Hapoel Midtown Jerusalem claimed its seventh Winner Cup with an 89–84 victory over Hapoel IBI Tel Aviv in a thrilling final at Pais Arena in the Israeli capital on Saturday night. Jerusalem added another trophy to its collection just weeks after lifting the Israeli Super Cup.

Hapoel Tel Aviv falls in Israel's Winner Cup final

Hapoel Midtown Jerusalem claimed its seventh Winner Cup with an 89–84 victory over Hapoel IBI Tel Aviv in a thrilling final at Pais Arena in the Israeli capital on Saturday night. Jerusalem added another trophy to its collection just weeks after lifting the Israeli Super Cup.

Jared Harper was named MVP of the finals after starring for the winners with 33 points and 5 assists. His performance echoed last season’s playoff heroics, when his buzzer-beater eliminated Tel Aviv in the semifinals. Harper's backcourt mate, Khadeen Carrington, added 15 points, Roi Huber followed with 12 and Yovel Zoosman 10. Antonio Blakeney paced Tel Aviv with 19 points, Elijah Bryant scored 18 and Vasa Micic tallied 14 points and 6 assists.

The matchup delivered everything expected from two of Israel’s biggest clubs. Jerusalem entered the game looking to build momentum after a mixed start to the season, highlighted by a recent EuroCup win over Besiktas Gain Istanbul. Tel Aviv, meanwhile, sought to end a 32-year drought in domestic trophies despite its rise to EuroLeague status following last season’s BKT EuroCup triumph.

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="iw" dir="rtl">תוצאת סיום <a href="https://t.co/wFg5bbGArx">pic.twitter.com/wFg5bbGArx</a></p>&mdash; Hapoel Tel Aviv BC (@HapoelTLVBC) <a href="https://twitter.com/HapoelTLVBC/status/1987238330581291512?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 8, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

The game opened at a high tempo, with Jerusalem taking a 29–24 lead after the first quarter thanks to sharp shooting from Harper. Tel Aviv fought back in the second quarter, closing the gap to 52–50 at halftime behind contributions from Micic and Bryant.

The third quarter proved decisive. Harper ignited Jerusalem with a deep three-pointer and added more baskets during a 7–0 run, while Carrington and Zoosman chipped in to push the lead to 76–64. Tel Aviv responded in the fourth quarter with a surge led by Blakeney, trimming the margin to just 4 points. However, Austin Wiley’s dunk and Harper’s steady free throws kept Jerusalem in control, sealing the 89–84 win and sparking celebrations in the capital.

More Hapoel IBI Tel Aviv news

BKT EuroCup MVP Jared Harper starred as Hapoel Jerusalem claimed the crown

Maccabi Rapyd Tel Aviv announced on Saturday that guard Uros Trifunovic has been released from the team’s roster

Maccabi releases Uros Trifunovic

Maccabi Rapyd Tel Aviv announced on Saturday that guard [Uros Trifunovic](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/uros-trifunovic/007673/) has been released from the team’s roster. The club extended its best wishes to the player for the future.

Trifunovic joined Maccabi ahead of the current season after a standout campaign in the Turkish League with Tofas Bursa. However, he would appear in only one game with the club. The 24-year-old scored 2 points in 3 minutes in Maccabi's season opening loss at Anadolu Efes Istanbul. He did not appear in any Israeli League games. The Serbian guard previously played two EuroLeague seasons with Partizan Belgrade.

<center><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="und" dir="ltr">אורוש טריפונוביץ&#39; שוחרר מסגל מכבי Rapyd תל אביב. המועדון מאחל לשחקן הצלחה. <br>-<br>Uroš Trifunović has been released from the Maccabi Rapyd Tel Aviv roster.<br>The club wishes the player the best of luck <a href="https://t.co/iktMOhBSc0">pic.twitter.com/iktMOhBSc0</a></p>&mdash; Maccabi Tel Aviv BC (@MaccabiTLVBC) <a href="https://twitter.com/MaccabiTLVBC/status/1987189488699985943?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 8, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

More from Maccabi

A vintage performance on a night that saw him achieve another historic EuroLeague milestone has earned Mike James MVP of the Round honors in Round 9 of the 2025-26 EuroLeague season. James recorded a performance index rating of 37, the highest of any player this week, while leading AS Monaco to an 107-112 overtime win at Maccabi Rapyd Tel Aviv. In the process, James became the all-time leader in PIR, having now accumulated 5,617 index points for his career, surpassing Nando De Colo (5,587) in first place.

Round 9 MVP: Mike James, AS Monaco

A vintage performance on a night that saw him achieve another historic EuroLeague milestone has earned [Mike James](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/james-mike/005985/) MVP of the Round honors in Round 9 of the 2025-26 EuroLeague season. James recorded a performance index rating of 37, the highest of any player this week, while leading AS Monaco to an 107-112 overtime win at Maccabi Rapyd Tel Aviv. In the process, James became the all-time leader in PIR, having now accumulated 5,617 index points for his career, surpassing [Nando De Colo](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/nando-de-colo/002100/) (5,587) in first place.

Against Maccabi, James shined with 34 points, making 5-of-11 two-point shots, 4-of-8 three-pointers and 12-of-16 free throws. He also had 7 assists, 6 rebounds and 2 steals while drawing 9 personal fouls. This is the 12th time James has secured MVP of the Round honors in his career, trailing only [Shane Larkin](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/shane-larkin/007200/) (19) and De Colo and [Sasha Vezenkov](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/sasha-vezenkov/003469/) (16 apiece).

Round 9’s next best PIR, 36, belonged to [Elijah Bryant](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/elijah-bryant/009846/) of Hapoel IBI Tel Aviv. Bryant had 25 points, 7 rebounds, 3 assists, 1 block and 8 drawn fouls in a 97-109 road win over Dubai Basketball.

Virtus Bologna forward [Saliou Niang](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/saliou-niang/012687/) had a PIR of 35, collecting 18 points, 12 rebounds, 3 assists, 1 steal and 1 block in an 87-76 loss at Baskonia Vitoria-Gasteiz.

Rounding out the list of best performances are two players with a 34 PIR, Dubai’s [Dwayne Bacon](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/dwayne-bacon/011286/) and Anadolu Efes Istanbul guard [PJ Dozier](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/pj-dozier/012742/). Bacon netted 36 points and finished with 5 rebounds, 2 assists and 9 fouls drawn in a loss against Hapoel, while Dozier had 34 points, 4 assists, 2 steals and 2 blocks in a 93-97 double-overtime loss against EA7 Emporio Armani Milan.

### Individual highs: Dwayne Bacon, Dubai, 36 points

Bacon led all scorers in Round 9 with 36 points. [Nadir Hifi](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/hifi-nadir/012640/) of Paris Basketball is the EuroLeague’s top scorer with 22.1 points per game.

Virtus’s Niang had 12 rebounds, more than any other player in this round. [Nikola Milutinov](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/milutinov-nikola/003941/) of Olympiacos Piraeus leads the league with 8.4 rebounds per game.

No player had more assists in Round 9 than Efes guard Shane Larkin, who dished 9 helpers. Three players continue to share the lead in this category, averaging 6.8 assists per game: James, [Sylvain Francisco](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/francisco-sylvain/007975/) of Zalgiris Kaunas, and [Codi Miller-McIntyre](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/codi-miller-mcintyre/009048/) of Crvena Zvezda Meridianbet Belgrade.

Two players had 4 steals this round: Monaco’s [Elie Okobo](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/elie-okobo/011212/) and Olympiacos's [Shaquielle McKissic](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/shaquielle-mckissic/007853/). Hifi tops the steals charts with 1.9 per game.

[Semi Ojeleye](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/semi-ojeleye/011982/) of Crvena Zvezda led all players with 4 blocks. [Walter Tavares](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/tavares-walter/005791/) of Real Madrid remains the league’s top shot-blocker this season, averaging 1.7 blocks.

There were three double-doubles this round: Niang had 18 points and 12 rebounds, Maccabi’s [Jaylen Hoard](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/jaylen-hoard/006835/) collected 16 points and 10 rebounds, and Zalgiris center [Moses Wright](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/moses-wright/012878/) had 11 points and 10 rebounds.

EuroLeague's new all-time PIR leader fittingly earned this round's MVP honor, too

EuroLeague fans, we have our ninth winner in this season's EuroLeague Fantasy Challenge! Nicola Spreafico beat everyone else in Round 9 with his team FenerBabbo, which had a Fantasy Challenge score of 248.30.

EuroLeague Fantasy Challenge Round 9 winner

EuroLeague fans, we have our ninth winner in this season's [EuroLeague Fantasy Challenge](https://euroleaguefantasy.euroleaguebasketball.net/)! Nicola Spreafico beat everyone else in Round 9 with his team FenerBabbo, which had a Fantasy Challenge score of 248.30.

Nicola had the following lineup: AS Monaco's Mike James as team captain, then his teammate Daniel Theis, Real Madrid's Trey Lyles, Fenerbahce Beko Istanbul's Wade Baldwin and Paris Basketball's Nadir Hifi as his starters. Virtus Bologna's Saliou Niang was his sixth man. Nicola's bench players were Fenerbahce's Metecan Birsen, Zalgiris Kaunas's Laurynas Birutis, EA7 Emporio Armani Milan's Quinn Ellis and Nemanja Dangubic of Dubai Basketball. Fenerbahce play-caller Sarunas Jasikevicius was Nicola's head coach.

The prize for finishing first in Round 9 is a VIP EuroLeague TV Subscription for the 2026-27 Season, and an automatic entry to a lottery to win two tickets to the 2027 Final Four.

Trades are now open for Round 10 of the [EuroLeague Fantasy Challenge](https://euroleaguefantasy.euroleaguebasketball.net/). Remember, four trades are allowed before each round until the end of the regular season. You can either trade up to four players, or a head coach and three players.

The first game of Round 10, Dubai Basketball vs. Crvena Zvezda Meridianbet Belgrade, is scheduled to tip off on Tuesday, November 11 at 17:00 CEST. This marks the next round's deadline.

Make new teams now or improve your existing ones and try to become our next round winner! To help with that, watch the EuroLeague Fantasy Challenge podcast weekly on the [EuroLeague's YouTube channel](https://www.youtube.com/@euroleague) and on all audio platforms.

EuroLeague Fantasy Challenge offers weekly prizes to the top team manager. 

Facundo Campazzo stressed ahead of El Clásico that the Real Madrid players would need to stick together, particularly given four members of the roster would be competing against FC Barcelona in the EuroLeague for the first time. In the end, Trey Lyles not only looked comfortable in Spain’s biggest fixture but he was able to dominate, silencing the Palau Blaugrana crowd in the process.

Trey Lyles rises to the occasion as Real Madrid triumphs in El Clásico

[Facundo Campazzo](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/facundo-campazzo/005928/) stressed ahead of *El Clásico* that the [Real Madrid](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/teams/real-madrid/mad/) players would need to stick together, particularly given four members of the roster would be competing against [FC Barcelona](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/teams/fc-barcelona/bar/) in the EuroLeague for the first time. In the end, [Trey Lyles](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/trey-lyles/014117/) not only looked comfortable in Spain’s biggest fixture but he was able to dominate, silencing the Palau Blaugrana crowd in the process.

Lyles finished the night with a career-best 29 points, the most points ever scored by a Real Madrid player against Barcelona in a EuroLeague game. Not bad for a *Clásico* first-timer.

Despite only joining Real Madrid this past summer, the 30-year-old Canadian-American forward has looked right at home – and the statistics bear that out, with Lyles leading the team in scoring, steals and PIR, while he is second in rebounds.

"I don't want to say it's easy for me to adjust, but I think I'm pretty adjustable as a player," Lyles told [Euroleague.net](http://Euroleague.net)’s [Javier Gancedo](https://x.com/ganchetto) in the locker room after the game. "Coming here \[to Real Madrid\] wasn't that big of a change for me. My teammates helped me out; the coaches helped me out along the way as well. It's been a good transition."

FC Barcelona-Real Madrid | Round 9 Highlights | 2025-26 EuroLeague

Most importantly for coach Sergio Scariolo, his team’s fast start at Palau Blaugrana meant Barcelona was always playing catchup. Real Madrid dropped 34 first-quarter points on the Blaugrana, the most they have ever given up in the opening period of a EuroLeague game, while the 58 first-half points poured in by *Los Blancos* are the most Barcelona has allowed in the first half of a EuroLeague fixture. Two bits of history – and 16 of those 58 points came courtesy of Lyles.

"It was good to get the win," Lyles added. "Winning the game was the most important thing. We played well as a team. I was able to make more shots than a couple of other guys, but the most important thing is that we won the game, so I was happy to be a part of it."

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="qme" dir="ltr">🤳 <a href="https://twitter.com/TreyLyles?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@TreyLyles</a> <a href="https://t.co/SPSVlo2Xop">pic.twitter.com/SPSVlo2Xop</a></p>&mdash; Real Madrid Basket (@RMBaloncesto) <a href="https://twitter.com/RMBaloncesto/status/1986931893024026988?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 7, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

More history came at the final buzzer as Real Madrid broke the 100-point mark for the third time in El Clásico, with all three of those occasions coming at Palau Blaugrana. The 101 points put up on Friday night tied the second-best mark, which came on February 23, 2018, but was one point shy of the record 102 scored on November 18, 2016. Curiously, Barcelona has never been able to reach the century mark against Real Madrid in EuroLeague play.

"It was great," Lyles stated. "I know the history of the *Clásico* games, and for us to come in here and win like we did, it's big time for us."

Real Madrid now holds a 21-18 record against Barcelona this century, and it has been victorious in six of the last seven *Clásico* fixtures. One man who has seen plenty of wins – and losses – in El Clásico is [Sergio Llull](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/sergio-llull/tgb/), who is 16-14 for his career in this matchup.

Before Friday’s game tipped off, Llull was seen running at the last minute to join the homage for former Barcelona forward [Alex Abrines](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/alex-abrines/003478/), who had several of his former teammates – from both the *Blaugrana* and the Spanish national team – in attendance. While it was a funny moment for social media, it turns out that there was more to the story.

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Sneaking in, you love to see it though! <a href="https://twitter.com/FCBbasket?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@FCBbasket</a> x <a href="https://twitter.com/RMBaloncesto?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@RMBaloncesto</a> 👏<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/RivalrySeries?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#RivalrySeries</a> <a href="https://t.co/eu9HJL5MXH">pic.twitter.com/eu9HJL5MXH</a></p>&mdash; EuroLeague (@EuroLeague) <a href="https://twitter.com/EuroLeague/status/1986883673375821908?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 7, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

"I was told to go there!" Llull revealed to [Euroleague.net](http://Euroleague.net)’s Javier Gancedo in the locker room post-game. "It was not my idea. Barça wanted Sato \[[Tomas Satoransky](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/tomas-satoransky/002939/)\], its captain, in the photo, and they invited us to join Alex's tribute. So as captain, I had to be in the picture. I didn't crash the picture, I would never do that."

Lyles, Llull and the rest of the Real Madrid squad will now head back to the Spanish capital, knowing they finally got their first road win of the season after starting the campaign 0-4 on their travels. Perhaps this *Clásico* win will end up being a big step forward for Coach Scariolo’s men – and Lyles certainly had a lot to do with it.

Game News

The first-year forward had his best performance to date against Los Blancos’ biggest rival

FC Barcelona v Real Madrid (2025-11-07T19:30:00.000Z)

Preparations for the game against Partizan Mozzart Bet Belgrade didn't go as everybody at Olympiacos Piraeus may have hoped, with Evan Fournier and Nikola Milutinov listed as doubtful due to illness ahead of Friday’s clash. And while the former looked rusty in the 8 minutes he spent on the floor, the latter had a telling impact in the latter stages to help his team beat Partizan 80-71.

Nikola Milutinov overcomes illness, comes up big in crunch time against Partizan

Preparations for the game against [Partizan Mozzart Bet Belgrade](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/teams/partizan-mozzart-bet-belgrade/par/) didn't go as everybody at [Olympiacos Piraeus](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/teams/olympiacos-piraeus/oly/) may have hoped, with [Evan Fournier](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/evan-fournier/013380/) and [Nikola Milutinov](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/nikola-milutinov/003941/) listed as doubtful due to illness ahead of Friday’s clash. And while the former looked rusty in the 8 minutes he spent on the floor, the latter had a telling impact in the latter stages to help his team beat Partizan 80-71.

Showing no signs of fatigue, Milutinov started strong and recorded 4 points, 7 rebounds and 2 assists in the first quarter alone. Yet, Partizan tightened up its defense and dealt the hosts blow after blow in the paint across the next two periods. In fact, the guests went 22 for 32 from inside the arc in the first 30 minutes and held Olympiacos to just 15 points in the third quarter, taking a 53-58 lead into the fourth.

What followed was a tit-for-tat exchange, as Partizan was up 66-68 when Milutinov checked back in with 3:32 left on the clock.

Olympiacos Piraeus-Partizan Mozzart Bet Belgrade | Round 9 Highlights | 2025-26 EuroLeague

The Serbian center forced [Shake Milton](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/shake-milton/014007/) to commit a turnover before setting up [Thomas Walkup](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/thomas-walkup/008855/) for a triple that put the hosts ahead. [Sterling Brown](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/sterling-brown/012720/) responded from deep and [Tyler Dorsey](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/tyler-dorsey/009849/) missed a layup on the other end, but Milutinov was there again to grab the offensive rebound, drawing a foul and making 2 of 2 from the line to tie it up at 71-71.

[Shaquielle McKissic](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/shaquielle-mckissic/007853/) turned his steal into a dunk in transition to give the hosts a narrow lead, then Milutinov made sure to finish the game off.

A huge block on Milton was followed by a defensive rebound and a big steal with the score at 76-71. Dorsey drew a foul and on his way to the line, the arena erupted in applause before the Peace and Friendship Stadium began to echo with chants of Milutinov’s name.

“It was a really special moment for me and I really appreciate what they did. Really big thanks to them,” the Olympiacos big told EuroLeague TV after the game.

Having overcome illness, Milutinov finished the contest with 8 points, 10 rebounds, 3 assists, 1 steal and a block in 21 minutes on the court.

“The most important \[thing\] was the win tonight,” he added. “I had an issue, not only me but some other guys too. This should not be an excuse for us. We should come to every game to fight for this club, for this team, and try to win the game like we did tonight.”

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">🎥🗣️Coach B: “We need to play better and we’re going to do it for sure”.<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/OlympiacosBC?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#OlympiacosBC</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WeAreOlympiacosBC?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WeAreOlympiacosBC</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TogetherWeFight?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TogetherWeFight</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/OLYPAR?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#OLYPAR</a> <a href="https://t.co/lg38hbQyfW">pic.twitter.com/lg38hbQyfW</a></p>&mdash; Olympiacos B.C. (@Olympiacos_BC) <a href="https://twitter.com/Olympiacos_BC/status/1986922523225641218?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 7, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

The 30-year-old extended his contract with Olympiacos back in the summer, becoming the team’s go-to starting center following [Moustapha Fall](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/moustapha-fall/008811/)’s serious injury at the end of last term. Having hit the ground running in 2025-26, Milutinov is averaging 11.4 points and a league-high 8.4 rebounds. He also tops the charts in offensive rebounds with 29 in nine games so far this season.

But more importantly, he provides his teammates with the confidence that he’s got their back on both ends of the floor.

“What an unbelievable season he’s having,” Walkup told EuroLeague TV. “Knowing that he’s behind you, knowing how he controls the boards, knowing what he gives us on offense… what an asset to play with. I really enjoy playing alongside him.”

With a double-round week coming up, Olympiacos is set to host Zalgiris Kaunas before visiting EA7 Emporio Armani Milan. The Reds may have not impressed with their performances so far this season, but they are aware that in Milutinov they have a big who doesn’t shy away from responsibility when everything is on the line.

The Olympiacos center delivered on both ends of the floor when it mattered most

Olympiacos Piraeus v Partizan Mozzart Bet Belgrade (2025-11-07T19:15:00.000Z)

A double-overtime rollercoaster had it all, and EA7 Emporio Armani Milan survived it all. A squandered 13-point fourth-quarter lead, a career night from an opposing guard, and an 11-2 run by Anadolu Efes Istanbul in the first overtime session that had Milan on its heels. On a night when Milan needed a hero,  Shavon Shields rose to the occasion.

Shavon Shields heroics lift Milan in 2OT thriller over Efes

A double-overtime rollercoaster had it all, and [EA7 Emporio Armani Milan](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/teams/ea7-emporio-armani-milan/mil/) survived it all. A squandered 13-point fourth-quarter lead, a career night from an opposing guard, and an 11-2 run by [Anadolu Efes Istanbul](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/teams/anadolu-efes-istanbul/ist/) in the first overtime session that had Milan on its heels.

Milan also needed two defensive stands, o stay alive at the end of regulation, then again to extend the battle beyond the first extra period. Down three late in the first overtime, [Shavon Shields](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/shavon-shields/007831/) rose to the occasion, drilling a tough three-pointer with 11.7 seconds left to force a second extra session.

When all was said and done, Milan pulled out a 93-97 win, its third on the road this season, to improve to a 4-5 record.

"We lost four one-possession games \[this season\], so it was about time one went our way,” Shields said in a EuroLeague TV interview after the win. "Everybody contributed."

Anadolu Efes Istanbul-EA7 Emporio Armani Milan | Round 9 Highlights | 2025-26 EuroLeague

Milan, indeed, had many big contributors. [Zach LeDay](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/zach-leday/008987/), in his first game since Round 3, scored 25 points in 22 minutes on the floor but did not play in either overtime period due to an injury he sustained in the final minute of regulation.

[Quinn Ellis](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/quinn-ellis/012593/) scored 14 points, including 4 in the second overtime, and 5 of [Marko Guduric](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/marko-guduric/004004/)’s 13 points came in extra sessions. Meanwhile, [Leandro Bolmaro](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/leandro-bolmaro/008985/) ran the offense, collecting 10 points, 6 rebounds and 5 assists.

But it was Shields who had 24 points on a career-high 6-for-8 three-point shooting, along with 5 rebounds, 4 assists and 2 steals, that lifted the visitors to victory. The secret?

“Just keep shooting, and they were going in. You gotta stay confident, and let it fly,” Shields said.

Let fly he did, and in the clutch no less.

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">🇬🇧Zach LeDay and Shavon Shields scored 20+ points in the same game in Istanbul. In the EuroLeague modern history, it is the 20th time that two Olimpia players scored more than 20 points in the same game.<br><br>🇮🇹Zach LeDay e Shavon Shields hanno segnato entrambi più di 20 punti a… <a href="https://t.co/MPGtoKE9a4">pic.twitter.com/MPGtoKE9a4</a></p>&mdash; Olimpia Milano (@OlimpiaMI1936) <a href="https://twitter.com/OlimpiaMI1936/status/1986919656293044272?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 7, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Shields hit his fourth triple to open the first overtime, and made his fifth to tie the game at 84-84 with 11.7 seconds left in that extra session. Shields opened the second OT with his final three-pointer, giving Milan an 84-87 lead. From there, the visitors never trailed again.

Shield’s performance ended up overshadowing what [PJ Dozier](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/pj-dozier/012742/) did for Efes on Friday night. Dozier finished with a career-high 34 points, putting on display a perfect first-half shooting performance as he had 17 points, going 7 for 7 on twos and making his only three-point attempts, along with 2 assists and just 1 turnover.

He dropped 17 more points the rest of the way, but all came in the clutch.

Dozier nailed a mid-range jumper and a triple in the final 45 seconds of the regulation to tie the game at 74-74 and send it to overtime. Dozier’s two jumpers also gave Efes an 84-81 lead with 27 seconds to go in the second overtime, only for Shields to tie the game. Dozier scored 5 more points in the second OT, but it was not enough.

Dozier was 10 of 13 on two pointers and 4 of 6 behind the arc, but the rest of the team just 6 of 26 (16.7%) as Efes dropped its fourth straight game as the home team.

Milan escaped from Istanbul with a win, its third on the road this season

Anadolu Efes Istanbul v EA7 Emporio Armani Milan (2025-11-07T17:30:00.000Z)

Zalgiris Kaunas outmuscled Valencia Basket 86-77 at home and improved to 7-2 in the EuroLeague with a fourth successive win thanks to effervescent long-range shooting in key moments, draining 12-of-29 from downtown against a rugged defense.

Zalgiris overpowers Valencia to make it four in a row

[Zalgiris Kaunas](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/teams/zalgiris-kaunas/zal/) outmuscled [Valencia Basket](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/teams/valencia-basket/pam/) 86-77 at home and improved to 7-2 in the EuroLeague with a fourth successive win thanks to effervescent long-range shooting in key moments, draining 12-of-29 from downtown against a rugged defense.

The hosts nailed a couple of three-pointers shots at the buzzer in the first and third quarters before [Maodo Lo](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/maodo-lo/007032/) twisted the knife in as he sank a sweet spot-up effort with 44 seconds left on the clock, giving Zalgiris an unassailable 81-75 lead in the home straight.

Among a pack of solid performers, [Azuolas Tubelis](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/azuolas-tubelis/008192/) claimed the player of the game award after racking up 11 points and 8 boards, while the EuroLeague’s October MVP [Sylvain Francisco](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/sylvain-francisco/007975/) contributed with 15 points and 7 assists. Lo added 12 points, with the towering [Moses Wright](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/moses-wright/012878/) amassing 11 and 10 boards in an industrious team effort.

Zalgiris Kaunas-Valencia Basket | Round 9 Highlights | 2025-26 EuroLeague

“Both teams ran a lot and rebounded well, but in the end we wanted it more as the guys left every ounce of energy on the court,” Tubelis said in his post-game comments. “Francisco is so fast that no one can keep up with him and we are really fortunate to have him on the team.” 

Indeed, Francisco pulled the strings for long spells as he carried his good form into the fixture, with Zalgiris holding the upper hand for the best part of the first half, although Valencia kept breathing the home team’s neck. With the score tied 58-58 towards the end of the third quarter, Lo unleashed a buzzer-beating triple which put Zalgiris back in the driving seat and gave the hosts a psychological edge in the fourth.

They took full advantage to carve out a 67-60 advantage and never looked back, even if Valencia stayed in the hunt until the final minute of a rip-roaring contest played at a torrid pace. Head coach Tomas Masiulis hailed the team’s die-hard approach and rock-solid defense, which clipped Valencia’s wings when the chips were down.

“We stayed together throughout and held them to 77 points, so it’s a good result,” he said. ”Despite making some mistakes, I am happy with how we played on defense. We fought like a team and deserved to win, with Francisco being our pack leader. It’s not easy because all our opponents are focused on stopping him but he was patient tonight and decided the game in the end.”

<center>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">When the whole arena chants your name – it’s more than a win. 💚 <a href="https://t.co/BeriHvlijE">pic.twitter.com/BeriHvlijE</a></p>&mdash; BC Zalgiris Kaunas (@bczalgiris) <a href="https://twitter.com/bczalgiris/status/1986894156166226410?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 7, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Having seen his side drop to 5-4, Valencia head coach Pedro Martinez praised a cracking atmosphere in the Zalgirio Arena, with the home fans getting behind their team in unison. “Congratulations to Zalgiris, they are a superb team and their fans are truly fantastic,” he said. “We improved in the second half but we had some problems in controlling the defensive rebounds and that’s what made the difference in the end.”

Zalgiris won the battle of the boards 41-32 and held Valencia to 8-of-22 from long range, with [Jaime Pradilla](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/jaime-pradilla/010393/) and [Jean Montero](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/jean-montero/010042/) pacing the visitors on 15 points each. Ultimately, the home team did enough to grind out a tough win which will boost their confidence ahead of the upcoming challenges.

The Lithuanian side stayed among the league’s pacesetters with a hard-fought win on home court

Zalgiris Kaunas v Valencia Basket (2025-11-07T18:00:00.000Z)

Panathinaikos AKTOR Athens fans will have to wait a little longer to see Mathias Lessort back in action. 

Mathias Lessort suffers setback in return from injury

[Panathinaikos AKTOR Athens](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/teams/panathinaikos-aktor-athens/pan/) fans will have to wait a little longer to see [Mathias Lessort](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/mathias-lessort/003842/) back in action. 

The two-time All-EuroLeague center is yet to play so far this season. Lessort made a brief comeback during the 2025 EuroLeague Final Four after suffering a serious fibula injury last December, but he picked up a leg injury during the Greek League Finals that has kept him sidelined to this point.

In a statement posted by Panathinaikos on Friday, the club revealed that Lessort's return from injury has been 'delayed'.

<center>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="el" dir="ltr">Ανακοίνωση ΚΑΕ Παναθηναϊκός AKTOR<br><br>Ως ΚΑΕ Παναθηναϊκός AKTOR θα θέλαμε με σεβασμό και υπευθυνότητα και πάντα σε συνεννόηση με τον Ματίας Λεσόρ, να ενημερώσουμε σχετικά με την κατάσταση του αθλητή μας, καθώς, ειδικότερα τις τελευταίες ώρες, λέγονται και γράφονται τερατώδεις… <a href="https://t.co/I7lcu4oKsM">pic.twitter.com/I7lcu4oKsM</a></p>&mdash; Panathinaikos BC (@Paobcgr) <a href="https://twitter.com/Paobcgr/status/1986813014343856548?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 7, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

"Panathinaikos BC AKTOR would like, with respect and responsibility — and always in full consultation with Mathias Lessort — to provide an update on the condition of our athlete, in the last few hours numerous exaggerated and inaccurate reports have been circulated," read Panathinaikos's statement. 

"Mathias was in the final stage of his reintegration into full team practice. However, during the increase of training load, he experienced discomfort in his left ankle and immediately underwent new medical examinations. These results revealed the presence of bone edema, and the medical staff is proceeding with a reassessment of the management plan.  

"His return to competition will be delayed, as the protection of our athletes’ health is always a non-negotiable priority for our club.  

"We remind everyone that matters concerning the health of our players are strictly personal and cannot become the subject of rumors, speculation, or so-called “exclusive information.” We will not allow sensitive issues to become a product of misinformation.  

"We ask for respect toward the athlete and the team, just as we act with responsibility and transparency in informing the public.  

"Regarding the timeline of his return to full team activities, any official update will be communicated exclusively by the club."

More Panathinaikos News

The 30-year-old has not played for the Greens so far this season