Andy West previews the latest round of games in the 2025-26 BKT EuroCup season
At a glance: A top-two clash in Group B takes center stage in Round 14
Game Preview
7 Min lectura
The race for the playoffs is heating up in the BKT EuroCup, with several key matchups between direct rivals coming up in Round 14. Here’s your guide to Tuesday and Wednesday’s action.
Tuesday, January 13
Bahcesehir College Istanbul vs. BAXI Manresa (17:00 CET)
Group A’s second-placed Bahcesehir (9-4) will look to take a significant lead over one of the chasing pack, Manresa (7-6). The Spanish team, which needs to win by 15 or more to claim head-to-head advantage, got back into winning ways last week with an offensive explosion led by Retin Obasohan (18 points, 6 assists) to crush Aris. But Bahcesehir is also confident after winning three of the last four, demonstrating impressive defense to hold Cedevita to just 59 points last week. The inside presence of Tyler Cavanaugh was crucial to that victory with a double-double of 12 points and 10 rebounds, and he’ll look to stay strong against Manresa’s dependable Grant Golden.
Neptunas Kleipeda vs. Cedevita Olimpija Ljubljana (18:00 CET)
Neptunas (6-7) will hope to grab another victory and strengthen its push for the top six by downing third-placed Cedevita (8-5). The Slovenian team is targeting offensive improvement after being held to just 59 points in last week’s loss to Bahcesehir, and needs more than just reliable scorer Umoja Gibson (16.2 points per game) to emerge from a worrying drop in form with three losses out of four. The hosts got back into winning ways by surviving a close call against Hamburg in Round 13, with Rihards Lomasz extending the great form which has seen him score at least 14 points in 10 straight games, but shutting down Cedevita is a different proposition.
U-BT Cluj-Napoca vs. Veolia Towers Hamburg (18:00 CET)
Playoff-chasing Cluj (7-6) will attempt to stay in the top six by making sure that rock-bottom Hamburg (0-13) remains winless. Cluj will rely on the consistent inside presence of Dusan Miletic and Mitch Creek, who combined for 34 points and 14 rebounds in last week’s loss at Reyer. Hamburg’s strength, in contrast, lies in the backcourt through recent signing Ross Williams, who exploded for 32 points in last week’s narrow loss to Neptunas. Cluj has won three of its last four at home with a remarkable average of 107.3 points scored in those victories, and triumphed easily, 76-95, when the teams met in October, so will be determined to show no mercy.
Dolomiti Energia Trento vs. Panionios Cosmorama Travel Athens (20:00 CET)
Trento (7-6) will look to protect its place in the playoff positions with a visit from improving Panionios (2-11). The Greek team ended a long losing run by shocking Buducnost last week, and new backcourt signing Joe Thomasson will look to maintain his strong start after netting 16 points in that game. Trento is looking to start another winning run after being outlasted at Turk Telekom, and sharpshooting Peyton Aldridge will hope to extend his eight game three-point scoring streak. October’s meeting between the teams saw Trento prevail, 87-91, thanks to a fourth quarter rally behind DeVante' Jones, but Panionios will seek revenge with the motivation of attempting to hold off elimination for another week.
Wednesday, January 14
Turk Telekom Ankara vs. London Lions (17:00 CET)
Turk Telekom’s (8-5) quest to climb into Group B’s top two continues with a visit from equally in-need London (5-8). The English team has lost three out of the last four to fall away from the top six, despite a strong start with the team from recent signing Shavar Reynolds (15 points and 4 steals against Chemnitz last week). Turk Telekom, conversely, got back into winning ways by narrowly holding off Trento, with six double-digit scorers led by 16 points from Kris Bankston. The Turkish team’s depth of talent could be crucial against a London team which couldn’t contain Kyle Allman when the teams met in October – the guard posted 22 points to lead a road victory.
ratiopharm ulm vs. NINERS Chemnitz (19:00 CET)
A crucial German derby will see Ulm (5-8) attempt to revive its playoff ambitions at the expense of Chemnitz (7-6). The visitors arrive in much better shape after making it four straight wins by downing London last week, featuring a breakout performance from forward Kostja Mushidi (22 points, 5 assists). He is one of the threats to an Ulm team which has slipped steadily down the standings by losing six out of the last seven. Chris Ledlum’s consistent form (17 points at Besiktas last time out) has been a rare positive, but Ulm must focus on improving a leaky defense which has allowed an average of 92.2 points per game.
Buducnost VOLI Podgorica vs. Lietkabelis Panevezys (19:00 CET)
Buducnost (8-5) is seeking a return to winning ways as it faces a Lietkabelis team (3-10) on the verge of elimination. The Montenegrin team suffered a shock loss at Panionios last week but will be pleased to return to a home floor where it has won five in a row, while Lietkabelis has lost four of its last five despite putting up a good fight against group leader Bourg last time out. The return from injury of free-scoring guard Jamel Morris (12.5 points per game) gives the visiting team some optimism, but Buducnost poured in 98 points to triumph when the teams met in Round 5, and has big man Nikola Tanaskovic in fine form after averaging 16.5 points in the last four games.
Aris Thessaloniki Betsson vs. Hapoel Midtown Jerusalem (19:00 CET)
Aris (6-7) will look to climb into Group A’s all-important top six by upsetting red-hot group leader Jerusalem (11-2). Aris has lost two in a row after allowing 113 points against Manresa last week and must improve drastically on defense to fare better against the best offense in the competition, while also hoping that Amine Noua continues his return to form after netting 23 points last time out. Jerusalem’s latest high-scoring victory was a remarkable 43-point triumph at Slask, featuring big man Austin Wiley’s fifth double-double of the season. With 10 straight victories, Jerusalem is the competition’s hottest team and advancing rapidly towards securing a top-two finish, but new Aris signing Kostas Antetokounmpo will be determined to stop them.
Cosea JL Bourg-en-Bresse vs. Besiktas GAIN Istanbul (19:30 CET)
Group A’s top two go head-to-head in a crucial showdown as Bourg (11-2) attempts to hold off Besiktas (9-4). Bourg has already qualified for the postseason, and can now take a three-game distance over second place by producing another defensive masterclass after holding its opponents to less than 80 points in three straight games. But Besiktas – which ended a two-game losing streak by downing Ulm last week – thrashed the French team 90-60 in Round 5 behind 15 points and 14 rebounds from Ante Zizic, and home team big man Kevin Kokila knows he must offer more resistance this time – he warmed up for the showdown with 18 points and 7 rebounds to power last week’s win over Lietkabelis.
Umana Reyer Venice vs. Slask Wroclaw (20:00 CET)
Reyer (7-6) has the aim of keeping its top-two hopes alive by handing another defeat to struggling Slask (4-9). The Italian team has hit top form with three straight victories, while Slask has slipped to five straight losses due to a leaky defense which has was blasted to the tune of 115 points by Jerusalem last week. Reyer’s latest victory, over Cluj in Round 13, was powered by 18 points, 8 rebounds and 4 assists from RJ Cole, and his return to top form comes at a good time to confront visiting playmaker Kadre Grey. Reyer won 92-104 when the teams met in Round 5, and will definitely finish above Slask if it wins again this week.