Creative on and off the court, Nigel Hayes-Davis invented and patented a portable hot dog griller. 

Nigel Hayes-Davis, Fenerbahce: 'I'm a vegan and I made a hot dog machine!'

Fenerbahce Beko Istanbul forward Nigel Hayes-Davis has proven to be creative on and off the basketball court. He invented, patented and seels a portable hot dog griller! 

Hayes-Davis is one of the great personalities in the Turkish Airlines EuroLeague. Soft-spoken, charming and clever, Hayes-Davis knows how to surprise people, such as the time he sent a message to his mother, Talaya Davis, right after a game in an on-court TV interview.  

Inspired by his mother and her ability to grill great hot dogs, Hayes-Davis had an idea for a portable cast-iron grilling tray that cooks hot dogs and toast buns, all in one.

"My mom would always toast the hot dog buns in the pan and it would be the greatest thing ever."

"I remember growing up, my mom would always toast the hot dog buns in the pan and it would be the greatest thing ever. It was a nice little crunch and it tasted really good. So I was trying to figure out how I could do that because I remember when she did it, the buns would always split," Hayes-Davis said. "And then I ended up getting in contact with the right people, starting with my financial adviser. Justin introduced me to a couple people, and then I ended up meeting with Derek for patenting the harana tray. And I ended up meeting Rodrigo, whose company helped me take the idea from here and created something tangible in real life."

That company is called Harana and you can find the device at <https://shopharana.myshopify.com/>. Here is a video on how it works: 

Patenting his device was not a big deal, according to Hayes-Davis. 

"The first step is paying to see if a patent or an invention exists that you want to patent. And it's kind of a gamble because if one exists then you kind of lose out on the money to search. But if it doesn't, then you're in the clear," he said. "And then the next step is paying to actually file. And then after you file, then you have to pay to secure it. And it's just a matter of paperwork, honestly, and signing on the dotted line more so than actual work. So it was a very easy process."

The unusual ingredient is butter, as his hot dog griller comes with a brush to butter the buns.  

"In the greatest country in the world, America, we love butter. Butter makes everything taste better. It does! Is it the healthiest option? You have your opinions, but the butter definitely improves the flavor," he said. "It's not something you need on a hot dog. But once you have a butter grilled hot dog, you probably won't want to eat a regular one again."

And he is right. I tried to eat hot dogs the Nigel Hayes-Davis way after this interview, grilling the bun and adding butter, and they are so much better. Some of his Fenerbahce teamamtes had the chance to try them last season, when he brought some of his portable devices to Istanbul. He has also promoted it on social media. 

"I did last year, and I cooked some for Carsen \[Edwards\] and Nick \[Calathes\] and then my videographer, Omar, and they enjoyed it as well," he said. "Again, they have never had a grilled bun. But they definitely enjoyed that. It's like 'Okay, there's a crunch, there's this butter flavor and it tastes better than just a regular hot dog.' So that's really the message I'm trying to get out, is that the taste is something that you'll appreciate and want." 

"I want you to buy the tray and eat your entire body weight in hot dogs. That would make me happy."

Hot dogs are eaten everywhere and the next step is the tailgating market. Tailgating is an American concept, a social gathering in which people cook BBQ meat, burgers and hot dogs at the back of a parked vehicle, typically in the parking lot of a sports stadium.

"That's definitely the target market, if you will. It's trying to penetrate the athletic sphere. Tailgating is huge around America for baseball, college football, NFL... there's always tailgating going on. I went to Wisconsin, huge college town, so on Saturdays during the game days you see tailgating and grills around the whole city," he recalls. "And I'm actually working with them now to try and get it incorporated into the Wisconsin system. I'm trying to work with their director and hopefully, I can work with a couple players to try to promote it in my college town. But that's really one of the primary target markets. It's tailgating for sure."

The most unbelievable part is that Hayes-Davis will never sample those hot dogs as he has been vegan since he became a professional player.

"That's the funniest part, isn't it? Isn't it great? I know, I know, that's what's so ironic about it, is that a vegan makes a hot dog grilling machine, and that's perfectly fine, because all of my friends, most of them are not vegan. So I'm really thinking of everyone else. I'm such a selfless guy that I would use my time to create something for other people to use, something that I won't use that much myself," Hayes-Davis said. "I don't eat much, as you say, like, imitation meat. I try to not eat that too often at all. So it's really funny that I'm a vegan and I made a hot dog machine, but it just shows how big my heart is. I'm thinking about others all the time."

Veganism has helped Hayes-Davis a lot, particularily with his ability to see a lot of playing time in most games.

"It's my secret weapon. I feel it gives me energy. I always feel great. I feel like I don't get tired. And there's people that say veganism is bad or it's not that good. In my mind, it works. So I mean, that's what it does for me. And I'm never one to tell anyone to be vegan. I would never tell someone."

Though he said he does not miss hot dogs, there are some non-vegan foods Hayes-Davis does miss: "Parmesan crusted chicken and macaroni and cheese and then just desserts. I'm a big dessert guy, and I know there's milk and eggs and butter and all stuff that makes it delicious," Hayes-Davis said.

Even though Hayes-Davis is not a hot dog connoisseur, he pleads that others should still try his invention.

"I encourage the world to eat as many hot dogs as you can. I actually want you to buy the tray and eat your entire body weight in hot dogs. That would make me happy," he concluded.

With the Turkish Airlines EuroLeague returning after a two-week hiatus and the EuroLeague Fantasy Challenge allowing unlimited trades ahead of Round 27, this week’s EuroLeague Fantasy Challenge Podcast arrives just in time! Podcast co-hosts Javier Gancedo and Frankie Sachs share their rebuilt teams and discuss the must-own players and the must-see games in Round 27.

Fantasy Challenge Podcast: Window or aisle?

With the Turkish Airlines EuroLeague returning after a two-week hiatus and the [EuroLeague Fantasy Challenge](https://euroleaguefantasy.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/home) allowing unlimited trades ahead of Round 27, this week’s EuroLeague Fantasy Challenge Podcast arrives just in time! Podcast co-hosts Javier Gancedo and Frankie Sachs share their rebuilt teams and discuss the must-own players and the must-see games in Round 27.

See which players both chose (there weren’t many!), hear which players they both chose to avoid (for now) and their take on coaches, too. Watch Episode No. 24 on YouTube or listen wherever podcasts are available for more insight into the EuroLeague Fantasy Challenge.

There were 99 EuroLeague players who played international hoops during the February window.

EuroLeague goes global: 99 players competed in FIBA play during the February window

Right across the world, Turkish Airlines EuroLeague players were making an impact for their respective countries in the February FIBA window. With all 18 clubs represented during the FIBA Continental Qualifiers 2025, every fan of a EuroLeague team could cheer on their stars in international play.

In total, there were 96 EuroLeague players who featured across 26 different nations during the qualifiers for the EuroBasket, AfroBasket and AmeriCup. The country with the most EuroLeague representatives was Greece, which had 12, followed by Italy and Spain with nine apiece. Germany and France also had a strong EuroLeague feel to their squads, with eight players each from Europe’s premier club basketball competition.

There were an additional three players who appeared in the pre-World Cup Qualifiers, too, taking the total figure of international players coming from the EuroLeague to 99.

Real Madrid's Facundo Campazzo in action for Argentina. (PHOTO: FIBA)

When it comes to the most represented clubs, league leader Real Madrid and third-placed Panathinaikos AKTOR Athens had eight internationals apiece, with seven each coming from ALBA Berlin, EA7 Emporio Armani Milan, FC Bayern Munich, Fenerbahce Beko Istanbul, Partizan Mozzart Bet Belgrade and Virtus Segafredo Bologna.

Perhaps understandably given where the EuroLeague takes place, 89 of the 96 players taking part in the Continental Qualifiers appeared in the EuroBasket Qualifiers. Then, there were six who featured in the AmeriCup Qualifiers, one in the AfroBasket Qualifiers and, as noted, three in the pre-World Cup Qualifiers.

### EuroLeague players in the EuroBasket Qualifiers

- [Dzanan Musa](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/dzanan-musa/006540/) (Bosnia and Herzegovina/Real Madrid)
- [Codi Miller-McIntyre](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/codi-miller-mcintyre/009048/) (Bulgaria/Baskonia Vitoria-Gasteiz)
- [Danko Brankovic](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/danko-brankovic/007639/) (Croatia/FC Bayern Munich)
- [Mario Hezonja](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/mario-hezonja/003108/) (Croatia/Real Madrid)
- [Jaleen Smith](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/jaleen-smith/011192/) (Croatia/Partizan Mozzart Bet Belgrade)
- [Tomas Satoransky](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/tomas-satoransky/002939/) (Czech Republic/FC Barcelona)
- [Iffe Lundberg](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/iffe-lundberg/010781/) (Denmark/Virtus Segafredo Bologna)
- [Maik Kotsar](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/maik-kotsar/004603/) (Estonia/Baskonia Vitoria-Gasteiz)
- [Sander Raieste](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/sander-raieste/008850/) (Estonia/Baskonia Vitoria-Gasteiz)
- [Isaia Cordinier](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/isaia-cordinier/009549/) (France/Virtus Segafredo Bologna)
- [Sylvain Francisco](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/sylvain-francisco/007975/) (France/FC Bayern Munich)
- [Damien Inglis](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/damien-inglis/003960/) (France/Valencia Basket)
- [Mathias Lessort](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/mathias-lessort/003842/) (France/Panathinaikos AKTOR Athens)
- [Timothe Luwawu-Cabarrot](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/timothe-luwawu-cabarrot/012080/) (France/LDLC ASVEL Villeurbanne)
- [Vincent Poirier](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/vincent-poirier/004887/) (France/Real Madrid)
- [Matthew Strazel](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/matthew-strazel/008099/) (France/AS Monaco)
- [Guerschon Yabusele](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/guerschon-yabusele/010357/) (France/Real Madrid)
- [Joe Thomasson](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/joe-thomasson/012095/) (Georgia/Maccabi Playtika Tel Aviv)
- [Tornike Shengelia](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/tornike-shengelia/001133/) (Georgia/Virtus Segafredo Bologna)
- [Oscar da Silva](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/oscar-da-silva/011244/) (Germany/FC Barcelona)
- [Malte Delow](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/malte-delow/008211/) (Germany/ALBA Berlin)
- [Jonas Mattisseck](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/jonas-mattisseck/007025/) (Germany/ALBA Berlin)
- [Louis Olinde](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/louis-olinde/006919/) (Germany/ALBA Berlin)
- [Tim Schneider](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/tim-schneider/006251/) (Germany/ALBA Berlin)
- [Nelson Weidemann](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/nelson-weidemann/006245/) (Germany/FC Bayern Munich)
- [Nick Weiler-Babb](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/nick-weiler-babb/010391/) (Germany/FC Bayern Munich)
- [Niklas Wimberg](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/niklas-wimberg/005478/) (Germany/FC Bayern Munich)
- [Kostas Antetokounmpo](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/kostas-antetokounmpo/011221/) (Greece/Panathinaikos AKTOR Athens)
- [Panagiotis Kalaitzakis](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/panagiotis-kalaitzakis/011209/) (Greece/Panathinaikos AKTOR Athens)
- [Giannoulis Larentzakis](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/giannoulis-larentzakis/010392/) (Greece/Olympiacos Piraeus)
- [Eleftherios Mantzoukas](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/eleftherios-mantzoukas/008084/) (Greece/Panathinaikos AKTOR Athens)
- [Naz Mitrou-Long](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/naz-mitrou-long/011965/) (Greece/Olympiacos Piraeus)
- [Michalis Lountzis](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/michalis-lountzis/006302/) (Greece/Olympiacos Piraeus)
- [Dinos Mitoglou](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/konstantinos-mitoglou/007866/) (Greece/Panathinaikos AKTOR Athens)
- [Dimitris Moraitis](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/dimitris-moraitis/006544/) (Greece/Panathinaikos AKTOR Athens)
- [Georgios Papagiannis](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/georgios-papagiannis/005844/) (Greece/Fenerbahce Beko Istanbul)
- [Kostas Papanikolaou](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/kostas-papanikolaou/001255/) (Greece/Olympiacos Piraeus)
- [Nikos Rogkavopoulos](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/nikolaos-rogkavopoulos/011085/) (Greece/Baskonia Vitoria-Gasteiz)
- [Thomas Walkup](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/thomas-walkup/008855/) (Greece/Olympiacos Piraeus)
- [Adam Hanga](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/adam-hanga/005099/) (Hungary/Crvena Zvezda Meridianbet Belgrade)
- [Martin Hermannsson](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/martin-hermannsson/008780/) (Iceland/ALBA Berlin)
- [Yam Madar](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/yam-madar/011052/) (Israel/Fenerbahce Beko Istanbul)
- [Rafi Menco](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/rafi-menco/004233/) (Israel/Maccabi Playtika Tel Aviv)
- [Roman Sorkin](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/roman-sorkin/011219/) (Israel/Maccabi Playtika Tel Aviv)
- [Noam Yaacov](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/noam-yaacov/011386/) (Israel/LDLC ASVEL Villeurbanne)
- [Giordano Bortolani](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/giordano-bortolani/006701/) (Italy/EA7 Emporio Armani Milan)
- [Guglielmo Caruso](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/guglielmo-caruso/006721/) (Italy/EA7 Emporio Armani Milan)
- [Diego Flaccadori](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/diego-flaccadori/005670/) (Italy/EA7 Emporio Armani Milan)
- [Nicolo Melli](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/nicolo-melli/002849/) (Italy/EA7 Emporio Armani Milan)
- [Alessandro Pajola](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/alessandro-pajola/006739/) (Italy/Virtus Segafredo Bologna)
- [Achille Polonara](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/achille-polonara/002084/) (Italy/Virtus Segafredo Bologna)
- [Gabriele Procida](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/gabriele-procida/008384/) (Italy/ALBA Berlin)
- [Giampaolo Ricci](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/giampaolo-ricci/001518/) (Italy/EA7 Emporio Armani Milan)
- [Stefano Tonut](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/stefano-tonut/006509/) (Italy/EA7 Emporio Armani Milan)
- [Rihards Lomazs](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/rihards-lomazs/005553/) (Latvia/Virtus Segafredo Bologna)
- [Tomas Dimsa](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/tomas-dimsa/003211/) (Lithuania/Zalgiris Kaunas)
- [Rokas Giedraitis](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/rokas-giedraitis/006436/) (Lithuania/Crvena Zvezda Meridianbet Belgrade)
- [Lukas Lekavicius](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/lukas-lekavicius/003210/) (Lithuania/Zalgiris Kaunas)
- [Edgaras Ulanovas](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/edgaras-ulanovas/002329/) (Lithuania/Zalgiris Kaunas)
- [Dino Radoncic](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/dino-radoncic/006543/) (Montenegro/FC Bayern Munich)
- [Aleksander Balcerowski](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/aleksander-balcerowski/007553/) (Poland/Panathinaikos AKTOR Athens)
- [Mateusz Ponitka](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/mateusz-ponitka/004172/) (Poland/Partizan Mozzart Bet Belgrade)
- [Aleksa Avramovic](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/aleksa-avramovic/003983/) (Serbia/Partizan Mozzart Bet Belgrade)
- [Dejan Davidovac](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/dejan-davidovac/007960/) (Serbia/Crvena Zvezda Meridianbet Belgrade)
- [Marko Guduric](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/marko-guduric/004004/) (Serbia/Fenerbahce Beko Istanbul)
- [Ognjen Jaramaz](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/ognjen-jaramaz/004058/) (Serbia/Partizan Mozzart Bet Belgrade)
- [Balsa Koprivica](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/balsa-koprivica/011050/) (Serbia/Partizan Mozzart Bet Belgrade)
- [Vanja Marinkovic](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/vanja-marinkovic/004761/) (Serbia/Baskonia Vitoria-Gasteiz)
- [Luka Mitrovic](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/luka-mitrovic/002553/) (Serbia/Crvena Zvezda Meridianbet Belgrade)
- [Filip Petrusev](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/filip-petrusev/011194/) (Serbia/Olympiacos Piraeus)
- [Ognjen Dobric](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/ognjen-dobric/004007/) (Serbia/Virtus Segafredo Bologna)
- [Ziga Samar](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/ziga-samar/007550/) (Slovenia/ALBA Berlin)
- [Mike Tobey](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/mike-tobey/008966/) (Slovenia/Crvena Zvezda Meridianbet Belgrade)
- [Alberto Abalde](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/alberto-abalde/003733/) (Spain/Real Madrid)
- [Carlos Alocen](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/carlos-alocen/010623/) (Spain/Real Madrid)
- [Dario Brizuela](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/dario-brizuela/009992/) (Spain/FC Barcelona)
- [Victor Claver](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/victor-claver/000556/) (Spain/Valencia Basket)
- [Juancho Hernangomez](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/juancho-hernangomez/012712/) (Spain/Panathinaikos AKTOR Athens)
- [Xabi Lopez-Arostegui](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/xabi-lopez-arostegui/005356/) (Spain/Valencia Basket)
- [Joel Parra](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/joel-parra/007464/) (Spain/FC Barcelona)
- [Jaime Pradilla](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/jaime-pradilla/010393/) (Spain/Valencia Basket)
- [Ricky Rubio](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/rubio-ricky/lfw/) (Spain/FC Barcelona)
- [Tarik Biberovic](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/tarik-biberovic/006961/) (Turkiye/Fenerbahce Beko Istanbul)
- [Erten Gazi](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/erten-gazi/010516/) (Turkiye/Anadolu Efes Istanbul)
- [Sehmus Hazer](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/sehmus-hazer/011201/) (Turkiye/Fenerbahce Beko Istanbul)
- [Melih Mahmutoglu](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/melih-mahmutoglu/002969/) (Turkiye/Fenerbahce Beko Istanbul)
- [Ercan Osmani](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/ercan-osmani/012710/) (Turkiye/Anadolu Efes Istanbul)
- [Sertac Sanli](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/sertac-sanli/002968/) (Turkiye/Fenerbahce Beko Istanbul)
- [Erkan Yilmaz](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/erkan-yilmaz/006372/) (Turkiye/Anadolu Efes Istanbul)

### EuroLeague players in the AmeriCup Qualifiers

- [Leandro Bolmaro](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/leandro-bolmaro/008985/) (Argentina/FC Bayern Munich)
- [Facundo Campazzo](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/facundo-campazzo/005928/) (Argentina/Real Madrid)
- [Gabriel Deck](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/gabriel-deck/009005/) (Argentina/Real Madrid)
- [Bruno Caboclo](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/bruno-caboclo/012096/) (Brazil/Partizan Mozzart Bet Belgrade)
- [Yago Dos Santos](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/yago-dos-santos/012044/) (Brazil/Crvena Zvezda Meridianbet Belgrade)
- [Jasiel Rivero](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/jasiel-rivero/011214/) (Cuba/Maccabi Playtika Tel Aviv)

### EuroLeague players in the Afrobasket Qualifiers

- [Alex Poythress](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/alex-poythress/009960/) (Cote d'Ivoire/EA7 Emporio Armani Milan)

### EuroLeague players in the pre-World Cup Qualifiers

- [Chris Jones](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/chris-jones/010568/) (Armenia/Valencia Basket)
- [Donta Hall](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/donta-hall/011196/) (Azerbaijan/AS Monaco)
- [Zach LeDay](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/zach-leday/008987/) (Azerbaijan/Partizan Mozzart Bet Belgrade)

AS Monaco and France's Matthew Strazel is guarded by Real Madrid and Bosnia and Herzegovina's Dzanan Musa. (PHOTO: Kemal Softic/FIBA)

Every EuroLeague team had at least one representative (PHOTO: Kemal Softic/FIBA)

There were several EuroLeague and EuroCup players who stepped up in the continental qualifiers in FIBA play.

Continental qualifiers roundup: EuroLeague, EuroCup players came to the fore

### EuroBasket Qualifiers

### Finland 89-85 Denmark

[Mikael Jantunen](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/players/mikael-jantunen/012613/) of Paris Basketball starred with a team-high 19 points in Finland’s triumph. Virtus Segafredo Bologna’s [Iffe Lundberg](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/iffe-lundberg/010781/) had a game-high 26 points for Denmark, while ratiopharm Ulm youngster [Tobias Jensen](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/players/tobias-jensen/010726/) had 5 points and 5 rebounds in the loss.

### Georgia 63-76 Serbia

Serbia had four Turkish Airlines EuroLeague players reach double figures in points in its win at Georgia: [Marko Guduric](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/marko-guduric/004004/) of Fenerbahce Beko Istanbul with 16, [Vanja Marinkovic](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/vanja-marinkovic/004761/) of Baskonia Vitoria-Gasteiz with 15, [Aleksa Avramovic](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/aleksa-avramovic/003983/) of Partizan Mozzart Bet Belgrade with 12 and [Filip Petrusev](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/filip-petrusev/011194/) of Olympiacos Piraeus with 11. Virtus star [Toko Shengelia](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/tornike-shengelia/001133/) netted 19 as Georgia lost, with Maccabi Playtika Tel Aviv’s [Joe Thomasson](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/joe-thomasson/012095/) adding 13.

### Poland 71-96 North Macedonia

Dreamland Gran Canaria’s [Ethan Happ](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/players/ethan-happ/009864/) played an important role in North Macedonia’s win, scoring 19 points, grabbing 7 rebounds, dishing 5 assists and making 5 steals. [Aleksander Balcerowski](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/aleksander-balcerowski/007553/) of Panathinaikos AKTOR Athens recorded 7 points and 3 rebounds in defeat for Poland.

### Estonia 65-59 Lithuania

[Maik Kotsar](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/maik-kotsar/004603/) of Baskonia impressed with an 11-point, 13-rebound double-double as Estonia secured its first-ever win against Lithuania. Zalgiris Kaunas duo [Edgaras Ulanovas](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/edgaras-ulanovas/002329/) and [Tomas Dimsa](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/tomas-dimsa/003211/) scored 16 and 14 points, respectively, for the visitors.

### Bosnia and Herzegovina 64-74 France

France had three EuroLeague players hit double figures in points in its win: Real Madrid duo [Guerschon Yabusele](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/guerschon-yabusele/010357/) and [Vincent Poirier](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/vincent-poirier/004887/) with 16 and 13 points, respectively, and AS Monaco’s [Matthew Strazel](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/matthew-strazel/008099/) with 11. Yabusele had 9 rebounds and Poirier 8, too. Real’s [Dzanan Musa](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/dzanan-musa/006540/) netted 15 points and Buducnost VOLI Podgorica’s [Kenan Kamenjas](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/players/kenan-kamenjas/008325/) had 14 for Bosnia and Herzegovina.

### Netherlands 72-74 Greece

[Vassilis Toliopoulos](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/players/vassilis-toliopoulos/004292/) of Aris Midea Thessaloniki inspired Greece with game highs of 26 points and 8 assists. Panathinaikos’s [Dimitris Moraitis](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/dimitris-moraitis/006544/) contributed 14 points, too. [Yannick Kraag](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/players/yannick-kraag/010161/) of Joventut Badalona finished with 10 points in the loss for the Netherlands.

### Croatia 92-63 Cyprus

Gran Canaria’s [Roko Prkacin](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/players/roko-prkacin/007644/) had a 24-point, 10-rebound double-double for Croatia, and Real Madrid’s [Mario Hezonja](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/mario-hezonja/003108/) also recorded a double-double with 22 points and 10 boards.  

### Czech Republic 90-82 Great Britain

[Tomas Satoransky](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/tomas-satoransky/002939/) of FC Barcelona led the Czech Republic with a 21-point, 10-assist double-double.

### AmeriCup Qualifiers

### Cuba 81-67 USA

Maccabi’s [Jasiel Rivero](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/jasiel-rivero/011214/) had 11 points and 9 rebounds as Cuba beat the United States for the first-ever time in the AmeriCup.

### Chile 79-77 Argentina

[Sebastian Herrera](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/players/sebastian-herrera/012611/) of Paris finished with 8 points, 4 rebounds and 3 assists for Chile in its triumph over Argentina. The Albiceleste had Real Madrid duo [Gabriel Deck](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/gabriel-deck/009005/) and [Facundo Campazzo](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/facundo-campazzo/005928/) score 20 and 16 points, respectively, while FC Bayern Munich’s [Leandro Bolmaro](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/leandro-bolmaro/008985/) netted 12 and Gran Canaria’s [Nicolas Brussino](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/players/nicolas-brussino/008121/) had 11.

There were several individuals who had key roles in victories

Maik Kotsar had an 11-point, 13-rebound double-double as Estonia beat Lithuania for the first time in its history.

Maik Kotsar was instrumental in guiding Estonia to a historic win

It is often said that the third time’s the charm, but for Estonia, it proved to be ninth time lucky as it hosted Lithuania in the FIBA EuroBasket 2025 Qualifiers. On a night of many good performances, Baskonia Vitoria-Gasteiz’s [Maik Kotsar](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/maik-kotsar/004603/) certainly made his presence felt.

Estonia ended up coming away with a 65-59 win against Lithuania after losing its previous eight contests against its Baltic rival, with a passionate crowd inside Tallinn’s Unibet Arena spurring the team on. Impressively, this triumph came just three days after Friday night’s 69-74 victory on the road at North Macedonia, a game in which Kotsar scored a joint team-high 16 points.

### Kotsar's telling impact against Lithuania

On Monday night, Kotsar was once again one of the main scorers for Estonia, netting 11 points, while teammates Janari Joesaar and Siim-Sander Vene finished with 18 and 13, respectively. Yet, it was Kotsar’s work on the glass that was the most notable of his display, as he grabbed 13 rebounds to give him a double-double.

Those 13 boards came thanks to 7 on the defensive end and 6 under Lithuania’s own basket, which resulted in many second-chance opportunities for his teammates. Then, late in the game, Kotsar drew a charge with 19 seconds left on the clock to all but wrap up the victory.

Maik Kotsar attempts a hook shot against Lithuania. (PHOTO: Hendrik Osula/FIBA)

Baskonia teammate [Sander Raieste](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/sander-raieste/008850/) had an interesting night, too, even if he did finish with 0 points. The small forward found a way to contribute, as he often does with Baskonia, by pulling down 5 rebounds, including 2 on the offensive end, dishing 4 assists, making 1 steal and not turning the ball over once.

As a result of Estonia’s victory against Lithuania, and following North Macedonia’s win at Poland, Kotsar and co. are the only squad with a 100% record in Group H, which should put it in good stead when the second window commences in November.

The Estonia fans celebrating during the game against Lithuania. (PHOTO: Hendrik Osula/FIBA)

Let’s see if Kotsar can make another winning impact when Baskonia travels to Turkiye to take on Fenerbahce Beko Istanbul on Friday night as the EuroLeague gets back underway.

Maik Kotsar looks to score for Estonia against Lithuania in the 2025 FIBA EuroBasket Qualifiers. (PHOTO: Hendrik Osula/FIBA)

The Baltic nation beat a fellow Baltic state in Lithuania for the first time ever (PHOTO: Hendrik Osula/FIBA)

EuroLeague Fantasy guru Javier Gancedo has chosen five players worthy of serious consideration for your teams this week. 


Fantasy Tips, Round 27: James and who else?

The Turkish Airlines EuroLeague returns after a two-week break and all of a sudden, we are just eight rounds away from the end of the regular season. A lot can happen in Round 27, including some massive milestones, and that may have a major impact on the [EuroLeague Fantasy Challenge](https://euroleaguefantasy.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/home). The EuroLeague Fantasy guru Javier Gancedo recommends five players for you this week, all in different price ranges, including the most expensive one in the competition right now:

[Mike James, AS Monaco (19.3 credits)](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/mike-james/005985/)

We know James has been playing at a MVP level all season and recommending him is easy, but he is 29 points away from becoming the EuroLeague's all-time leading scorer. He hasn't scored 29 points this season and has never had more than 20 against Barca, but if he does, his PIR will be off the charts. It is worth signing him.

[Johnathan Motley, Fenerbahce Beko Istanbul (13.2 credits)](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/johnathan-motley/011157/)

Motley has been playing better ever since Coach Jasikevicius joined Fenerbahce. He's had a PIR of 14 or higher in each of his last seven EuroLeague games. Besides, Sasha Vezenkov recommended him in the EuroLeague Fantasy Challenge podcast. If the MVP wants him, go for Motley!

Laurynas Birutis, Mike James, Yago dos Santos, Sylvain Francisco and Johnathan Motley are featured in this week's article

EuroLeague Fantasy tips: Round 27

[Sylvain Francisco, FC Bayern Munich (11.7 credits)](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/sylvain-francisco/007975/)

Francisco was chosen as the German Cup MVP, which whould give him even more confidence going forward. He has been in great form recently, scoring in double digits in his last seven games. During that span, he has averaged 15.9 points on 20-of-40 three-point shooting (50.0% 3FG), 3.9 assists and a PIR of 17.9 in less than 22 minutes per night.

[Yago dos Santos, Crvena Zvezda Meridianbet Belgrade (10.3 credits)](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/yago-dos-santos/012044/)

If you think James will not achieve this milestone and are looking for a cheaper guard, dos Santos may be a very good choice. Fully adjusted to the competition, dos Santos has averaged 17.0 points and a PIR of 21.2 in his last five games. Join the Fantasy Challenge's Yagomania. Following him is a lot of fun!

[Laurynas Birutis, Zalgiris Kaunas (9.9 credits)](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/laurynas-birutis/005504/)

Another player who has just gotten better and better as the season has progressed. Birutis has averaged 13.8 points on 31-of-39 two-point shooting (79.5% 2FG), 5.8 rebounds and a PIR of 18.6 over his last five games. Head coach Andrea Trincheri has made Birutis one of his team's pillars and his numbers have been great.

Curios to know which scorers have been at the top of their game over the past two months? Look no further!

Stats review: The most efficient scorers in 2024

The Turkish Airlines EuroLeague returns this week as the final push towards the playoffs begins in earnest.  With eight rounds to be played over the next seven weeks, the tension is palpable in the middle of the standings where 13 teams have tallied between 11 and 16 wins, creating a logjam that spans from slots in line for homecourt advantage in the best-of-five playoff series through the Play-In Showdown range, and all the way down to 15th place.  

With so much left to determine for so many teams, it's worth noting which players are riding the biggest waves of momentum into the stretch run. 

The graphic above looks at the most efficient offensive players in the EuroLeague since the calendar turned to 2024, a range that covers nine rounds.  For perspective, Real Madrid currently leads the EuroLeague averaging 1.06 points per possession while Alec Peters of Olympiacos Piraeus has been the season’s top individual scorer averaging 1.32 points per possession.  

Real Madrid's 24-year-old swingman Dzanan Musa has had an excellent year overall, but he caught fire in January to help his team build a significant cushion at the top of the standings.  Making over 40% of his three-point attempts both off the dribble and in catch-and-shoot situations while converting 64% around the rim, he’s been able to pick opposing defenses apart in pick-and-rolls and impact the game without the ball in his hands.  

Knocking down 57% of his catch-and-shoot three-point attempts to more than double his scoring average for Olympiacos from a year ago, Peters has seized his opportunity to shine this season.  His shooting prowess is one of the reasons his team has been able to climb towards the top of the logjam in the standings and both he and veteran scoring guard Isaiah Canaan—another returning player who has doubled his scoring average from last season in Piraeus—figure to give the Reds a chance earn one of the coveted spots above the Play-In Showdown if they can stay hot.

### Vesely making a difference from mid-range

Amid the highest per-minute scoring season of his long, decorated EuroLeague career, former MVP Jan Vesely has made his return to the top of the efficiency leaderboards, though perhaps not in the manner one might expect.  Vesely has shot 71% finishing around the rim in both of his seasons with FC Barcelona, but this year he’s knocked down an impressive 55% of his midrange jump shots as well.  Even if he’s not spacing the floor out to the three-point line, there’s value in that for his team as it’s a dramatic improvement on the 36% he shot a year ago and good enough to keep opposing big men honest.

Jan Vesely King of the mid-range jumper

### A pair of Zalgiris stars

Laurynas Birutis has picked up EuroLeague experience in spurts over the last six seasons, but the towering Zalgiris Kaunas center has found a real formula this season not just finishing as well as one would expect in close, but making 58% of his hook shots and 72% of floaters to score efficiently even when he does not have an angle to the rim.  

It hasn’t hurt Birutis that Keenan Evans has been devastating defenses over the last two months. As the highest-volume player on this list by a comfortable margin, the dynamic guard feels like he is really all the way back from the Achilles’ injury that spoiled his breakout campaign last year.  Ranking among the top-two players in both pick-and-roll and isolation scoring efficiency looking like he has not missed a beat, Evans has been particularly unguardable in 2024 which has bolstered his value as a passer as well and keyed Zalgiris’s recent climb towards the middle of the standings.

### A good sign for Zvezda

Bonzie Colson, Jonathan Motley, Serge Ibaka, and Rokas Giedraitis have all started the year on a high note as well.  Among those four, only Giedraitis’s Crvena Zvezda Meridianbet Belgrade team has fewer than 11 wins.  However, with the EuroLeague's seventh-best point differential, they seem overdue for a rise back into the thick of things.  

With 10 teams qualifying for the postseason for the first time in modern EuroLeague history, the battle for those additional spots is setting up to be fierce. Time will tell which teams will seize the opportunity and which players carry them there, but the group above has gotten a head start on what may be one of the more dramatic regular season finishes in recent memory.

After a two-week break, the Turkish Airlines EuroLeague returns with Round 27 delivering a thrilling selection of games in the race for the playoffs. Here's your guide to the action. 

This week: The action returns!

### Thursday, February 29

[ALBA Berlin vs. Maccabi Playtika Tel Aviv ](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/game-center/2023-24/alba-berlin-maccabi-playtika-tel-aviv/E2023/235/)

Playoff-chasing but inconsistent Maccabi (13-13) will look to strengthen its position in the top 10 with a trip to lowly ALBA (5-21). Maccabi has lost six in a row on the road mainly due to a leaky defense that allowed 105 points last time out against Efes. But the Israeli champion does have [Wade Baldwin](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/wade-baldwin-iv/009863/) in great form, netting at least 22 points in four straight games. Baldwin also top scored for his team with 18 points when Maccabi comfortably downed ALBA, 102-81, in November, a game that also saw the German team's talented young swingman [Gabriele Procida](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/gabriele-procida/008384/) set a new personal best with 22 points.

[Virtus Segafredo Bologna vs. Valencia Basket ](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/game-center/2023-24/virtus-segafredo-bologna-valencia-basket/E2023/238/)

Virtus (16-10) needs to arrest a slump as it hosts determined defensive expert Valencia (13-13). The Spanish team has allowed just 76.0 points per game, second best in the league, and will look to pounce upon any lack in confidence among a Virtus team that has lost three of the last four. Valencia did exactly that when the teams met in December, grinding out a 79-71 victory paced by 17 points from backcourt orchestrator [Chris Jones](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/chris-jones/010568/), with the Italian team held to just 25 field goal conversions. Five of those came from key man [Toko Shengelia](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/tornike-shengelia/001133/), who will look to return from the break refreshed after averaging just 8 points and 3.8 rebounds - low tallies by his standards - in the last four games.

Virtus' home triumph over Olympiacos demonstrated its versatility, leaning mostly on a stern defense rather than the offensive prowess that marked previous successes, whereas Valencia are also strong in the backcourt, allowing a league-low 74 ppg, and armed with the talents of playmaker Chris Jones.

Valencia Basket-Virtus Segafredo Bologna | Round 16 Highlights | 2023-24 Turkish Airlines EuroLeague

[Partizan Mozzart Bet Belgrade vs. Anadolu Efes Istanbul ](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/game-center/2023-24/partizan-mozzart-bet-belgrade-anadolu-efes-istanbul/E2023/236/)

Two direct rivals just outside the playoff places go head to head as Partizan (12-14) welcomes Efes (11-15). Partizan needs to give its season fresh impetus after losing three in a row, while the Turkish team gave a reminder of its awesome offensive potential by blasting 105 points against Maccabi in the last game before the break, powered by 22 points and 6 assists from [Shane Larkin](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/shane-larkin/007200/). He was also the key performer when Efes edged a high-scoring thriller in November, 100-94, netting 27 points to overcome a career-best 24 points from Partizan big man [Frank Kaminsky](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/frank-kaminsky/012743/). [PJ Dozier](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/perry-dozier-jr/012742/) also shined in that game with 21 points, and his defensive skills will be fundamental on this occasion to slow down Larkin and playmaker [Darius Thompson](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/darius-thompson/011078/). 

[Real Madrid vs. Panathinaikos AKTOR Athens ](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/game-center/2023-24/real-madrid-panathinaikos-aktor-athens/E2023/237/)

Title holder and league leader Real (22-4) will attempt to continue its remarkable dominance over third-placed Panathinaikos (16-10), which has lost 16 of its last 17 games against the Spanish giant, and 12 straight in Madrid. [Jerian Grant](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/jerian-grant/011204/) has a key role to play on defense for the Greek team in breaking the rhythm of Real playmaker [Facu Campazzo](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/facundo-campazzo/005928/), while we can also look forward to an all-action duel between explosive big men as [Guerschon Yabusele](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/guerschon-yabusele/010357/) goes up against [Mathias Lessort](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/mathias-lessort/003842/). Former Green [Mario Hezonja](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/mario-hezonja/003108/) led Real to a 78-90 victory in Athens earlier in the season, scoring 19 points, to help overcome 24 points for Panathinaikos guard [Kendrick Nunn](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/kendrick-nunn/012774/). 

Real showed its defensive excellence by holding Olympiacos to 71 points and triumph in Piraeus. They seek a perfect Greek week at the expense of a Greens team that couldn't ignite their offense at Efes, and will look to Kostas Sloukas to recover his best form after netting just 6 and 9 points in the last two.

Panathinaikos AKTOR Athens-Real Madrid | Round 13 Highlights | 2023-24 Turkish Airlines EuroLeague

### Friday, March 1

[Fenerbahce Beko Istanbul vs. Baskonia Vitoria-Gasteiz ](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/game-center/2023-24/fenerbahce-beko-istanbul-baskonia-vitoria-gasteiz/E2023/242/)

Friday's action tips off with a key matchup as Fenerbahce (15-11) attempts to end a two-game losing run with a visit from Baskonia (14-12), which has conversely won two in a row. December's meeting between the teams was a thriller, won 80-79 by Baskonia on the back of 28 points from three-point specialist [Markus Howard](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/markus-howard/011948/) and a double-double, 15 points and 10 rebounds, by [Maik Kotsar](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/maik-kotsar/004603/). Fenerbahce was led that night by 19 points from [Nigel Hayes-Davis](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/nigel-hayes-davis/008962/), who will look to bounce back from a quiet couple of games, scoring just 4 points in his team's pre-break defeats to Monaco and Panathinaikos. After losing those two games to direct rivals, the Turkish team will be extra motivated to avoid a third similar setback in a row.

[Zalgiris Kaunas vs. Olympiacos Piraeus ](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/game-center/2023-24/zalgiris-kaunas-olympiacos-piraeus/E2023/239/)

Zalgiris (11-15) will look to maintain its outstanding pre-break form with the tough assignment of overcoming Olympiacos (15-11). Andrea Trinchieri's team has won three in a row partly thanks to the excellent form of big man [Laurynas Birutis](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/laurynas-birutis/005504/), who has averaged 13.8 points in the last five games, while [Keenan Evans](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/keenan-evans/011218/) scored 25 to overcome Zvezda last time out. Olympiacos has aspirations of climbing higher than its current sixth position, and is building momentum nicely with a three-game winning streak. The Greek team prevailed comfortably, 89-72, when the teams met in November, led by 25 and 22 points respectively from deep shooting threats [Isaiah Canaan](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/isaiah-canaan/010612/) and [Alec Peters](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/alec-peters/008829/).

[LDLC ASVEL Villeurbanne vs. EA7 Emporio Armani Milan ](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/game-center/2023-24/ldlc-asvel-villeurbanne-ea7-emporio-armani-milan/E2023/243/)

ASVEL (5-21) will attempt to climb away from the bottom of the standings as it welcomes a Milan team (11-15) that still hopes to mount a playoff challenge. Milan showed its potential by beating league leader Real Madrid in the last game before the break, led by 27 points from [Shavon Shields](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/shavon-shields/007831/) and 23 from [Nikola Mirotic](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/nikola-mirotic/000796/). Shields was also the top performer, with 13 points and 6 assists, in a comfortable 84-61 home win over ASVEL in December, and the French team will look to end a three-game losing streak by using the ball-hawking skills of [Paris Lee](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/paris-lee/011225/) - top of the league's steals chart with 1.8 per game - to disrupt the visitor's rhythm. 

An important figure for ASVEL is Joffrey Lauvergne, who in on a run of six consecutive double-digit scoring showdown. He attempts dominate the paint against Milan's Nicolo Melli, who powered the win at Barcelona with 16 points and 6 rebounds. Which of the stars on show will prevail on this occasion?

EA7 Emporio Armani Milan-LDLC ASVEL Villeurbanne | Round 15 Highlights | 2023-24 Turkish Airlines EuroLeague

[FC Bayern Munich vs. Crvena Zvezda Meridianbet Belgrade ](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/game-center/2023-24/fc-bayern-munich-crvena-zvezda-meridianbet-belgrade/E2023/241/)

Two teams hoping to push towards the top 10 meet in Munich as Bayern (11-15) welcomes Zvezda (10-16). Bayern has won two of the last three to rekindle playoff hopes, most recently grabbing a thrilling road triumph at Partizan behind 20 points from [Sylvain Francisco](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/sylvain-francisco/007975/), who presents a big threat to Zvezda after reaching double digits in seven straight games. The Serbian team has lost four of its last five games but did overcome Bayern at home in Round 6, when 16 points and 11 assists from ageless backcourt leader [Milos Teodosic](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/milos-teodosic/jdr/) proved pivotal in a 64-68 victory.

[FC Barcelona vs. AS Monaco ](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/game-center/2023-24/fc-barcelona-as-monaco/E2023/240/)

A matchup between two genuine title contenders concludes the week in style as second-placed Barcelona (18-8) hosts fourth-placed (16-10) Monaco. All eyes will be on [Mike James](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/mike-james/005985/) as Monaco's star guard hunts down the 29 points that would make him the competition's all-time leading scorer, but another combo guard will also look to have a say as [Nico Laprovittola](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/nicolas-laprovittola/006435/) looks to extend Barça's six-game home winning run. Monaco earned a convincing home victory, 91-71, when the teams met in December, led by 19 points on 4 of 6 three-point shooting from the all-action [Alpha Diallo](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/alpha-diallo/011226/). Barca had more turnovers (14) than assists (13) in that game, and will look for [Tomas Satoransky](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/tomas-satoransky/002939/) to provide more backcourt control this time around.

FC Bayern Munich v Crvena Zvezda Meridianbet Belgrade (2024-03-01T19:30:00.000Z)

FC Barcelona v AS Monaco (2024-03-01T19:30:00.000Z)

LDLC ASVEL Villeurbanne v EA7 Emporio Armani Milan (2024-03-01T19:00:00.000Z)

Zalgiris Kaunas v Olympiacos Piraeus (2024-03-01T18:00:00.000Z)

Fenerbahce Beko Istanbul v Baskonia Vitoria-Gasteiz (2024-03-01T17:45:00.000Z)

Real Madrid v Panathinaikos AKTOR Athens (2024-02-29T19:45:00.000Z)

Virtus Segafredo Bologna v Valencia Basket (2024-02-29T19:30:00.000Z)

Partizan Mozzart Bet Belgrade v Anadolu Efes Istanbul (2024-02-29T19:30:00.000Z)

ALBA Berlin v Maccabi Playtika Tel Aviv (2024-02-29T19:00:00.000Z)

Sertac Sanli and Tarik Biberovic led Turkiye to a buzzer-beating win over Iceland. 

Continental qualifiers roundup: Fenerbahce players shine

Sunday’s FIBA EuroBasket 2025 qualifiers opened with a thriller in Istanbul, where a pair of Fenerbahce Beko players carried host Turkiye to a 76-75 victory over Iceland. Center Sertac Sanli did the heavy lifting with 10 fourth-quarter points, but that was not enough to get Turkiye over the finish line. With the game in the balance, Tarik Biberovic canned the game-winner.

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="in" dir="ltr">TARIK BIBEROVIC WINS IT FOR TURKIYE 🇹🇷<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/EuroBasket?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#EuroBasket</a> x <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TissotBuzzerBeater?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TissotBuzzerBeater</a> <a href="https://t.co/EheQt12otR">pic.twitter.com/EheQt12otR</a></p>&mdash; FIBA EuroBasket (@EuroBasket) <a href="https://twitter.com/EuroBasket/status/1761767131585130503?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 25, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Sanli dominated in the paint to the tune of 20 points and 12 rebounds for Turkiye, while Biberovic finished with 11 points. Ercan Osmani of Anadolu Efes Istanbul contributed 14 points and 5 boards to the winning effort. ALBA Berlin guard Martin Hermannsson led Iceland with 15 points, 6 rebounds and 4 assists before fouling out.

<center><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">A BIG performance from the BIG man 💪<br><br>Sertac Sanli surely made his mark on the court today! 😤<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/EuroBasket?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#EuroBasket</a> x <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/MakeYourMark?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#MakeYourMark</a> <a href="https://t.co/BhvDUyCklG">pic.twitter.com/BhvDUyCklG</a></p>&mdash; FIBA EuroBasket (@EuroBasket) <a href="https://twitter.com/EuroBasket/status/1761773338542723562?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 25, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Baskonia Vitoria-Gasteiz playmaker Codi Miller-McIntyre led Bulgaria to an upset win over reigning FIBA Basketball World Cup winner Germany with 23 points, 5 rebounds and 4 assists. He scored 12 fourth-quarter points and assisted on 8 more as Bulgaria outscored the Germans 28-17 in the final stanza to win 67-62.

Barcelona big man Oscar da Silva led Germany with 15 points and 12 rebounds, Jonas Mattisseck added 11 points and his ALBA Berlin teammate Malte Delow scored 10.

<center><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">“Mr. Clutch” leads Bulgaria 🇧🇬 to a shocking win against the World Champs 🇩🇪 <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/EuroBasket?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#EuroBasket</a> x <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/MakeYourMark?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#MakeYourMark</a> <a href="https://t.co/B3bqNT2lBG">pic.twitter.com/B3bqNT2lBG</a></p>&mdash; FIBA EuroBasket (@EuroBasket) <a href="https://twitter.com/EuroBasket/status/1761813291867750468?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 25, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Mike Tobey of Crvena Zvezda Meridianbet Belgrade went for 20 points and 12 rebounds to lift Slovenia to an 88-79 win over Israel. He led all players with a PIR of 27. Yam Madar of Fenerbahce led Israel with 19 points and 6 assists.

In AfroBasket 2025 qualifying action, Alex Poythress carried Cote D’Ivoire to a 79-76 victory over Egypt with 20 points and 9 rebounds. He scored 9 points in the fourth quarter alone to ensure his country won.

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">⚔️ The clash of the undefeated teams goes in favor of the 🇨🇮 elephants 🐘 to top the 🇪🇬 pharaohs and finish first of Group D! 🔥<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AfroBasket?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AfroBasket</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Qualifiers?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Qualifiers</a> <a href="https://t.co/WJonWHQk12">pic.twitter.com/WJonWHQk12</a></p>&mdash; FIBA #AfroBasket (@AfroBasket) <a href="https://twitter.com/AfroBasket/status/1761832704171991490?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 25, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>