Name: Alex Abrines: 'I was mad, I was mad at us'
Channel: Euroleague Basketball

FC Barcelona held off a spirited fightback from KK Partizan to win 79-87 on the road, improving to 7-2 and returning to a share of first place, while the hosts dropped to 2-7 after five straight losses.

Barcelona back in first place after downing Partizan, 79-87

FC Barcelona held off a spirited fightback from Partizan Mozzart Bet Belgrade to win 79-87 on the road, improving to 7-2 and returning to a share of first place, while the hosts dropped to 2-7 after five straight losses.

Partizan led most of the first quarter, but Barca took over and roared into a seemingly dominant 40-63 lead midway through the third. The hosts gradually came back and it was 78-79 with 90 seconds remaining, but the visitors held on.

Kevin Punter led the way against his former team with 18 points and Jabari Parker added 17 points with 7 rebounds, while Jan Vesely chipped in with 12. Carlik Jones paced Partizan with 17 points and Aleksej Pokusevski netted 12.

Game Videos

Partizan debutant Mitar Bosnjakovic struck first before Alex Abrines got Barca moving with a triple. Sterling Brown hit from deep and Carlik Jones added a driving layup, answered by Vesely from mid-range for a 7-7 tie. Isaac Bonga was on target with a three and 3 free throws. Tyrique Jones added a fastbreak slam for a 15-9 lead. Carlik Jones struck another triple and added a layup to make it a double-digit advantage, 21-11. Justin Anderson and Punter brought Barca back with threes, but Brown’s reverse layup completed the first quarter scoring, 23-19.

Chimezie Metu’s layup and Juan Nunez’s tip-in tied it up before Vesely and Pokusevski traded three-point plays. Brandon Davies scored a tough inside bucket, but Parker’s triple made it 30-31. Metu kept Barca ahead and Parker added a deep strike followed by free throws for a 32-40 lead. Metu’s brutal slam and layup capped a 0-13 run for a double-digit lead, before Bonga’s putback rescued the host. But Parker made another triple and Dario Brizuela beat the halftime buzzer with a floater, making it 35-49 at the break.

Game News

Punter scored the first 5 points of the second half, following a triple with a classy layup, and Abrines made it a 22-point margin from long-range. Partizan had only free throws from Brown as Parker added consecutive scores for a 40-63 lead. Nunez glided to the basket to score, before Tyrique Jones finally netted the home team’s first field goal of the half. Carlik Jones with a layup and Brandon Davies with a triple pulled Partizan closer and another Carlik Jones three made it 58-70 at the end of the third.

Punter and Justin Anderson kept Barca moving early in the fourth despite a three-point play from Carlik Jones, but Partizan kept fighting and a pair of buckets from Boznjakovic pulled it back to 65-76. Anderson’s layup was bettered by Duane Washington’s three, and Frank Ntilikina’s triple made it a single-digit margin, 71-78, with three minutes left. Pokusevski added another three-pointer and Iffe Lundberg made free throws to complete an 11-0 run, but Punter’s jumper settled Barca at 76-80. Lundberg made 3 more from the line, but Abrines responded with a triple. Partizan’s offense could offer no more, and another Punter jumper sealed the deal.

The visitors take their road record to 3-2

Partizan Mozzart Bet Belgrade v FC Barcelona (2024-11-13T17:00:00.000Z)

FC Barcelona forward Alex Abrines spoke to EuroLeague TV after his team beat KK Partizan in Round 9 of the 2024-25 EuroLeague season.

Alex Abrines: 'I was mad, I was mad at us'

FC Barcelona forward Alex Abrines spoke to EuroLeague TV after his team beat Partizan Mozzart Bet Belgrade in Round 9 of the 2024-25 Turkish Airlines EuroLeague season.

Zach Hankins seals Cluj's win with a huge dunk in traffic!

Hankins seals the win! Magic Moment

 Zach Hankins seals Cluj's win with a huge dunk in traffic!

U-BT Cluj-Napoca v 7Bet-Lietkabelis Panevezys (2024-11-13T17:00:00.000Z)

Adam Mokoka stops Oleksandr Kovliar with a high-flying block!

Mokoka's big block! Magic Moment

 Adam Mokoka stops Oleksandr Kovliar with a high-flying block!

Determined defense and a big block from Chimizie Metu

 Metu's big block! Motorola Magic Moment

 Determined defense and a big block from Chimizie Metu

Mateusz Ponitka dribbles into the paint and feeds Tai Odiase for the thunderous dunk.

Odiase hammers it home! Magic Moment

 Mateusz Ponitka dribbles into the paint and feeds Tai Odiase for the thunderous dunk.

ratiopharm Ulm v Bahcesehir College Istanbul (2024-11-13T18:00:00.000Z)

Alocen's bounce-pass sets up Conditt's big dunk

Alocen sets up Conditt's dunk! Magic Moment

 Alocen's bounce-pass sets up Conditt's big dunk

Besiktas Fibabanka Istanbul v Dreamland Gran Canaria (2024-11-13T17:00:00.000Z)

With only a few ticks in the clock, Harper inbounds the ball for Oigbide, who destroys the rim! 

Ogbeide closes it with authority Magic Moment

 With only a few ticks in the clock, Harper inbounds the ball for Oigbide, who destroys the rim! 

Hapoel Bank Yahav Jerusalem v Cosea JL Bourg-en-Bresse (2024-11-13T18:00:00.000Z)

Chimizie Metu tries to break the basket with an explosive slam dunk

Metu destroys the rim! Motorola Magic Moment

 Chimizie Metu tries to break the basket with an explosive slam dunk

Jan Vesely’s determined dunk beats former teammate Brandon Davies…with the foul!

Vesely’s dunk…and one! Motorola Magic Moment

 Jan Vesely’s determined dunk beats former teammate Brandon Davies…with the foul!

Big block, high above the rim, by Kerem Konan

 Big block by Konan! Magic Moment 

 Big block, high above the rim, by Kerem Konan

Emanuel Terry intercepts a pass and streaks the other way for a big dunk.

Terry's steal and dunk! Magic Moment

 Emanuel Terry intercepts a pass and streaks the other way for a big dunk.

Partizan runs in transition and Tyrique Jones finishes with a fierce slam!

Tyrique Jones throws it down in transition! Motorola Magic Moment 

Partizan runs in transition and Tyrique Jones finishes with a fierce slam! 

The final set of games before a mid-season break will provide plenty of motivation for teams across the continent to triumph in Round 8 of the BKT EuroCup.

Game Center: Round 8 continues tonight!

## Wednesday, November 13

### [U-BT Cluj-Napoca 100-91 7Bet-Lietkabelis Panevezys](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/news/cluj-holds-off-lietkabeliss-comeback-100-93/)

Cluj recorded its second consecutive home win in Group B by thrashing Lietkabelis at home in Round 8 on Wednesday. Cluj improved to 4-4 in the standings while Lietkabelis dropped to 2-5. Zavier Simpson led the winners with a club record 32 points plus 5 assists and Zach Hankins added 15 points. Mantas Rubstavicius paced Lietkabelis with 25 points.

<center><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">100 points and the fourth dub for <a href="https://twitter.com/UBTCluj?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@UBTCluj</a>!<br><br> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/RoadToGreatness?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#RoadToGreatness</a> <a href="https://t.co/dK2RdInJHo">pic.twitter.com/dK2RdInJHo</a></p>&mdash; BKT EuroCup (@EuroCup) <a href="https://twitter.com/EuroCup/status/1856780627149734158?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 13, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

### [Besiktas Fibabanka Istanbul 74-76 Dreamland Gran Canaria](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/news/gran-canaria-holds-off-besiktas-74-76/)

Gran Canaria came from behind in the fourth quarter to edge Besiktas. The win improved Gran Canaria to 6-2 on the season, while Besiktas dropped to 4-4 in Group A. The hosts entered the fourth quarter with a 4-point lead, but Gran Canaria used a 0-12 run to take a 61-69 lead, which it preserved down the stretch. Caleb Homesley led the winners with 17 points and John Shurna had 12 points and 7 rebounds. Jonah Mathews scored 17 of his 19 points in the second half in defeat.

<center><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="es" dir="ltr">📝 El Dreamland Gran Canaria se hace grande en Estambul para certificar un trabajado triunfo (74-76).<br><br>▪ Los amarillos suman una victoria importante ante un Besiktas Fibabanka Istanbul que no dio tregua en ningún momento.<br><br>👀 <a href="https://t.co/25wsZVIjk9">https://t.co/25wsZVIjk9</a> <a href="https://t.co/0Gfqm4QFp2">pic.twitter.com/0Gfqm4QFp2</a></p>&mdash; Dreamland Gran Canaria (@GranCanariaCB) <a href="https://twitter.com/GranCanariaCB/status/1856776272719888385?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 13, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

### [ratiopharm Ulm 72-80 Bahcesehir College Istanbul](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/news/bahcesehir-comes-up-with-big-plays-to-fight-past-ulm-grab-fifth-straight-victory/)

Bahcesehir remained in sole possession of first place in Group A as it fought past Ulm on the road for a fifth straight victory. The Turkish team decided the game with bigger plays down the stretch to improve to 7-1 heading into the national team break. Sehmus Hazer paced Bahcesehir with 20 points, 5 assists and 4 steals and Mateusz Ponitka flirted with a triple-double in collecting 12 points, 8 rebounds and 8 assists. Ulm dropped to 4-4 with its first home loss of the season and fourth defeat in the last five games. Alfonso Plummer drained 4 three-pointers in scoring 18 points in defeat.

<center><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">A win for <a href="https://twitter.com/BKBasketbol?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@BKBasketbol</a> to keep the Group A top spot in the standings!<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/RoadToGreatness?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#RoadToGreatness</a> <a href="https://t.co/mcFWSvkvtP">pic.twitter.com/mcFWSvkvtP</a></p>&mdash; BKT EuroCup (@EuroCup) <a href="https://twitter.com/EuroCup/status/1856789596320964804?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 13, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

### [Hapoel Bank Yahav Jerusalem 86-77 Cosea JL Bourg-en-Bresse](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/news/jerusalem-used-big-second-half-to-beat-bourg-86-77/)

Jerusalem earned a hard-fought victory over visiting Bourg at Samokov Arena on Wednesday night to improve its record to 6-2 and claim sole possession of second place in Group B. Hapoel trailed 37-41 at halftime, but outscored its opponent 21-8 in the 6 first minutes of the third period to take control of the game and never look back. Bourg, which missed top scorer Xavier Castaneda, dropped to 5-3. Gabi Chachasvili led the winners with a monster double-double of 20 points and 11 rebounds for a career-high PIR of 29. Jordan Usher was the game's top-scorer with 22 points for Bourg.

<center>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="iw" dir="rtl">ניצחון גדול הערב בבולגריה על בורק הצרפתית, נתראה במוצש בפיס ארנה!<br>לבנו עם משפחות הנופלים מגדוד 51 של גולני, לכן נמתין מעט עם חגיגות הניצחון ונאחל לכל עם ישראל ערב שקט ❤️ <a href="https://t.co/wkTaKVp7m6">pic.twitter.com/wkTaKVp7m6</a></p>&mdash; Hapoel Jerusalem BC (@JerusalemBasket) <a href="https://twitter.com/JerusalemBasket/status/1856796806908366983?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 13, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

### [Umana Reyer Venice 75-67 Turk Telekom Ankara](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/game-center/2024-25/umana-reyer-venice-turk-telekom-ankara/U2024/80/)

Reyer improved to 3-5 in Group B and stayed in the post-season picture afterbeating Turk Telekom, which dropped to 4-4. It was a game of two different halves as the opening period was played almost at a walking pace and produced a catalog of errors, while the contest came to life in the second thanks to improved offense from both teams. Rodney McGruder paced Reyer with 20 points and 6 boards and Mfiondu Kabengele racked up 10 points and 15 rebounds. Anthony Brown netted 18 points for Turk Telekom.

<center>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="it" dir="ltr">Con un grande secondo tempo i leoni conquistano il match su Ankara 🔥<br>Avanti così leoni <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/duriibanchi?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#duriibanchi</a>! <a href="https://t.co/jnPsWrZyEw">pic.twitter.com/jnPsWrZyEw</a></p>&mdash; Reyer Venezia (@REYER1872) <a href="https://twitter.com/REYER1872/status/1856809929807458319?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 13, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

### [Joventut Badalona 78-72 Buducnost VOLI Podgorica](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/game-center/2024-25/joventut-badalona-buducnost-voli-podgorica/U2024/73/)

Joventut snapped a four-game losing streak by beating Buducnost at home in Round 8 on Wednesday. Both teams now have 3-5 records in Group A. Devon Dotson led the winners with 26 points and Adam Hanga added 13 for Joventut. McKinley Wright and Rasheed Sulaimon paced Buducnost with 12 points apiece.

<center><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="ca" dir="ltr">✊ Final i victòria 🟩D’EQUIP⬛️ a <a href="https://twitter.com/EuroCup?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@EuroCup</a> <br><br>🖤💚FORÇA PENYA<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Badalona%C3%89sFutur?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#BadalonaÉsFutur</a> <a href="https://t.co/HcvFjsBONC">pic.twitter.com/HcvFjsBONC</a></p>&mdash; Club Joventut Badalona (@Penya1930) <a href="https://twitter.com/Penya1930/status/1856818383502692364?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 13, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

## Tuesday, November 12

### [Wolves Twinsbet Vilnius 88-83 Dolomiti Energia Trento](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/game-center/2024-25/wolves-twinsbet-vilnius-dolomiti-energia-trento/U2024/74/)

Wolves registered their fifth consecutive victory by beating visiting Trento on Tuesday night. The win improved Wolves' record to 5-3 in Group A, while Trento dropped to 3-5, remaining winless in our road games. Andrew Andrews scored 21 of his 23 points in the second half, including making 6 three-point shots. Four of his triples came in a 19-5 run bridging the third and fourth quarters, which turned a 53-59 deficit into a 72-64 lead, and the hosts never trailed again. Eigirdas Zukauskas scored 21 for Trento.

<center>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Five in a row in the <a href="https://twitter.com/EuroCup?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@EuroCup</a> ✊<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WeAreWolves?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WeAreWolves</a> <a href="https://t.co/Z9NTzExtj1">pic.twitter.com/Z9NTzExtj1</a></p>&mdash; BC WOLVES (@wolves_bc) <a href="https://twitter.com/wolves_bc/status/1856415242479382898?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 12, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

### [Trefl Sopot 64-93 Hapoel Shlomo Tel Aviv](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/game-center/2024-25/trefl-sopot-hapoel-shlomo-tel-aviv/U2024/71/)

Hapoel avoided a slip-up in its fight to keep pace with the top teams of Group A with a comfortable victory at winless Trefl Sopot. The visitors pulled away for the first time in earnest in the second quarter and never let Trefl challenge. That moved Hapoel to 5-3 after having lost two of its last three games. Marcus Foster led the way with 21 points and 8 rebounds while Tomer Ginat scored 14 points. Trefl continues to wait for its first victory at 0-8 despite Jakub Schenk scoring 17 points. 

<center><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="iw" dir="rtl">הפועל מנצחת את סופוט ועולה למאזן 3:5 ביורוקאפ.<br><br>הקבוצה תמריא מחר לישראל לקראת המשחק מול חולון בשבת, פרטים על מכירת הכרטיסים יפורסמו מחר. <a href="https://t.co/MT5iQKUUXY">pic.twitter.com/MT5iQKUUXY</a></p>&mdash; Hapoel Tel Aviv BC (@HapoelTLVBC) <a href="https://twitter.com/HapoelTLVBC/status/1856426978909594064?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 12, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

### [Veolia Towers Hamburg 93-69 Aris Midea Thessaloniki](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/game-center/2024-25/veolia-towers-hamburg-aris-midea-thessaloniki/U2024/78/)

Hamburg led from start to finish en route to registering its second win of the season, downing Aris. Both teams now hold 2-6 records in Group B. Hamburg had a 10-point lead already in the first quarter and extended it to 47-26 in the second. Aris never got closer than 12 points the rest of the way. Brae Ivey paced Hamburg with 15 points and Keondre Kennedy netted 14 and Kur Kuath had 6 points, 12 rebounds, 5 assists and 5 blocks in the winning effort. Vassilis Toliopoulos netted 31 points on 6-for-18 three-point shooting in the loss. 

<center>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">A second win of the season for <a href="https://twitter.com/hamburgtowers?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@hamburgtowers</a> tonight ✔️ <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/RoadToGreatness?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#RoadToGreatness</a> <a href="https://t.co/lxb74oJaZK">pic.twitter.com/lxb74oJaZK</a></p>&mdash; BKT EuroCup (@EuroCup) <a href="https://twitter.com/EuroCup/status/1856438864375586817?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 12, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

### [Valencia Basket 109-80 Cedevita Olimpija Ljubljana](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/game-center/2024-25/valencia-basket-cedevita-olimpija-ljubljana/U2024/77/)

Valencia used a strong second half to run past Cedevita in the team's first home game since the horrific floods that hit the area two weeks ago. Valencia improved to 7-0 record atop Group B, while Cedevita lost its third straight, dropping to 4-4 on the season. The key in the victory was the third quarter in which Valencia outscored Cedevita 31-10. Valencia had seven scorers in double figures, with Josep Puerto leading the way with 15 and Xabi Lopez-Arostegui adding 14. Devin Robinson netted 16 points for the visitors.

<center><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="sv" dir="ltr">💙💛❤️<br>Final en la Fonteta<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/EstemAmbVosaltres?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#EstemAmbVosaltres</a><br><br>🟠 <a href="https://twitter.com/valenciabasket?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@valenciabasket</a> 109<br>🟢 <a href="https://twitter.com/KKCedOL?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@KKCedOL</a> 80<br><br>🏆 J8 <a href="https://twitter.com/EuroCup?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@EuroCup</a><br>🤝 Vitaldin Sport <a href="https://t.co/8alzkvA88r">pic.twitter.com/8alzkvA88r</a></p>&mdash; Valencia Basket Club (@valenciabasket) <a href="https://twitter.com/valenciabasket/status/1856447617162432885?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 12, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

This is the final round before the mid-season break

Game Center: Road wins for Granca, Bahcesehir among Wednesday's 6 games

Joventut Badalona v Buducnost VOLI Podgorica (2024-11-13T19:30:00.000Z)

Umana Reyer Venice v Turk Telekom Ankara (2024-11-13T19:00:00.000Z)

Valencia Basket v Cedevita Olimpija Ljubljana (2024-11-12T19:30:00.000Z)

Veolia Towers Hamburg v Aris Midea Thessaloniki (2024-11-12T18:30:00.000Z)

Trefl Sopot v Hapoel Shlomo Tel Aviv (2024-11-12T18:00:00.000Z)

Wolves Twinsbet Vilnius v Dolomiti Energia Trento (2024-11-12T17:00:00.000Z)

KK Crvena zvezda and KK Partizan. One cannot be separated from the other, with the Serbian capital boasting two of the most passionately supported clubs anywhere on the planet. In ‘Rivalries: Belgrade’, the final episode from Euroleague Basketball Originals’ latest documentary series, the nature of this rivalry and what makes it so special are laid bare.

‘Rivalries: Belgrade’ explores the basketball-crazy Serbian capital

[Crvena Zvezda Meridianbet Belgrade](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/teams/crvena-zvezda-meridianbet-belgrade/red/) and [Partizan Mozzart Bet Belgrade](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/teams/partizan-mozzart-bet-belgrade/par/). One cannot be separated from the other, with the Serbian capital boasting two of the most passionately supported clubs anywhere on the planet. In ‘Rivalries: Belgrade’, the final episode from Euroleague Basketball Originals’ latest documentary series, the nature of this rivalry and what makes it so special are laid bare.

Basketball fans can [watch this episode right now on EuroLeague TV](https://www.euroleague.tv/video/720195). Several legends on both sides of the divide, such as Partizan head coach Zeljko Obradovic and former Crvena Zvezda great [Igor Rakocevic](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/igor-rakocevic/anb/), who is the only player to have their jersey retired by the red-and-white club, explain why this derby is unlike any other. Many protagonists from recent EuroLeague derbies between Partizan and Crvena Zvezda also share their experiences of playing in the Eternal Derby.

In addition to the stars on the court, this episode of ‘Rivalries’ captures the experiences of fans who live and breathe Crvena Zvezda or Partizan, while highlighting some of Belgrade’s best attractions and cuisine. There really isn’t anything like the Eternal Derby, but find out what it is like to be on the inside by watching ‘Rivalries: Belgrade’.

Check out the other [four episodes of 'Rivalries' – 'Rivalries: Istanbul', 'Rivalries: Italy', 'Rivalries: Greece', and 'Rivalries: El Clásico' – on EuroLeague TV](https://www.euroleague.tv/playlist/26933).

The 'Rivalries' documentary series

The latest episode of Euroleague Basketball Originals’ latest documentary series is out now

Crvena Zvezda Meridianbet Belgrade v Partizan Mozzart Bet Belgrade (2024-11-21T19:00:00.000Z)

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

Euroleague Basketball has announced the following disciplinary sanctions pertaining to incidents that occurred in Round 8 of the 2024-25 Turkish Airlines EuroLeague season.

Round 8 disciplinary sanctions

- Panthinaikos AKTOR Athens has been sanctioned with a fine amounting to €7,500 for the offensive chants committed by its fans on occasion home game against Olympiacos Piraeus under 29.2.f) of the Euroleague Basketball Disciplinary Code.

Check out what the protagonists are saying ahead of Round 8 of the BKT EuroCup, and who might be missing in action.

Round 8: Pre-game quotes and injury reports

## Wednesday, November 13

### U-BT Cluj-Napoca vs. 7Bet-Lietkabelis Panevezys (18:00 CET)

**Mihai Silvasan, U-BT Cluj-Napoca head coach**

"It will be a game just like any other in the EuroCup. I mean, I am sure it will be a very hard game. Even though they do not have the consistency they are looking for, we know how good they can be. We are in the same situation, we do not have the consistency we want. They are a tall team, they play an aggressive type of basketball, with educated players. Against Turk Telekom and Cedevita they played well. Some players will be missing for us, but we will fight for a victory. We want a victory in order to compete for the playoffs."

**Adam Mokoka, U-BT Cluj-Napoca guard**

"Definitely it will be a tough game. We know they can fight, having big size and energy. It will be a special feeling to see Andrija Stipanovic, but we know we cannot give them any chances. We need to win, this is our expectation."

### Besiktas Fibabanka Istanbul vs. Dreamland Gran Canaria (18:00 CET)

\--

### ratiopharm Ulm vs. Bahcesehir College Istanbul (19:00 CET)

\--

### Hapoel Bank Yahav Jerusalem vs. Cosea JL Bourg-en-Bresse (19:00 CET)

**Yonatan Alon, Hapoel Bank Yahav Jerusalem head coach** 

"We will face a very, very tough and highly trained opponent. A team that made it to the finals last year, and it will be a good game."

**Jeremy Morgan, Hapoel Bank Yahav Jerusalem guard**

"Anytime you are playing a good team it’s gonna be a fight and it’s a big game so that’s why we just got to come ready to fight. it’s coming down to the little things, It’s gonna come down to offensive rebounds, 50-50 balls and those are the little things that we have to get on our side."

**Frederic Fauthoux, Cosea JL Bourg-en-Bresse head coach**

"The Hapoel Jerusalem team is a serious competitor with good defense and team play. It's a new challenge that awaits us, and it's going to be a difficult game again. We will have to put in the intensity for this away game."

**Brandon Paul, Cosea JL Bourg-en-Bresse guard**

"Tomorrow is an important game against a talented team that has a somewhat similar style of play to us, it will be a challenge for us, and we’re looking forward to continuing our sense of urgency on the road!" 

### Umana Reyer Venice vs. Turk Telekom Ankara (20:00 CET)

**Neven Spahija, Umana Reyer Venice head coach**

"Finally, we're back to playing at home after a series of very tough away games. We’re improving day by day as our players recover. Our fans will help us in this game. Turk Telekom is a very strong and well-coached team; they've strengthened with Angola and Smith, two fantastic players. They are capable of playing different styles of basketball, both offensively and defensively. They're truly a solid team."

**Jordan Parks, Umana Reyer Venice forward**

"We want to keep growing and building our identity. We came very close to two important wins on the road in our recent games. Now we have a deeper rotation and we need to be ready. We want to keep fighting and turn our season around. Our fans are very important to us, and we're happy to be back playing at home. In difficult times, with so many injuries and high expectations, our supporters are a resource that gives us courage and energy. So, we thank all the fans who always support us; we play for this jersey and for them. We want to offer fun, entertainment, and a lot of love. I hope there will be many fans at Taliercio; their energy will help us."

**Injury report, Reyer:** Xavier Munford (knee surgery) is out; Tyler Ennis (sprained knee) is a game-time decision.

### Joventut Badalona vs. Buducnost VOLI Podgorica (20:30 CET)

\--

## Tuesday, November 12

### Wolves Twinsbet Vilnius vs. Dolomiti Energia Trento (18:00 CET)

**Alessandro Magro, Wolves Twinsbet Vilnius head coach**

"They are probably one of the best teams in Europe right now. They won against Hapoel, they won against Joventut, and they are the first with a 7-0 record in the Italian League, so they have great confidence. The Italian team with Italian coach. The coaching and the basketball style are similar to ours, so the game will be pretty interesting to watch."

**Anthony Cowan, Wolves Twinsbet Vilnius guard**

"It's definitely going to be an up-and-down game. It's a very important game for both teams. They obviously play really well in their Italian League, so it's important for us to pay attention to details and hopefully get a big home game win in front of our fans."

**Paolo Galbiati, Dolomiti Energia Trento head coach**

“On Tuesday we will face a team in great shape, masterfully coached by a top-level coach that we know very well. They are a tough and very physical team, capable of winning both through great offensive plays and through solid defense. We will have to regenerate, recharge our batteries and take the field with the right energy to play our game."

**Eigirdas Zukauskas, Dolomiti Energia Trento forward**

"The game against Wolves will be very challenging, especially on a difficult court that I know very well. They are going through a great moment of form, with six consecutive wins between league and EuroCup, including prestigious wins against Zalgiris and Gran Canaria. To compete on such a hostile ground and try to win, we will have to express our best version and give our best in every aspect of the game."

### Trefl Sopot vs. Hapoel Shlomo Tel Aviv (19:00 CET)

**Stefanos Dedas, Hapoel Shlomo Tel Aviv head coach**

"One more important game that we obliged to win! Sopot will be extra motivated to beat us. We have to keep our concentration for 40 minutes and play as a team."

**Noam Yaacov, Hapoel Shlomo Tel Aviv guard**

"Our EuroCup standings are tight, so every detail in the game against Sopot will count. We’re coming in focused, ready to execute our plan and control the pace to secure the win we need."

### Veolia Towers Hamburg vs. Aris Midea Thessaloniki (19:30 CET)

**Benka Barloschky, Veolia Towers Hamburg head coach**

"Aris will defend very physically. They have a number of specialists in their squad in defense, who will certainly take on Brae and Jaizec in particular. They have a lot of experience, but at the same time they have also undergone a decisive change recently with the departure of their previous starting guard to Tel Aviv. That does something to a team: roles are redistributed once again. That makes Aris more unpredictable overall. What also makes the game a little more special is that we'll probably experience something of an away atmosphere at home."

### Valencia Basket vs. Cedevita Olimpija Ljubljana (20:30 CET)

**Pedro Martinez, Valencia Basket head coach**

"\[Cedevita Olimpija\] is one of the teams that is doing well in our group. They have quite experienced players, some of whom I know because I coached them last year, like Geben and Robinson. But they have Blazic, who is a sensational player, who has had a very good career. We think it's going to be a tough game, in the sense that it's going to be a close game. We are not thinking that it will be an easy game. We have to try to play well, to overcome the difficulties that we are sure we are going to find, and above all, to know that they are a direct rival in our group to be in the upper zone. We have a certain advantage over them, but that advantage would be lost if they beat us tomorrow. Therefore, we have to try to consolidate the advantage we have tomorrow, as we are playing at home. I understand the mood, everything is very close. There have been some people very close to the club who have passed away. Obviously, that is not easy to bear and we cannot say that nothing is happening. Obviously, it does happen. And we also know that we have a lot of fans from the affected area who will probably not be able to come. We are going to play for everyone and try to do our job as well as possible. And the only thing I ask of the players, and it is not easy because the other day we saw that it is not easy, is that when the match starts we have to be ready for the game."

**Đorđe Adžić, Cedevita Olimpija Ljubljana assistant coach**

"Given our recent form and performances, and considering Valencia's quality, we certainly aren’t the favorites for Tuesday's game. Nevertheless, our aim is to give our best and represent ourselves well on the court. Valencia is built to achieve the highest goals in the EuroCup, with some players remaining from previous EuroLeague seasons, so they are well-covered in all positions. Their guards are talented, and their big men are very challenging since they can also score from long range. Their entire team averages over ten three-pointers per game in the EuroCup, and offensive rebounds are critical for them. They play aggressive defense and have players specifically for defensive roles, so we need to adjust to the aggressiveness that awaits us on Tuesday. Given that Valencia has played only one game recently, we might be slightly better in terms of energy. It's up to us to show what we can do and capitalize on their lack of recent games. I hope our team responds well to recent games, and that we look much better in the upcoming period. The situation in Valencia has definitely impacted the club, and as Chechu Mulero, the sports director, has worked here for years, it affected us too, as we saw how deeply this situation touched him. Everyone in the club sympathizes with those affected by the disaster. It's good that sports are returning, the fans will come, and we can’t wait to experience the atmosphere"

**Jaka Blažič, Cedevita Olimpija Ljubljana guard**

"We are expecting an extremely tough match against an excellent Valencia team. Looking at the current standings in our group, Valencia is definitely the best team, so this task won’t be easy. Our opponents have many strengths. They play excellently, especially in defense with high aggression. Offensively, they score many easy points with quick play, shoot frequently from three-point range, and are strong on offensive rebounds. We’re ready, aware of the biggest threats, and I hope we execute our game plan on Tuesday. Valencia itself is in good condition, with no visible aftermath, but we know what happened in the surrounding area. On behalf of the entire team, I offer support to everyone affected, and we hope for the best."

KK Partizan (2-6) and FC Barcelona (6-2) go head to head in Round 9's Rivalry Series game, but which team do the Euroleague.net experts – Geoff Gillingham, Javier Gancedo, Igor Petrinovic and Frankie Sachs – think will come out on top?

Rivalry Series: Predicting the winner of Partizan vs. Barcelona

[Partizan Mozzart Bet Belgrade](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/teams/partizan-mozzart-bet-belgrade/par/) (2-6) and [FC Barcelona](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/teams/fc-barcelona/bar/) (6-2) go head to head at Belgrade Arena in Round 9's Rivalry Series game on Wednesday night, but which team do the [Euroleague.net](http://Euroleague.net) experts think will come out on top?

[Geoff Gillingham](https://x.com/GeoffGillingham), [Javier Gancedo](https://x.com/ganchetto), [Igor Petrinovic](https://x.com/IgorPetrinovic) and [Frankie Sachs](https://x.com/MrEuroleague) have all predicted their winner in this Rivalry Series matchup, but you can submit your vote via the poll at the bottom of the page.

**Geoff:** The form book should make this one an easy result to call. Barcelona has won six of its last seven games and is joint top of the Turkish Airlines EuroLeague standings, while Partizan is on a four-game losing skid. Simple, right? Well, not quite. Partizan can count on some of the best fans in the world and I think that will make the difference as they spur their team on to a surprise victory. Much of the attention, particularly pre-game, will be on Kevin Punter, but it will be Partizan's new stars – Carlik Jones, Iffe Lundberg and Tyrique Jones – who are the topic of conversation afterward.

Geoff's prediction: **Partizan to win by 5 points or fewer.**

<center>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="und" dir="ltr">Crno-beli u sredu dočekuju <a href="https://twitter.com/FCBbasket?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@FCBbasket</a> pred punom Beogradskom arenom!✊🏽⚫️⚪️<br><br>Ulaznice za utakmicu moguće je kupiti isključivo putem resale opcije!<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://t.co/7gJNAm3UUg">pic.twitter.com/7gJNAm3UUg</a></p>&mdash; KK Partizan Mozzart Bet (@PartizanBC) <a href="https://twitter.com/PartizanBC/status/1855978633443127583?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 11, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

**Javier:** It is going to be a special game for Kevin Punter and I really think this game has been marked in red in his calendar since July. Partizan has been playing better and some of its new players are now fully adjusted to the team – Carlik Jones in particular. The fact that Barcelona stars Jan Vesely and Punter played for coach Zeljko Obradovic for several seasons certainly helps the hosts. But, that said, Punter is in great form right now, creating shots in one-on-one situations and making most of them. He is more than used to the fervent atmosphere at Belgrade Arena and will lead Barcelona to a road win.

Javier's prediction: **Barcelona to win by more than 5, Punter gets 20+ points.**

<center>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="ca" dir="ltr">Tothom vol una 📸 amb <a href="https://twitter.com/KPJunior_?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@KPJunior_</a> ❤️❤️❤️❤️ <a href="https://t.co/XLv4ehJgue">pic.twitter.com/XLv4ehJgue</a></p>&mdash; Barça Basket (@FCBbasket) <a href="https://twitter.com/FCBbasket/status/1856453937043239240?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 12, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

**Igor:** Partizan has struggled a lot on offense, averaging just 71.5 points during its four-game losing streak. It has not scored more than 74 points in any of those four losses, while shooting just 32.3% from behind the arc. Barcelona, on the other hand, is averaging 86.4 points this season, second best in the league. The hosts will need their offense to start clicking because I don't think the lift Partizan fans get from its fans will be enough to overcome the gap. The welcome that Punter (and Vesely) will receive will surely be memorable, but the two have also been Barcelona's best players and I think they will deliver at Belgrade Arena, disappointing the fans that love them so much.

Igor's prediction: **Barcelona to win by 8.**

<center>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">𝑳𝒆𝒈𝒆𝒏𝒅𝒔 𝒐𝒇 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒈𝒂𝒎𝒆 ✨<br><br>Everybody loves Kevin ❤️❤️❤️<a href="https://twitter.com/PartizanBC?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@PartizanBC</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/EuroLeague?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@EuroLeague</a> <a href="https://t.co/OY6hp4utoZ">pic.twitter.com/OY6hp4utoZ</a></p>&mdash; Barça Basket (@FCBbasket) <a href="https://twitter.com/FCBbasket/status/1856669016615428279?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 13, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

**Frankie:** I would love to see Partizan put it all together on Wednesday. Almost every chance I have had, I’ve said that I think the talent on Partizan’s roster is super exciting. I have a hunch that if this game was a month from now, I would give Partizan a shot. But the game is not in December and Partizan is riding a four-game losing streak, including two at home – against teams below Barcelona in the standings. Barcelona has won two of its last three road games and, as has been mentioned in all previews, has players who know the Serbian capital well as former Partizan players. The visitors’ combined experience should help neutralize Partizan’s home-court advantage and see them come out on top come the final buzzer.

Frankie's prediction: **Barcelona to win by multiple possessions.**

The two teams face off this Wednesday night