Buducnost VOLI Podgorica allowed only 7 points in the third quarter and coasted to a 101-71 victory over ratiopharm Ulm to secure its fifth straight win 

Aggressive third-quarter defense helped Buducnost beat Ulm, extend winning streak

Those wondering how Buducnost VOLI Podgorica beat ratiopharm ulm in Round 8 at home really only need to look at the dominant third quarter. The other clear factor was a strong balanced attack to keep both teams’ rolls going.

Buducnost allowed only 7 points in the third quarter and coasted to a 101-71 victory over Ulm to secure its fifth straight win and a 6-2 record in the upper echelons of Group B. Ulm crashed to another big loss - its third in the last four games for a 4-4 mark - and is left looking for answers.

“Congrats to the guys. We wanted to continue our winning streak in the EuroCup and this is now the fifth one in a row. This is not easy to achieve, but we are playing well at the beginning of the season. We played a good game and deserve to win,” said Buducnost coach Andrej Zakelj.

The Montenegro team had five players score in double figures - topped by Rasheed Sulaimon’s 19 points - 16 of them coming in the first half. Oleksandr Kovliar added 13 points and 4 assists and Nikola Tanaskovic, Yogi Ferrell and Skylar Mays all had 11 points.

“We wanted to come out aggressive. It was a true balanced team win. I am super proud of our guys. We wanted to make sure that we play aggressive and play together and make smart players. And we’re excited about the outcome,” said Mays, who also chipped in 4 rebounds, 4 assists and 2 steals.

After nine lead changes in the first 10 minutes, Buducnost surged ahead by 12 points by midway through the second quarter and was up 53-44 at the break.

The hosts used the long ball for a 26-5 run to start the second half for a 30-point lead late in the third quarter, and that decided the game. Ulm fought back a bit in the final frame, trimming the margin to 20 points, but Zakelj was never nervous.

"In the first half, we were not tough enough and gave them some easy shots. In the third quarter, we started to play better defense and more aggressive. We secured the win in the third quarter,” said the coach.

Zakelj’s team dished out 21 assists; out-rebounded Ulm 39-24; and buried 14 of 24 three-pointers (58.3%). Buducnost turned 11 offensive rebounds into 18 second-chance points and created 24 points off Ulm’s 14 turnovers.

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Ulm coach Ty Harrelson was happy with the competitive nature of his young team, but once again, he saw a nightmare third quarter.

“It was a tough third quarter and we couldn’t find a way to score. We were dominated on the rebounds the entire game. We still have a lot of work to do. I actually think we played a pretty good first half, but we still found ourselves down by 9. We’re going to have to find solutions to score when we are in regular action, not after timeouts,” said the coach, whose team only had 5 points in the third quarter of the 32-point blowout home loss in Round 7 to Cosea JL Bourg-en-Bresse.

One of the few bright spots for Ulm was 21-year-old guard Tobias Jensen, who had 15 points and a career high 11 assists while committing only 1 turnover in 30 minutes.

“I think Tobias Jensen really played a fantastic game. We really needed him on the court for 40 minutes. I don’t know if that’s realistic though,” Harrelson said. “In a game we lose by 30, he was only -7 in plus-minus. When he was in there, we were competitive, but when he wasn’t, we were not.”

Game News

The hosts give up just 7 points to Ulm in the period and roll to a fifth straight win 

Buducnost VOLI Podgorica v ratiopharm ulm (2025-11-18T18:00:00.000Z)

Hapoel Midtown Jerusalem showed its depth to overcome U-BT Cluj Napoca 89-101 after breaking the club’s record for points scored in a single quarter and then seeing its 18-point lead wiped out in a spectacular EuroCup clash. 

Strong start and finish powers Jerusalem past Cluj 

Hapoel Midtown Jerusalem showed its depth to overcome U-BT Cluj Napoca 89-101 after breaking the club’s record for points scored in a single quarter and then seeing its 18-point lead wiped out in a spectacular EuroCup clash.

The Israeli team, which improved to 6-2 to move atop the Group A standings, looked set for plain sailing after shooting the lights out in the opening 10 minutes to carve out a whopping 21-38 advantage, sinking 6-of-7 from downtown as the points rained in from all angles. Cluj looked completely at sea and appeared bound for a drubbing as Jerusalem – which shattered the previous record of 34 points in a single quarter the club had accomplished on three separate occasions – continued to dominate in the second quarter.

The tide turned in the third as Cluj started to fire on all cylinders and produced a 32-13 run to take a 75-71 lead in the closing stages of the period, with Jerusalem’s livewire guard Jared Harper limping off with a cramp while the home crowd raised the decibel level through the roof.

The rollercoaster continued until the last few minutes of the game, when Jerusalem took the lead for good, 88-89, and steamrolled home thanks to flawless teamwork that saw six visiting players finish in double figures. The Israeli team was paced by the versatile Anthony Lamb, who amassed 17 points, 7 boards and 4 assists while Harper netted 16 points before he was forced to leave the game. 

Lamb was delighted with the outcome as well as with the prospect of Jerusalem finally being able to play its home games back in the Israeli capital, having heaped praise on the club’s diehard fans.

“It’s good to get another win and carry on with the streak,” Lamb said in his post-game comments. We started really strong and scored a lot of points in the first quarter, but then they came on a run and attacked us the whole game from that point. We took the lead back and stayed strong in the fourth quarter.

“We are also grateful for the opportunity to get the (home) games back in Israel and we’re super excited for our fans. It’s what they deserve for showing us some much love, coming to all these away games. I am excited and ready for it."

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After the game, Harper dispelled fears he would be sidelined for long. Standing on his feet and with a broad smile on his face, he said: “Thank you for your thoughts and concerns. I will be okay. I suffered an injury, but I’ll be back on the court soon. The team showed up and had a great win on the road.”

Cluj put up a great fight to get back into the game and looked capable of staging what would have amounted to an impressive comeback, but the hosts ran out of steam in the home straight and Jerusalem duly took advantage. Head coach Mihai Sivasan could only offer a wry smile as he conceded that a poor start ultimately cost his team, which used up all the gas in a valiant catch-up effort. 

“It’s the third home game we’ve lost in the EuroCup, but it is what it is and we move forward,” he said. "It was the last game before the break in the competition. I am proud of how my guys fought in the second half, but unfortunately, we couldn’t finish the job. They were a little stronger in the last quarter and we couldn’t finish the comeback. We didn’t have the best night as we started slow and the first quarter was a mess as we were soft defensively.”

The visiting team forced the final twist in the last few minutes of a rip-roaring contest 

U-BT Cluj-Napoca v Hapoel Midtown Jerusalem (2025-11-18T17:00:00.000Z)

Amine Noua pulled off an extraordinary outing to lead Aris Thessaloniki Betsson to an 87-93 road win at Neptunas Klaipeda in Round 8 of the 2025-26 BKT EuroCup

Amine Noua sets the tone as Aris flips the switch with win at Neptunas

It’s been less than two weeks since the day that Aris Thessaloniki Betsson announced the arrival of former EuroLeague player Amine Noua. A slow start to the season was followed by the dismissal of head coach Bogdan Karaicic, who was replaced by Igor Milicic. Reinforcements were on their way too, with Noua being the first midseason signing in Aris’s bid to beef up its roster.

The Frenchman scored 9 points on his debut against Bahcesehir College Istanbul last week, with Aris showing signs of improvement despite losing 76-86 to one of the BKT EuroCup's title contenders. What followed on Tuesday evening has definitely put a huge smile on fans’ faces, as Noua pulled off an extraordinary outing to lead Aris to an 87-93 road win at Neptunas Klaipeda.

The 28-year-old forward ended the game on 24 points, having gone 5-for-8 from inside the arc, 3-for-5 from deep and 5-for-7 from the free-throw line. He also picked up 8 rebounds, 3 of which came on the offensive end. More importantly, he delivered both in his natural power-forward position, as well as at center in a small-ball formation when Aris tried to contain Neptunas’s 5-out offense.

“I feel so great right now,” Noua said after the game. “Really proud of my team tonight. We gave everything. It’s not very easy to win here at Neptunas, but we played together for 40 minutes. There were many ups and downs, but in the end we fought and we got a great win. We came from a long trip. There was lots of tiredness. But we stuck together and mentally we were there.”

Aris didn’t start the game as it may have hoped. Neptunas fired on all cylinders from beyond the rainbow and took a 28-21 lead after 10 minutes. Yet, the Greek side tightened up its defense, protected the boards and dictated the tempo to outscore the hosts 18-29 in the second quarter.

“We secured the rebounds in the second quarter, where Neptunas didn’t have a single offensive rebound,” Milicic said after the game. “We defended a little bit better in these drive-and-kick situations. We didn’t give them so many open threes. When we caught momentum, it was different. Then, we played too fast for them and we scored, as our moves from defense to offensive transition were solid. That’s why we were up at halftime.”

With Noua scoring 16 points in the first half and Elijah Mitrou-Long netting 11, Aris secured a 46-50 cushion after 20 minutes. But the Frenchman was anything but satisfied at halftime.

“We have to change the pace,” he noted. “They make so many easy baskets, easy layups, easy three-pointers. We have to make stops first and then play our game. Be intense, play with energy and keep going.”

<center>
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And that’s precisely what Aris did after the break. The visitors held one of the finest offenses in the EuroCup to just 3 points in the first 7 minutes of the third quarter and went on a 0-16 spurt to open a 49-66 lead.

Neptunas responded with a 12-2 run, but Aris maintained a 64-73 advantage heading into the closing quarter. Then, Bryce Jones took over with back-to-back midrange jumpers to make it 78-90. The hosts didn’t give up and drained 3 straight triples that brought them within 87-90, making it a one-possession game with just a minute remaining.

Enter Mitrou-Long, who netted a step-back three to practically put the game to bed, allowing Aris to improve its record to 4-4.

Mitrou-Long and Jones bagged 17 points each, with the latter also recording 8 rebounds, 7 assists and 4 steals in a complete display. The two Aris guards were the players who clinched the road victory in the fourth quarter, but in Noua Aris may have well found the man who has flipped the switch for the Greek side.

With experienced guard Danilo Andjusic also joining to give Aris a midseason lift, the Greek side will look to bounce back from adversity. And the win at Neptunas may have just been the turning point for their season.

The French forward paired his 24 points with 8 rebounds in solid outing on Lithuanian soil

Neptunas Klaipeda v Aris Thessaloniki Betsson (2025-11-18T17:00:00.000Z)

Aris Thessaloniki Betsson has strengthened its backcourt with the addition of veteran sharpshooter Danilo Andjusic, who signed a deal for the remainder of the season. Andjusic (1.96 meters, 34 years old) arrives from Dubai Basketball, where he saw limited action this season

Sharpshooter Danilo Andjusic joins Aris

[Aris Thessaloniki Betsson](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/teams/aris-thessaloniki-betsson/ari/) has strengthened its backcourt with the addition of veteran sharpshooter [Danilo Andjusic](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/players/danilo-andjusic/000956/), who signed a deal for the remainder of the season. Andjusic (1.96 meters, 34 years old) arrives from Dubai Basketball, where he saw limited action this season. He appeared in one EuroLeague game and one ABA League game for Dubai this season. Last season, Andjusic averaged 11.0 points per game in the ABA League while connecting on 36.4% of his three-point attempts.

He brings a wealth of experience to Aris, including parts of seven seasons in the EuroLeague. Andjusic played four of those campaigns with Partizan Mozzart Bet Belgrade. After starting his professional career with Hemofarm Vrsac, Andjusic has showcased his scoring ability across Europe.

<center>
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His résumé includes stints with Virtus Bologna in Italy, Valladolid and Bilbao Basket in Spain, Anwil Wloclawek in Poland, Parma Perm and UNICS Kazan in Russia, Igokea Aleksandrovac in Bosnia and Herzegovina, and French clubs JL Bourg en Bresse and AS Monaco. Andjusic last played in the EuroCup for Bourg during the 2020-21 season.

Andjusic captured the Serbian League and Cup double and the 2023 ABA crown with Partizan in 2012 and lifted the Bosnian Cup with Igokea in 2019. He has also played for the Serbian national team at the junior and senior levels. With his proven shooting touch and leadership, Andjusic can be expected to play a key role for Aris as the team looks to make a run under Coach Igor Milicic.

The latest Aris news

The Greek side adds a proven scorer with a track record across Europe’s top leagues

Slask Wroclaw has been one of this season’s biggest surprises in the BKT EuroCup. After posting a combined 6-46 record from 2021 to 2024, the team is now 3–4 in Group A and riding a three-game home winning streak. Their latest victory came in Round 7, a 92–81 win over Veolia Towers Hamburg, led by 19 points and 5 assists from playmaker Issuf Sanon. The Ukrainian guard returned to the EuroCup this season after a year away, taking on a leading role with Slask.

Issuf Sanon, Slask: 'I have been missing these referees'

[Slask Wroclaw](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/teams/slask-wroclaw/wro/) has been one of this season’s biggest surprises in the BKT EuroCup. After posting a combined 6-46 record from 2021 to 2024, the team is now 3–4 in Group A and riding a three-game home winning streak.

Their latest victory came in Round 7, [a 92–81 win over Veolia Towers Hamburg](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/news/ec2526-rs7-insight-wro-ham/), led by 19 points and 5 assists from playmaker [Issuf Sanon](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/players/issuf-sanon/011947/). The Ukrainian guard returned to the EuroCup this season after a year away, taking on a leading role with Slask.

Sanon previously debuted in the EuroCup with Prometey Slobozhanske, helping the club reach the 2023 semifinals. Now with Slask, he’s averaging 11.5 points, 2.8 rebounds, and 3.2 assists in six games, coming off the bench for about 21 minutes per night.

Surprisingly, there’s one thing he especially missed during his year away from the competition: the referees. As he explained in this [EuroCupBasketball.com](http://EuroCupBasketball.com) interview, he has become one of their biggest fans.

**Q: Hello, Issuf. First of all, congratulations on beating Hamburg. This is your third win at home. What did you do well this time?**

“I think we just had to stick to our game plan and just do what Coach asked. But the main thing is that we just have to focus on our main offensive skills and just do what we can do the best. I think we are more offensive-minded than defensive, but we still have to play defense.

“And if we are talking about this game with Hamburg, I think we really stuck to the plan and just did what we do best: run and score the easiest points. So I think that was the main key.”

**Q: You already won three games at home. Winning on the road is the next step for Slask. How do you take the good things you're doing at home and apply them on the road?**

“I think we have to be focused for 40 minutes because if you can see our games, sometimes we focus for 30 minutes, 25, 22 — not 40 minutes. So we are losing some focus and that’s how our opponents got us.

“At the end of the day, we just need to be focused and stick to the plan that Coach gives us before the game. And I think we are going to be good. Make it simple, like everybody is saying.

“We were not focused early in the game against Aris; I think we started 23–5 or something. We were down by 20–25 and in the last five minutes, it was minus seven. We started playing too late and our opponents kept going. If we manage to be focused from the first minute to the last minute, for exactly 40 minutes, that will be the main key for us.”

Issuf Sanon joined Slask Wroclaw this season.

Rounds 1-7 highlights: Issuf Sanon, Slask 

**Q: Let's talk about Polish basketball. The national team has done well in many competitions but the clubs struggle a bit. Now that you’ve been there for a few months, what do you think?**

“Well, the players that do big things in their national team are not playing in Poland, so that is one of the main factors. Most of their main players probably play outside of Poland. If you check the games, you would say the main guys who lead the team, I think all of them play outside.

“Even with that, I would say the Polish League is kind of an underrated championship because everybody thinks Poland is a weak basketball country. But if you come here and play, you will find it is completely the opposite, because the guys out here play physical, they play strong. People who have never been here think it’s easy, but it isn’t.”

**Q: After two years of EuroCup experience and a strong season with VEF Riga, did you join Slask to take on a leading role?**

“Yes, exactly. That’s why I came here, and also because Coach Bagatskis is my basketball father, I can put it like that. We have known each other for 8–9 years already, I can’t even count it. It has been a long time.

“I knew that if I signed here, I would be one of the first options in the team, and well, Coach knows me and I know him. Like I said, we have known each other for a long time — it is easy to adapt to each other. I think these two things were the most critical ones in my decision.”

**Q: How was the experience with Prometey — playing in Riga, reaching the semifinals, and meeting Ukrainian fans along the way?**

“I would say it’s the best team I have ever played for because of our mentality, the team’s chemistry — what we had as a team… I never experienced anything like that.

“I hope one day I will come back to the team and experience it again because the vibe out there, how we understood each other, how we moved… man, it was something. I don’t even know how to describe it.

“I never felt like that. I just had to look at my teammate to understand exactly what he was going to do. And this is a great situation for a player like me who is always trying to learn.

“I think those were my best two years because I learned a lot from the guys and the coaches: how to win, how to be a good player and how to play around good players. When you are around good players, you don’t have to be selfish. In Prometey, I had to spread the floor, share the ball and help my teammates.

“It was a very good experience that I would never trade. If someone had asked me back then if I wanted to go to another team, I would say ‘hell no.’ I definitely wanted to stay there and experience all of that. It was unbelievable, man. Unbelievable.”

**Q: You face Bahcesehir at home this week. How big of a test is this for Slask?**

“I wouldn’t say it is a test for us. Like you said, the last time we played EuroCup, it wasn’t that good. We expect to do way more than we did two years ago.

“We have a big goal, which is improving game by game. This game is another chance for us to show what we are about.”

**Q: You were away from the EuroCup for a year. What did you miss most about the competition?**

“Referees, man! There is a high level of referees. I have been playing a lot in other competitions. I want to humbly say that the referees out there need to learn a lot of things. I am being humble — please put it like that. I am saying it humbly and in a good way.

“They still need to learn a lot because the way they call games out there, man… you know, after some games, I wanted to quit. You work your ass off to do some things and a referee tells me that I am too strong and this is why he is not giving me calls. Because I am too strong! Come on, man.

“So yeah, EuroCup referees are high-level guys. They are not judging, but refereeing. Some referees judge. They say, ‘I think it is not.’ This is not about what you think — we have a book of rules. You just have to do what’s in the rules. Don’t tell me, ‘I think…’. I don’t care what you think, I want it like it is in the rules. If it is a foul, it is a foul and if it isn’t, it isn’t.

“For me, that was the most painful thing. I am kind of emotional because for me, referees are the main thing — they run the game, and if they make three or five bad calls, the opposite team can be frustrated and not understand how to play.

“If you play well and do everything but the referees call dumb-ass fouls, it just ruins the game. So yes: referees. I would say one thing — r-e-f-e-r-e-e-s — and that’s it.”

**Q: I’m sure the EuroCup referees will appreciate the love…**

“I am just being honest! I was in the EuroCup for two years, got out one year, and man, I have been missing these referees. You can see how I come to them each time before the games. I hug them, almost kiss them. I am being serious, man.

“For me, it is really a big blessing when I see these guys. Even when they make mistakes, they will come and say, ‘Hey man, I made a mistake, we are all human.’ And for me, as a man, this is the most important. If he didn’t call a foul and says, ‘Hey man, maybe it is a foul but I missed it.’ Thank you! It is always good to hear!

“Because I can’t really play basketball when the referees do the opposite of what they are supposed to do.”

<center>
<blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/reel/DOtN9DEDIRR/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14" style=" background:#FFF; border:0; border-radius:3px; box-shadow:0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width:540px; min-width:326px; padding:0; width:99.375%; width:-webkit-calc(100% - 2px); width:calc(100% - 2px);"><div style="padding:16px;"> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/reel/DOtN9DEDIRR/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" style=" background:#FFFFFF; line-height:0; padding:0 0; text-align:center; text-decoration:none; width:100%;" target="_blank"> <div style=" display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"></div> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"></div></div></div><div style="padding: 19% 0;"></div> <div style="display:block; height:50px; margin:0 auto 12px; width:50px;"><svg width="50px" height="50px" viewBox="0 0 60 60" version="1.1" xmlns="https://www.w3.org/2000/svg" xmlns:xlink="https://www.w3.org/1999/xlink"><g stroke="none" stroke-width="1" fill="none" fill-rule="evenodd"><g transform="translate(-511.000000, -20.000000)" fill="#000000"><g><path d="M556.869,30.41 C554.814,30.41 553.148,32.076 553.148,34.131 C553.148,36.186 554.814,37.852 556.869,37.852 C558.924,37.852 560.59,36.186 560.59,34.131 C560.59,32.076 558.924,30.41 556.869,30.41 M541,60.657 C535.114,60.657 530.342,55.887 530.342,50 C530.342,44.114 535.114,39.342 541,39.342 C546.887,39.342 551.658,44.114 551.658,50 C551.658,55.887 546.887,60.657 541,60.657 M541,33.886 C532.1,33.886 524.886,41.1 524.886,50 C524.886,58.899 532.1,66.113 541,66.113 C549.9,66.113 557.115,58.899 557.115,50 C557.115,41.1 549.9,33.886 541,33.886 M565.378,62.101 C565.244,65.022 564.756,66.606 564.346,67.663 C563.803,69.06 563.154,70.057 562.106,71.106 C561.058,72.155 560.06,72.803 558.662,73.347 C557.607,73.757 556.021,74.244 553.102,74.378 C549.944,74.521 548.997,74.552 541,74.552 C533.003,74.552 532.056,74.521 528.898,74.378 C525.979,74.244 524.393,73.757 523.338,73.347 C521.94,72.803 520.942,72.155 519.894,71.106 C518.846,70.057 518.197,69.06 517.654,67.663 C517.244,66.606 516.755,65.022 516.623,62.101 C516.479,58.943 516.448,57.996 516.448,50 C516.448,42.003 516.479,41.056 516.623,37.899 C516.755,34.978 517.244,33.391 517.654,32.338 C518.197,30.938 518.846,29.942 519.894,28.894 C520.942,27.846 521.94,27.196 523.338,26.654 C524.393,26.244 525.979,25.756 528.898,25.623 C532.057,25.479 533.004,25.448 541,25.448 C548.997,25.448 549.943,25.479 553.102,25.623 C556.021,25.756 557.607,26.244 558.662,26.654 C560.06,27.196 561.058,27.846 562.106,28.894 C563.154,29.942 563.803,30.938 564.346,32.338 C564.756,33.391 565.244,34.978 565.378,37.899 C565.522,41.056 565.552,42.003 565.552,50 C565.552,57.996 565.522,58.943 565.378,62.101 M570.82,37.631 C570.674,34.438 570.167,32.258 569.425,30.349 C568.659,28.377 567.633,26.702 565.965,25.035 C564.297,23.368 562.623,22.342 560.652,21.575 C558.743,20.834 556.562,20.326 553.369,20.18 C550.169,20.033 549.148,20 541,20 C532.853,20 531.831,20.033 528.631,20.18 C525.438,20.326 523.257,20.834 521.349,21.575 C519.376,22.342 517.703,23.368 516.035,25.035 C514.368,26.702 513.342,28.377 512.574,30.349 C511.834,32.258 511.326,34.438 511.181,37.631 C511.035,40.831 511,41.851 511,50 C511,58.147 511.035,59.17 511.181,62.369 C511.326,65.562 511.834,67.743 512.574,69.651 C513.342,71.625 514.368,73.296 516.035,74.965 C517.703,76.634 519.376,77.658 521.349,78.425 C523.257,79.167 525.438,79.673 528.631,79.82 C531.831,79.965 532.853,80.001 541,80.001 C549.148,80.001 550.169,79.965 553.369,79.82 C556.562,79.673 558.743,79.167 560.652,78.425 C562.623,77.658 564.297,76.634 565.965,74.965 C567.633,73.296 568.659,71.625 569.425,69.651 C570.167,67.743 570.674,65.562 570.82,62.369 C570.966,59.17 571,58.147 571,50 C571,41.851 570.966,40.831 570.82,37.631"></path></g></g></g></svg></div><div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style=" color:#3897f0; 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overflow:hidden; padding:8px 0 7px; text-align:center; text-overflow:ellipsis; white-space:nowrap;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/reel/DOtN9DEDIRR/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none;" target="_blank">A post shared by WKS Śląsk Wrocław - koszykówka (@wks_slaskbasket)</a></p></div></blockquote>
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**Q: Coach Bagatskis was a great shooter as a player. How does that influence the way he coaches?**

“One million percent! He has been inside the kitchen and understands what to do. I think anybody who really understands basketball can see that he knows basketball at a high level.

“He has a different mentality, different thoughts. And I think it has really helped us understand what he wants because, being a former player, it is easier for him to tell us what to do than some other coach who just reads the books. They have never been inside the kitchen and it is difficult for them to understand how to talk to players and how to explain certain things to some guys.

“So yes, I would say it is easy to see that he played high-level basketball before and understands the game.”

**Q: Slask has many fast, athletic players who fit your style. How fun is it for you to play for this team?**

“I think they’re really underrated. They just need some time to show everyone that they belong at this level and what they’re capable of. In a couple of years, I’m sure they’ll be somewhere in the EuroLeague and making a big impact.

“And yes, this is why I’m here and why I do what I do. For me, leading this team has been the main priority – just being the leader and showing it. For me, it’s basic. I don’t overthink it, and I’m not focused on anything other than doing my job. But at the end of the day, like you said, it’s about leading the team and being one of the first guys out there showing everyone how things should be done and in what way.

“So yes, for me it’s not about fun – it’s just the basics. This is why I came here. I wasn’t really excited; I just have a goal, and I’m taking it game by game, that’s it.”

More Slask News

Javier Gancedo spoke with the Ukrainian guard in this week's EuroCup interview

A 3–4 record may not sound impressive at first glance, but context tells a different story.

Sitting in a five-way tie for fifth place in Group A is a significant achievement for a club with such a storied past.

The 18-time Polish League champion and 14-time Polish Cup winner is a true institution in its homeland, and between 2001 and 2004, it even competed in the EuroLeague. Today, three wins in seven games are enough to stir memories of those golden years.

Slask Wroclaw on track to rekindle past glory

A 3–4 record may not sound impressive at first glance, but context tells a different story.

Sitting in a five-way tie for fifth place in Group A is a significant achievement for a club with such a storied past.

The 18-time Polish League champion and 14-time Polish Cup winner is a true institution in its homeland, and between 2001 and 2004, it even competed in the EuroLeague. Today, three wins in seven games are enough to stir memories of those golden years.

Read more [HERE](https://www.eurohoops.net/en/trademarks/1895825/slask-wroclaw-on-track-to-rekindle-past-glory/).

More Slask Wroclaw news

Poland’s representative in the BKT EuroCup is authoring a season worth remembering

Fantasy tips, Round 8: Last one before the break

Round 8 is the last one in November, as the BKT EuroCup takes a two-week break until early December. All EuroCup Fantasy Challenge managers want to go into that break on a high note and I will do my best to help you do so. The competition has been mostly dominated by guards, so I am going to mostly recommend forwards and centers for Round 8, as I assume most fantasy managers have the same star guards.

By the way, my colleague Frankie Sachs is still first overall. I can't wait for Frankie to lose the leadership so that he can give you elite advice. I rank 409th out of almost 30,000 teams, so 98.6% of teams are doing worse than mine. Not bad, huh? Here are my recommendations:

 

### Kevin Yebo, NINERS Chemnitz (14.0 credits)

He should be your go-to option at center as the steadiest big man in the competition when it comes to numbers. [Kevin Yebo](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/kevin-yebo/013368/) has had a PIR of at least 19 in each of his last five games, a stretch that has seen him average 21.4 points on 31-of-46 two-point shooting, 7.4 rebounds and 2.5 assists for a PIR of 23.4. What's not to like?

 

### Ante Zizic, Besiktas GAIN Istanbul (13.0 credits)

When it comes to the EuroCup Fantasy Challenge, what I like most about [Ante Zizic](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/ante-zizic/004554/) is that he doesn't need to shoot a lot to get a high PIRs. In Round 7, Zizic had 5 points but added 11 rebounds and 6 fouls drawn for a PIR of 19 in 21 minutes. If he scores a lot, of course, Zizic's numbers skyrocket.

London's Kameron McGusty does a little bit of everything!

### Kameron McGusty, London Lions (12.8 credits)

[Kameron McGusty](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/kameron-mcgusty/014111/) is the only guard on this list because I like his consistency a lot. He's had PIRs of 16 or higher in each of the last five games. For the season, McGusty has averaged 15.4 points, 3.9 rebounds, 3.7 assists and 1.6 steals for a PIR of 17.6. As you can see, he does a little bit of everything!

 

### Juwan Morgan, Buducnost VOLI Podgorica (12.7 credits)

[Juwan Morgan](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/juwan-morgan/013256/) is a rock-solid option at forward, who has been delivering night in and night out. In the last three games, Morgan is averaging 16.7 points on 8-of-9 two-point shooting, 5-of-9 on three-pointers and 16-of-17 on free throws plus 6.0 rebounds, 6.0 fouls drawn and a PIR of 28.7. Still a cheap option at 12.7 credits, so go for him!

 

### Jakub Urbaniak, Slask Wroclaw (6.2 credits)

This is not the first time [Jakub Urbaniak](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/jakub-urbaniak/012777/) has appeared here. His value has risen from 4.5 to 6.2 credits in the last five games, and Urbaniak definitely has room for improvement. He's had double-digit PIRs in each of the last four games. In Round 7, he took another step forward, scoring 17 points and a PIR of 17. One of the great bargains in the game right now.

Ante Zizic, Kameron Mcgusty, Kevin Yebo, Juwan Morgan and Jakub Urbaniak are featured in this week's article. 

EuroCup Fantasy tips: Round 8 

Javier Gancedo has some ideas to help your EuroCup Fantasy Challenge teams this week

The last round before a late November break gives teams across the continent the chance to keep pushing for a place in the playoffs…this is what you need to know about Round 8 of the EuroCup Regular Season

At a glance: Group leaders go on the road in Round 8

The last round before a late November break gives teams across the continent the chance to keep pushing for a place in the playoffs…this is what you need to know about Round 8 of the EuroCup Regular Season.

## Tuesday, November 18, 2025

### U-BT Cluj-Napoca vs. Hapoel Midtown Jerusalem (18:00 CET)

A mouthwatering battle will see fourth host second in Group A as Cluj (4-3) welcomes Hapoel (5-2). Both teams are flying after scoring 110 points in victories last week, with Cluj thrashing Manresa behind 26 points from Trey Woodbury – helped by big man Dusan Miletic’s third double-double of the season. Hapoel has now won four games straight, with usual suspect Jared Harper joined in last week’s cruise against Neptunas by backcourt teammate Cassius Winston blasting 35 points. These are the EuroCup’s top two scoring teams, with Hapoel’s 95.3 points per game only bettered by Cluj (97.9), but the home team has also committed the most turnovers per night (17.0), so it needs to improve in that aspect.

### Neptunas Kleipeda vs. Aris Thessaloniki Betsson (18:00 CET)

Two of the five teams tied for fifth place in Group A meet when Neptunas (3-4) welcomes Aris (3-4). The home team saw its three-game winning streak ended last week by a high-scoring loss against Hapoel, but will still retain confidence in its free-scoring offense – ranked third in the league – after Rihards Lomasz continued his strong season with 14 points, 8 rebounds and 7 assists. Neptunas ranks second in the EuroCup in offensive rebounding (13.3 per game), while Aris is last in that category (8.6). So the Greek team, which has lost four of its last five, will hope that a strong night from big man Steven Enoch can complement the scoring potential of recent signing Amine Noua.

### Buducnost VOLI Podgorica vs. ratiopharm ulm (19:00 CET)

A big battle between direct rivals in Group B will see Buducnost (5-2) attempt to move clear of Ulm (4-3). Buducnost is on a roll after grabbing four straight wins, while Ulm needs to bounce back from last week’s shocking 32-point home loss to Bourg. Long-range shooting will be important between two of the competition’s most accurate teams: Ulm is ranked first in three-point conversion (39.8%), including guard Tobias Jensen – who has started every game – averaging 11.4 points on 46.7% from deep. Buducnost is not far behind, making 37.9% of its threes including Axel Bouteille sinking 55.6% of his attempts, with 4 triples in last week’s win over Chemnitz.

<center><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="und" dir="ltr">Da puna „Morača“ dočeka stare znance 🔵⚪️<br><br>Utakmica 8. kola Eurokupa na programu je u utorak, 18. novembra, sa početkom u 19:00 časova 🗓️<br><br>Detaljnu najavu možete pročitati na našem sajtu 🔗<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/kkb?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#kkb</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/hukmora%C4%8De?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#hukmorače</a><br><br>1/2 <a href="https://t.co/t7t5VMO7TB">pic.twitter.com/t7t5VMO7TB</a></p>&mdash; KK Budućnost VOLI (@KKBuducnostVOLI) <a href="https://twitter.com/KKBuducnostVOLI/status/1990135740706312295?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 16, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

### Slask Wroclaw vs. Bahcesehir College Istanbul (19:00 CET)

Slask (3-4) will look for another home win with a visit from high-flying Bahcesehir (6-1). The Polish team has scored at least 92 points in every home game so far, propelled by in-form guard Issuf Sanon, who has netted 20 and 19 points in the last two games. But Bahcesehir will have no fear as it arrives with a 100% road record, most recently triumphing at Aris behind 16 points on a perfect shooting night from Matt Mitchell. Expect a real battle for rebounding supremacy between two of the strongest teams in that category, with Slask averaging 37.6 boards per game while Bahcesehir leads the competition with 39.7 per night.

<center>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="tr" dir="ltr">🎤 Oyuncumuz Mateusz Ponitka’nın Slask Wroclaw karşılaşması öncesi görüşleri:<br><br>❤️💙 <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/CatchYourDreams?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#CatchYourDreams</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/EuroCup?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@EuroCup</a> <a href="https://t.co/M8uagwt2FM">pic.twitter.com/M8uagwt2FM</a></p>&mdash; Bahçeşehir Koleji Spor Kulübü (@BKBasketbol) <a href="https://twitter.com/BKBasketbol/status/1990358368108875941?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 17, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>


### Dolomiti Energia Trento vs. NINERS Chemnitz (20:00 CET)

Trento (3-4) will attempt to climb into the all-important top six by overcoming visiting Chemnitz (2-5). Both teams lost last week, but Trento saw DJ Steward’s ability to lead the offense as he dished 9 assists in defeat at Besiktas. Chemnitz’s Round 7 loss against Buducnost means the German team has only won one of its last five, but knows it can rely on excellence from big man Kevin Yebo (19.3 points and 7 rebounds per game) and playmaking from Kaza Kajami-Keane (5.4 assists per game). Trento has struggled for offense all season, ranking next-to-last in scoring (76.9 points per night), and will hope that leading scorer Devante Jones (16.8 ppg) can return after missing last week’s game.

## Wednesday, November 19, 2025

### Turk Telekom Ankara vs. Besiktas GAIN Istanbul (17:00 CET)

A big Turkish derby at the top of Group B will see Turk Telekom (5-2) and Besiktas (5-2) break their current tie for second place. Besiktas again showed its offensive potential as 23 points from back-in-form Brynton Lemar led the way to last week’s win over Trento, and he is just one of many long-range threats for a team that ranks second in the EuroCup in three-point accuracy (39%). Conversely, Turk Telekom’s main strength lies inside the paint, ranking second in the competition in two-point shooting (62.2%), and the hosts will hope that chief playmaker Dogus Ozdemiroglu can continue to shine after providing 19 points, 6 assists and 5 steals to help overcome Lietkabelis last week.

### Panionios Cosmorama Travel Athens vs. Lietkabelis Panevezys (18:30 CET)

The chance to climb off the bottom of Group B will be contested between struggling Panionios (1-6) and Lietkabelis (1-6). Both teams have failed to win since the opening game of the season, so a celebration is long overdue. Panionis needs to improve its competition-worst offense (75.5 points per night) by finding more efficiency inside the paint after netting just 47.7% of two-pointers, another EuroCup low, and debutant guard Stedmon Lemon showed the way by making 5 of 6 close-range strikes in last week’s loss to London. Lietkabelis has plenty of inside power with Augustine Rubit (15.6 points per game), but must improve a defense that has allowed at least 93 points in four of the last five.

### Cedevita Olimpija Ljubljana vs. Veolia Towers Hamburg (18:30 CET)

Cedevita (5-2) will attempt to strengthen its position near the top of Group A by piling more misery on Hamburg (0-7). The home team is firing on all cylinders after scoring 93 points in each of the last two games, with 15 points from consistent guard Umoja Gibson leading six double-digit scorers in last week’s cruise against Reyer. Hamburg will seek an upset by relying on the inside presence of Zacharie Perrin, who scored 19 points last week at Slask and leads the competition with 4.4 offensive rebounds per night. But the German team has by far the EuroCup’s worst long-range shooting accuracy (25.9%), and must start making some threes to have any chance.

### Umana Reyer Venice vs. BAXI Manresa (20:00 CET)

A meeting of direct rivals on the edge of the playoffs places will see Reyer (3-4) defend its home court with a visit from Manresa (3-4). Reyer’s two-game winning run ended last week as its offense misfired at Cedevita, and shooter Kyle Wiltjer needs to regain his usual accuracy after going 1-of-7 from the field in that loss. Manresa is also on the comeback trail after losing three straight and needs to recover its defensive solidity after allowing 100 and 110 points in the last two games. The visitors will also look to the long-range shooting of Alfonso Plummer, who returned from injury by netting 5 triples in last week’s loss at Cluj.

### London Lions vs. Cosea JL Bourg-en-Bresse (20:30 CET)

London (3-4) will look to build more momentum by upsetting visiting Group B leader Bourg (6-1). The English team got back to winning ways with a comprehensive home win over Panionis last week, powered by 18 points and 6 boards from big man Joel Scott. His presence will definitely be needed against a Bourg team that demonstrated its quality and depth at both ends of the court in last week’s 64-96 road win at Ulm, where all 12 players got on the scoreboard led by 23 points from Adam Mokoka. The French team boasts the competition’s best defense, allowing opponents to score just 69.3 points per game, so London needs to take better care of the basketball after averaging 16.9 turnovers.

The final games of November are split into five on Tuesday and five on Wednesday

London Lions v Cosea JL Bourg-en-Bresse (2025-11-19T19:30:00.000Z)

Umana Reyer Venice v BAXI Manresa (2025-11-19T19:00:00.000Z)

Panionios Cosmorama Travel Athens v Lietkabelis Panevezys (2025-11-19T17:30:00.000Z)

Cedevita Olimpija Ljubljana v Veolia Towers Hamburg (2025-11-19T17:30:00.000Z)

Turk Telekom Ankara v Besiktas GAIN Istanbul (2025-11-19T16:00:00.000Z)

Dolomiti Energia Trento v NINERS Chemnitz (2025-11-18T19:00:00.000Z)

Slask Wroclaw v Bahcesehir College Istanbul (2025-11-18T18:00:00.000Z)

Stats review: A salute to the EuroCup's best at making floaters

Three teams eclipsed the 100-point mark in Round 7 of the BKT EuroCup with [Hapoel Midtown Jerusalem](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/teams/hapoel-midtown-jerusalem/jer/) guard [Cassius Winston](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/cassius-winston/011940/) leading all scorers with 35 points to help his team to [an explosive 110-93 win over Neptunas Klaipeda](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/news/winstons-35-point-explosion-carries-jerusalem-to-fourth-straight-win/). In between a barrage of jumpers, Winston tossed in all 4 of the floaters he attempted — one of the higher single-game totals of the last several years. 

A mere 6% of all field goal attempts in the EuroCup are floaters, making them only slightly more common than dunks as they hold a somewhat unique place in the hierarchy of shot types at this level. Not only do some players not have floaters in their arsenal at all — only around half of all players have attempted one this season — there is a divide between the players who take them often as a last resort to finish over length and those who actively seek them out when they look to drive.

The table above lists the top 10 players in floaters made this season. The divide in efficiency is represented even when looking at this small of a group. The top five players in made floaters have converted 56% of their attempts — well above the league average of 43%. The top 35 players are shooting a combined 50% as the drop off in efficiency can be traced to the 34% shooting from the 79 players who have attempted 4 or fewer floaters this season.

For the top players on this list, runners make them especially dangerous in certain actions and against certain defenses. [Grant Golden](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/grant-golden/013849/), for example, tosses in 14-footers in short roll situations and when pulling the ball out of dribble hand-offs before help defenders can even react as often as almost any player in the sport. With floaters making up almost half of his shot attempts, his ability to get in spots to use them is a big part of his game.

Winston, in contrast, punishes deep drop coverage when operating out of pick-and-rolls with floaters all the way out to the elbow, looking more comfortable running into those shots than stopping and rising into pull-up jumpers from the same distances. 

[DeVante Jones](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/devante-jones/013260/) has had a bit more variety to his floaters as a great deal of his makes have come with a defender on his hip. Though floaters are an answer to different situations for many players, they are a last resort for others. Around 19% of all floaters come in the last 4 seconds of the shot or game clock and those attempts drop only 37% of the time.  

With the league average for pull-up two-point attempts currently sitting at 39%, floaters are a dramatically more reliable shot for the players in the EuroCup who have them in their arsenal and it's worth acknowledging the players who have mastered that art. 

Those who have shot the most floaters have also made them at a well-above-average rate