following a fifth defeat in a row.

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">STATEMENT 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/4hWknbHjd5">pic.twitter.com/4hWknbHjd5</a></p>&mdash; KK Crvena zvezda Meridianbet (@kkcrvenazvezda) <a href="https://twitter.com/kkcrvenazvezda/status/1877822324940120097?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 10, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

### [Olympiacos Piraeus 112-69 FC Bayern Munich](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/news/sasha-vezenkov-makes-history-as-olympiacos-thrashes-bayern-112-69/)

Olympiacos and Sasha Vezenkov enjoyed a historic night on Friday as the Reds thrashed Bayern 112-69 at Peace and Friendship Stadium. Despite the absences of Evan Fournier and captain Kostas Papanikolaou, Olympiacos led from start to finish, with Vezenkov recording a career-high 45 points – the third most points in EuroLeague history. The hosts shared the ball smoothly throughout the game, registering a club-record 36 assists. Olympiacos remains top of the standings with a 14-6 record, while Bayern dropped to 11-9 after suffering its fourth loss in five games.

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="de" dir="ltr">FINAL 🏀 <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/OlympiacosBC?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#OlympiacosBC</a> - FC Bayern Munich 112-69 <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/OLYBAY?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#OLYBAY</a> <a href="https://t.co/dIgEA5E1xQ">pic.twitter.com/dIgEA5E1xQ</a></p>&mdash; Olympiacos B.C. (@Olympiacos_BC) <a href="https://twitter.com/Olympiacos_BC/status/1877823428918440028?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 10, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

### [Virtus Segafredo Bologna 76-74 Baskonia Vitoria-Gasteiz](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/news/virtus-wins-another-thriller-over-baskonia-prevails-76-74-at-home/)

Virtus survived another major drama against Baskonia to continue its push up the lower ranks of the standings with a 76-74 win at home. Virtus wasted a 15-point lead but managed to fend off the Spanish side for the second time in the last six rounds in moving to 6-14. The Italian outfit also took its record to 4-2 under new head coach Dusko Ivanovic – the first win being the improbable 81-82 win over Baskonia in Spain in Round 15.

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="it" dir="ltr">VINCIAMO NOI, NONOSTANTE TUTTO ❗️ <a href="https://t.co/eaOnVH9lX7">pic.twitter.com/eaOnVH9lX7</a></p>&mdash; Virtus Segafredo Bologna (@VirtusSegafredo) <a href="https://twitter.com/VirtusSegafredo/status/1877834586526187746?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 10, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

## Thursday, January 9

### [Fenerbahce Beko Istanbul 90-73 ALBA Berlin](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/game-center/2024-25/fenerbahce-beko-istanbul-alba-berlin/E2024/172/)

Fenerbahce recorded two straight victories for the first time since Rounds 10 and 11 by beating ALBA at Ulker Sports and Event Hall. A tight, back-and-forth affair in the first three quarters was followed by a 22-4 Fenerbahce charge in the fourth to finish the game off. With this victory, Fenerbahce improved its record to 12-7. ALBA registered its seventh consecutive loss and dropped to 3-17. Sertac Sanli led all scorers with a season-high 18 points and Marko Guduric and Nigel Hayes-Davis netted 14 each. Gabriele Procida paced ALBA with 14 points.

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="tr" dir="ltr">Maç Bizim! 💪 <br><br>Bravo Takım! 👏<br><br>Maç Sonucu | Fenerbahçe Beko 🆚 Alba Berlin: 90-73 <br><br>Skor dağılımımız: Sertaç 18, Guduric 14, Hayes-Davis 14, Colson 10, Pierre 9, Melli 9, Biberovic 8, Mays 4, Hall 2, Birch 2. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/YellowLegacy?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#YellowLegacy</a> <a href="https://t.co/NI84iJoOYA">pic.twitter.com/NI84iJoOYA</a></p>&mdash; Fenerbahçe Beko (@FBBasketbol) <a href="https://twitter.com/FBBasketbol/status/1877440705708081569?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 9, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

### [AS Monaco 84-98 FC Barcelona](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/game-center/2024-25/as-monaco-fc-barcelona/E2024/173/)

Barcelona delivered a strong road performance to triumph at Monaco, improving to 11-9 in its quest to climb the standings. Monaco dropped to 13-7 and will lose a share of first place if Olympiacos Piraeus beats FC Bayern Munich on Friday. Barcelona controlled early on and took a double-digit lead early in the second quarter before Monaco fought back to make it 41-45 at the break. Monaco briefly led in the third but the visitor pulled away again, standing firm in the final minutes for a key win. Dario Brizuela led the way with a career-high 27 points and Chimizie Metu added 13 points plus 8 rebounds. Mike James paced Monaco with 23 points and 8 assists.

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="ca" dir="ltr">𝐀𝐈𝐗𝐈́ 𝐒𝐈́, 𝐁𝐀𝐑𝐂̧𝐀! GRAN VICTÒRIA A MÒNACO 👊 <a href="https://t.co/yQB0TgzyUR">pic.twitter.com/yQB0TgzyUR</a></p>&mdash; Barça Basket (@FCBbasket) <a href="https://twitter.com/FCBbasket/status/1877444656788603319?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 9, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

### [Maccabi Playtika Tel Aviv 74-107 EA7 Emporio Armani Milan](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/game-center/2024-25/maccabi-playtika-tel-aviv-ea7-emporio-armani-milan/E2024/175/)

Milan earned an important victory in its battle to make the playoffs by rolling past Maccabi in Belgrade. Milan took the third quarter 17-33 to lay the foundation for its second straight win to move to 11-9. Milan avoided a slip-up against struggling Maccabi with Shavon Shields pacing five scorers in double figures with 18 points. Maccabi lost for the seventh time in the last eight games and now has a 5-15 record. Roman Sorkin led the losing side with 16 points. 

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Big win in Belgrade🤍❤️<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/qvq5yKL63p">pic.twitter.com/qvq5yKL63p</a></p>&mdash; Olimpia Milano (@OlimpiaMI1936) <a href="https://twitter.com/OlimpiaMI1936/status/1877459637588398587?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 9, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

### [Panathinaikos AKTOR Athens 96-84 Partizan Mozzart Bet Belgrade](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/game-center/2024-25/panathinaikos-aktor-athens-partizan-mozzart-bet-belgrade/E2024/174/)

Reigning champion Panathinaikos improved to 13-7 and celebrated its fifth successive victory after overpowering Partizan on the back of a game-high 25 points from top scorer Kendrick Nunn and a majestic display from Jerian Grant. With influential playmakers Lorenzo Brown and Kostas Sloukas sidelined, Grant pulled all the strings on offense as he racked up 14 points, 8 assists and 7 boards, propelling a smooth effort at both ends. At the other end, Sterling Brown stood out for Partizan with 23 points, but the visitors dropped to a 9-11 record.

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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/PartizanBC?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@PartizanBC</a> 96-84<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://t.co/xN2eJOz0dO">pic.twitter.com/xN2eJOz0dO</a></p>&mdash; Panathinaikos BC (@Paobcgr) <a href="https://twitter.com/Paobcgr/status/1877464085551321178?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 9, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Fenerbahce, Barcelona, Milan and Panathinaikos were victorious on Thursday night

Game Center: Huge night for Vezenkov, Olympiacos; ASVEL, Madrid, Zvezda, Virtus win

Virtus Segafredo Bologna v Baskonia Vitoria-Gasteiz (2025-01-10T19:45:00.000Z)

Panathinaikos AKTOR Athens v Partizan Mozzart Bet Belgrade (2025-01-09T19:15:00.000Z)

Maccabi Playtika Tel Aviv v EA7 Emporio Armani Milan (2025-01-09T19:05:00.000Z)

AS Monaco v FC Barcelona (2025-01-09T18:00:00.000Z)

Fenerbahce Beko Istanbul v ALBA Berlin (2025-01-09T17:45:00.000Z)

The man known as the ‘Basque Mamba’ turned himself into Super Dario, as Dario Brizuela scored a career-high 27 points to help FC Barcelona defeat AS Monaco with an impressive array of shot-making as he scored with relentless consistency to spearhead an 84-98 triumph

Dario Brizuela’s career night boosted under-pressure Barca

[FC Barcelona](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/teams/fc-barcelona/roster/bar/?season=2024-25) headed into Thursday night’s tough trip to co-leader [AS Monaco](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/teams/as-monaco/roster/mco/?season=2024-25) under severe pressure.

Earlier in the week, the *Blaugrana* suffered consecutive domestic league defeats against local rivals Joventut Badalona and Basquet Girona, leaving [Joan Penarroya](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/teams/fc-barcelona/bar/penarroya-joan/?season=E2024)’s men in serious danger of failing to qualify for the Spanish Cup for the first time ever.

With the team also placed precariously in the middle of the Turkish Airlines EuroLeague standings, it was time for a hero to step forward... And on its trip to the principality, Barca found an unlikely source of inspiration through one of its lesser-heralded talents: [Dario Brizuela](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/dario-brizuela/009992/).

The man known as the ‘Basque Mamba’ turned himself into Super Dario, downing Monaco with an impressive array of shot-making as he scored with relentless consistency to spearhead [an 84-98 triumph](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/news/dario-brizuela-blasts-barca-past-monaco-84-98/), getting his team back in touch with the all-important top four.

Dario Brizuela scored a career-high 27 points for FC Barcelona against AS Monaco, 01/09/2025

Dario Brizuela scored 27 points against Monaco

Brizuela came into the game off the bench midway through the first quarter, and his first act was as a distributor to provide an assist for [Jabari Parker](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/jabari-parker/012745/), whose three-point strike gave Barca a commanding early 6-15 lead. But the 30-year-old guard is primarily known as a scorer, and he soon settled into his shooting rhythm by netting a three-pointer, which was followed early in the second quarter by a layup to establish the game’s first double-digit margin, a free throw and another triple.

Barca needed to keep on scoring to prevent determined Monaco from taking control of the game and, with usual marksman [Kevin Punter](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/kevin-punter/009862/) suffering a quiet evening until the final quarter, Brizuela’s constancy was the main motor for the visiting team throughout the game.

His third three-pointer, still only midway through the second quarter, saw Brizuela become the game’s first player to reach double digits. When Monaco’s third-quarter comeback threatened to turn the game around, he returned off the bench and immediately got back into the scoring groove – which continued in the final quarter. Brizuela started off that final frame by scoring 5 points in 21 seconds and later added another pair of triples to ensure the home team could not set up a close finale.

<center>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="ca" dir="ltr">27 punts, 6 triples, 25 de valoració. Nit de rècord de <a href="https://twitter.com/basquemamba?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@basquemamba</a> 🫡 <a href="https://t.co/I9WRfudHUN">pic.twitter.com/I9WRfudHUN</a></p>&mdash; Barça Basket (@FCBbasket) <a href="https://twitter.com/FCBbasket/status/1877446187080429602?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 9, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

When it was all over, Brizuela had racked up a career-best 27 points, with excellent efficiency as he made 4-of-6 two-point attempts and 6 of 8 from long range, also adding a couple of assists, 2 rebounds and a steal. Also, significantly, he spent nearly 29 minutes on the floor – more than any other Barca player and way above his previous season-high of 19:41.

The game’s hero admitted it was an important win to lift his team’s spirits after their tough start to the week, saying: “We are in a hard moment right now because we’ve been losing a lot of games in the last minute with bad luck, so this win is huge for us.”

With nine teams separated by just one win between 4th and 12th places at the start of Round 20, it doesn’t take much of a run to make a major move up the EuroLeague standings. Barca is now just one win short of fourth place, and Brizuela acknowledged his team is targeting a strong end to the regular season.

“Now we are fighting for a good spot, so to get a win like this against the leader in EuroLeague is huge for us,” he said. “We’ve got to build from this and keep growing as a team.”

There is still a long way to go, but Brizuela’s scoring exploits on Thursday night gave Barca a big boost at the perfect time.

The Spanish team enjoyed a much-needed win at Monaco on Thursday thanks to a great game from its shooting guard

Dario Brizuela’s career night boosted under-pressure Barcelona

Look back at all the action in Round 14 of the 2024-25 BKT EuroCup season by checking out the best photos of the week! 

Top 10 photos from Round 14

Look back at all the action from Round 14 of the 2024-25 BKT EuroCup season by checking out the best photos of the week! 

Here, you can find all the latest injury news surrounding all registered players in the 2024-25 EuroLeague season.

EuroLeague injury report: Round 20

Follow all the latest injury information for registered players in the 2024-25 Turkish Airlines EuroLeague Regular Season, as reported by the clubs, and get your [EuroLeague Fantasy Challenge](https://euroleaguefantasy.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/home?_ga=2.101462721.1199459303.1696273873-903329349.1669636775) teams up to date!

### ALBA Berlin

Louis Olinde and Justin Bean are ruled out for ALBA's game at Fenerbahce on Thursday, the club has confirmed.

- Louis Olinde and Martin Hermannsson both missed Round 19 after featuring in Round 18.
- [Justin Bean](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/news/justin-bean-out-three-months-with-broken-wrist/) is out until early February after breaking his wrist.

### Anadolu Efes Istanbul

Efes has not yet sent an injury report for its game against ASVEL on Friday.

- [New head coach Luca Banchi](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/news/efes-appoints-luca-banchi-as-head-coach/) has not yet been registered.

### AS Monaco

Alpha Diallo remains out and will miss Monaco's game against Barcelona on Thursday, the club has confirmed.

- Nick Calathes made his first appearance of the season in Round 19.
- [Alpha Diallo](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/news/monaco-basket-loses-alpha-diallo-to-knee-injury/) has not yet returned to action from a knee injury.

### Baskonia Vitoria-Gasteiz

Baskonia has not yet sent an injury report for its game at Virtus on Friday.

- [Tadas Sedekerskis is out with an injury](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/news/baskonia-tadas-sedekerskis-suffers-thigh-injury/) in his thigh muscle, but no timetable has been set for his return.
- New Baskonia signing [Luka Samanic](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/news/luka-samanic-arrives-to-bolster-baskonia-frontline/) made his debut in Round 19.
- [Timothe Luwawu-Cabarrot](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/news/timothe-luwawu-cabarrot-sidelined-with-calf-injury/), who last played in Round 11, is dealing with a calf injury, but no timetable has been set for his return.

### Crvena Zvezda Meridianbet Belgrade

Branko Lazic and Mike Daum are ruled out of Crvena Zvezda's game against Paris on Friday, according to the club's official website.

- Ognjen Dobric has missed the last three rounds with an ankle injury.
- Branko Lazic has missed the last four rounds with a back injury.
- [John Brown](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/news/crvena-zvezda-signs-defensive-ace-john-brown/) made his debut in Round 19.

### EA7 Emporio Armani Milan

Neno Dimitrijevic, Fabien Causeur and Josh Nebo are all ruled out for Milan's game at Maccabi on Thursday, the club has confirmed.

- Fabien Causeur missed Round 19 due to muscle discomfort.
- [Josh Nebo](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/news/josh-nebo-to-be-reevaluated-in-3-4-weeks/) suffered another injury in Round 17 and is expected to miss extended time, according to coach Ettore Messina.

### FC Barcelona

Jan Vesely (knee) and Nico Laprovittola (knee) are ruled out for Barcelona's game at Monaco on Thursday, the club has confirmed.

- [Nico Laprovittola](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/news/nico-laprovittola-to-undergo-knee-surgery/) was ruled out for the season due to an ACL and meniscus injury.

### FC Bayern Munich

Nick Weiler-Babb, Oscar da Silva and Vladimir Lucic are all ruled out for Bayern's game at Olympiacos on Friday, the club has confirmed.

- Bayern has been without Vladimir Lucic (muscle bruise) since Round 2.

### Fenerbahce Beko Istanbul

Wade Baldwin, Arturs Zagars and Scottie Wilbekin are all ruled out for Fenerbahce's game against ALBA on Thursday, the club has confirmed.

- Dyshawn Pierre returned to action in Round 19.
- [Wade Baldwin](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/news/wade-baldwin-out-with-hamstring-injury/) has not played since suffering a hamstring injury in Round 16.
- [Arturs Zagars](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/news/arturs-zagars-fenerbahce-beko-foot-injury/) has not played since Round 14 with a foot injury.
- [Scottie Wilbekin](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/news/fenerbahce-confirms-the-worst-scottie-wilbekin-has-torn-his-acl/) tore his ACL in Round 1 and is out.

### LDLC ASVEL Villeurbanne

ASVEL has not yet sent an injury report for its game at Efes on Friday.

- Joffrey Lauvergne last played in Round 16.
- [Mbaye Ndiaye ](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/news/mbaye-ndiaye-ldlc-asvel-out-for-several-months-with-knee-injury/)has ruptured the cruciate ligaments in his right knee and is likely out for the season.
- [Charles Kahudi](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/news/charles-kahudi-out-for-four-weeks-with-groin-injury/) is out until mid-January with a groin injury.

### Maccabi Playtika Tel Aviv

Maccabi has not yet sent an injury report for its game against Milan on Thursday.

- [Jasiel Rivero](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/news/maccabi-loses-jasiel-rivero-again-to-torn-hamstring/) is out until early-to-mid January with a torn hamstring.

### Olympiacos Piraeus

Evan Fournier and Kostas Papanikolaou are unlikely to play due to a virus while Keenan Evans and Moses Wright are ruled out for Olympiacos's game against Bayern on Friday, the club has confirmed.

- Nathan Mensah made his debut in Round 19.
- Giannoulis Larentzakis (neck muscle strain) returned to action in the Greek League, but he has not featured in the EuroLeague since Round 16.
- [Moses Wright](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/news/moses-wright-out-for-the-season-with-health-issue/) is out for the season with a health issue.
- [Keenan Evans](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/news/zalgiris-star-keenan-evans-out-long-term-after-knee-surgery/) remains sidelined after undergoing knee surgery. He has not yet been registered for the competition.
- Naz Mitrou-Long has not played for Olympiacos so far this season.

### Panathinaikos AKTOR Athens

Lorenzo Brown and Kostas Sloukas are questionable for Panathinaikos's game against Partizan on Thursday while Mathias Lessort and Marius Grigonis are ruled out, the club has confirmed.

- [Mathias Lessort](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/news/all-euroleague-center-mathias-lessort-leaves-game-with-leg-injury/) suffered a broken fibula in Round 17 and will miss several months.
- Ioannis Papapetrou, who has not played in the last two rounds, played in the Greek League on Sunday.
- Marius Grigonis (lower back surgery) has not played since Round 4.

### Paris Basketball

Paris has not yet sent an injury report for its game at Crvena Zvezda on Friday.

- Enzo Shahrvin has not played since Round 5.
- Daulton Hommes has not yet played this season.

### Partizan Mozzart Bet Belgrade

Vanja Marinkovic and Mitar Bosnjakovic are ruled out for Partizan's game at Panathinaikos on Thursday, the club has confirmed.

- Iffe Lundberg returned to action in Round 19 after not featuring since Round 12.
- Vanja Marinkovic has not played since Round 16 due to an Achilles injury.
- Mitar Bosnjakovic (ankle) last played in Round 16.

### Real Madrid

Real Madrid has not yet sent an injury report for its game at Zalgiris on Friday.

- [Gaby Deck](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/news/real-madrid-loses-gabriel-deck-to-torn-hamstring/) is sidelined with a torn hamstring.

### Virtus Segafredo Bologna

Will Clyburn,Toko Shengelia and Ante Zizic are ruled out for Virtus's game against Baskonia on Friday, the club has confirmed.

- [Will Clyburn is out until mid-March](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/news/will-clyburn-virtus-bologna-out-at-least-10-weeks-with-foot-injury/) due to a foot injury.
- Toko Shengelia has not played since Round 15.

### Zalgiris Kaunas

Zalgiris has not yet sent an injury report for its game against Real Madrid on Friday.

- Tomas Dimsa, who has not been registered, remains out with a shoulder injury.

Stay up to date with the latest information provided by the EuroLeague clubs