Second from bottom hosts second from top as struggling ALBA Berlin (3-15) welcomes red-hot Virtus Bologna (13-5) in Round 18 of the 2023-24 EuroLeague Regular Season.

Preview: ALBA Berlin vs. Virtus Bologna

[Rosters](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/game-center/2023-24/alba-berlin-virtus-segafredo-bologna/E2023/167/#roster) | [Facts](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/news/tae2324-rs19-game-facts-ber-vir/) | [Notes](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/news/tae2324-rs19-game-notes-ber-vir/) | [Quotes](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/news/luca-banchi-virtus-deliver-performance-to-make-our-supporters-proud/) |[ TV](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/tv-listings-el/) | [Fantasy](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/news/fantasy-challenge-tips-round-19/)

The Italian team extended its impressive run by edging out Bayern earlier this week, making it six wins out of its last seven games, with another stellar showing from MVP candidate [Tornike Shengelia](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/tornike-shengelia/001133/). The Georgian powerhouse was also on fire when Virtus overcame ALBA, 87-76, in October, netting 27 points on 9-of-11 field goal shooting. The task of containing him will fall to [Johannes Thiemann](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/johannes-thiemann/003958/), who bounced back to form after a tough couple of games by scoring 17 points in Tuesday's narrow loss at Zalgiris.

[ALBA Stats](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/teams/alba-berlin/statistics/ber/?season=2023-24&phase=All%20phases) | [Virtus Stats](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/teams/virtus-segafredo-bologna/statistics/vir/?season=2023-24&phase=All%20phases)

Johannes Thiemann vs. Tornike Shengelia: Both rank in the top seven in PIR this season.

Virtus Segafredo Bologna led from start to finish, mostly by double-digit leads, to secure a comfortable 87-76 victory and advance to 2-1 against the winless ALBA Berlin.

Last Game: 2023-24, Virtus Segafredo Bologna vs. ALBA Berlin  - Round 3

Second from bottom hosts second from top as struggling ALBA Berlin (3-15) welcomes red-hot Virtus Segafredo Bologna (13-5).

ALBA looks to stop Virtus

ALBA Berlin v Virtus Segafredo Bologna (2024-01-05T18:00:00.000Z)

In a meeting of direct rivals, Valencia Basket (10-8) will seek to follow Wednesday's win over Efes by completing a perfect double-round week when it hosts Panathinaikos B.C. (10-8), which lost at Baskonia in Round 18.

Preview: Valencia Basket vs. Panathinaikos B.C.

[Rosters](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/game-center/2023-24/valencia-basket-panathinaikos-aktor-athens/E2023/171/#roster) | [Facts](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/news/tae2324-rs19-game-facts-val-pan/) | [Notes](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/news/tae2324-rs19-game-notes-val-pan/) | Quotes |[ TV](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/tv-listings-el/) | [Fantasy](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/news/fantasy-challenge-tips-round-19/)

[Mathias Lessort](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/mathias-lessort/003842/) combined 18 points with 7 rebounds to lead the Greens to a 90-73 win over Valencia in November, but he will meet plenty of resistance from [Brandon Davies](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/brandon-davies/007870/), who has averaged 16 points and 5.3 boards in the last three games. Panathinaikos blew a 9-point fourth quarter lead on Wednesday night, despite 25 points from in-form [Kendrick Nunn](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/kendrick-nunn/012774/), so it will be determined to stay locked in for the full 40 minutes this time around.

[Valencia Stats](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/teams/valencia-basket/statistics/pam/?season=2023-24&phase=All%20phases) | [Panathinaikos Stats](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/teams/panathinaikos-aktor-athens/statistics/pan/?season=2023-24&phase=All%20phases)

Brandon Davies vs. Mathias Lessort: A major battle in the paint awaits

 After earning his 200th victory in the competition by downing Virtus, Ergin Ataman leads the Greens against a Valencia side which has slipped down the standings after losing three in a row. Aleksander Balcerowski and Damien Inglis are reunited after winning the 22/23 EuroCup with Gran Canaria.

Last Game: 2023-24, Panathinaikos AKTOR Athens vs. Valencia Basket  - Round 10

In a meeting of direct rivals, Valencia Basket (10-8) will seek to follow Wednesday's win over Efes by completing a perfect double-round week when it hosts Panathinaikos AKTOR Athens (10-8), which is aiming to bounce back quickly from a last-gasp loss at Baskonia.

Improving Valencia hosts a motivated Panathinaikos 

Valencia Basket v Panathinaikos AKTOR Athens (2024-01-05T19:30:00.000Z)

On the back of Wednesday's emotional victory over Real Madrid, Barça Basket (12-6) will seek to overcome another dangerous Spanish opponent with a visit from Saski Baskonia (10-8).

Preview: Barça Basket vs. Saski Baskonia

[Rosters](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/game-center/2023-24/fc-barcelona-baskonia-vitoria-gasteiz/E2023/169/#roster) | [Facts](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/news/tae2324-rs19-game-facts-bar-bas/) | [Notes](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/news/tae2324-rs19-game-notes-bar-bas/) | Quotes |[ TV](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/tv-listings-el/) | [Fantasy](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/news/fantasy-challenge-tips-round-19/)

There should be a big battle in the paint between two players who excelled earlier this week: [Jan Vesely](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/jan-vesely/000925/) netted 28 points in *El Clásico*, while [Chima Moneke](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/chima-moneke/012201/) earned co-MVP honors with 20 points and 13 rebounds to help down Panathinaikos. Baskonia turned on the style to thrash Barca 94-71 in Round 8 behind 26 points from [Markus Howard](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/markus-howard/011948/), who will be eager to return to form after making just 5 of his 19 field-goal attempts in the last two games.

[Barcelona Stats](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/teams/fc-barcelona/statistics/bar/?season=2023-24&phase=All%20phases) | [Baskonia Stats](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/teams/baskonia-vitoria-gasteiz/statistics/bas/?season=2023-24&phase=All%20phases)

Jan Vesely vs. Chima Moneke: Both are coming off big performances in Round 18 wins.

 Expect playoffs-like intensity as Baskonia welcomes Barcelona for a highly-anticipated Spanish derby. The hosts boast the league's top rebounder in Tadas Sedekerskis, but the battle for inside dominance will be fierce versus the visiting talents of newcomers Willy Hernangomez and Jabari Parker.

Last Game: 2023-24, Baskonia Vitoria-Gasteiz vs. FC Barcelona  - Round 8

On the back of Wednesday's emotional victory over Real Madrid, FC Barcelona (12-6) will seek to overcome another dangerous Spanish opponent with a visit from Baskonia Vitoria-Gasteiz (10-8).

Barcelona seeks revenge against Baskonia

FC Barcelona v Baskonia Vitoria-Gasteiz (2024-01-05T19:30:00.000Z)

After tasting defeat earlier this week, two teams aiming to get closer to the playoff positions go head-to-head as Olimpia Milano (7-11) welcomes FC Bayern Basketball (8-10). 

Preview: Olimpia Milano vs. FC Bayern Basketball

[Rosters](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/game-center/2023-24/ea7-emporio-armani-milan-fc-bayern-munich/E2023/168/#roster) | [Facts](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/news/tae2324-rs19-game-facts-mil-mun/) | [Notes](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/news/tae2324-rs19-game-notes-mil-mun/) | [Quotes](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/news/pablo-laso-bayern-this-task-will-be-very-tough/) |[ TV](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/tv-listings-el/) | [Fantasy](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/news/fantasy-challenge-tips-round-19/)

December's meeting was dominated by [Carsen Edwards](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/carsen-edwards/011987/) as he netted 32 points, including 5 three-pointers, to give Bayern a thrilling 91-84 overtime victory. The German team also benefitted from [Serge Ibaka's](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/serge-ibaka/003583/) double-double of 20 points and 12 boards, including a late triple to force overtime. Milan will hope for another strong performance from new signing [Shabazz Napier](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/shabazz-napier/011224/), who delivered 14 points and 5 assists on his second debut for the club in Tuesday's defeat at Olympiacos.

[Milan Stats](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/teams/ea7-emporio-armani-milan/statistics/mil/?season=2023-24&phase=All%20phases) | [Bayern Stats](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/teams/virtus-segafredo-bologna/statistics/vir/?season=2023-24&phase=All%20phases)

Nicolo Melli vs: Isaac Bonga: The two big men will play a big role in controlling boards.

Serge Ibaka inspired Bayern's win over Virtus with a huge double-double of 24 points and 13 rebounds, and the veteran center tries to stay hot against Milan’s array of big men, which includes Shavon Shields, who's been on fire from deep with an average of 3.8 triples in the last four games.

Last Game: 2023-24, FC Bayern Munich vs. EA7 Emporio Armani Milan  - Round 12

After tasting defeat earlier this week, two teams aiming to get closer to the playoff positions go head-to-head as EA7 Emporio Armani Milan (7-11) welcomes FC Bayern Munich (8-10). 

Milan, Bayern looking for a bounce-back win

EA7 Emporio Armani Milan v FC Bayern Munich (2024-01-05T19:30:00.000Z)

Reigning champ Real Madrid Baloncesto (16-2) will look to quickly banish the memory of Wednesday's Clásico loss by handing more misery to Anadolu Efes S.K. (7-11).

Preview: Real Madrid Baloncesto vs. Anadolu Efes S.K.

[Rosters ](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/game-center/2023-24/real-madrid-anadolu-efes-istanbul/E2023/170/#roster)| [Facts](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/news/tae2324-rs19-game-facts-mad-ist/) | [Notes](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/news/tae2324-rs19-game-notes-mad-ist/) | [Quotes](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/news/shane-larkin-efes-if-play-our-game-we-have-a-chance-to-win/https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/news/shane-larkin-efes-if-play-our-game-we-have-a-chance-to-win/) |[ TV](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/tv-listings-el/) | [Fantasy](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/news/fantasy-challenge-tips-round-19/)

Efes has lost five in a row despite the superb form of Shane Larkin, who most recently scored 20 points in Wednesday's loss at Valencia. However, Larkin was restricted to his worst game of the season – he had just 5 points – when Real romped to an 80-103 victory at Istanbul in Round 2. [Guerschon Yabusele](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/guerschon-yabusele/010357/) paced the Spanish team that night with 22 points and 8 rebounds, and he is poised to return from injury for the first time since Round 9 to further strengthen coach Chus Mateo’s options.

[Madrid Stats](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/teams/real-madrid/statistics/mad/?season=2023-24&phase=All%20phases) | [Efes Stats](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/teams/anadolu-efes-istanbul/statistics/ist/?season=2023-24&phase=All%20phases)

Facundo Campazzo vs. Shane Larkin: Two superstars are ready for a backcourt battle.

Real Madrid rose to the occasion against Anadolu Efes Istanbul in a showdown of recent champs, with the reigning titleholders blasting the hosts 80-103.

Last Game: 2023-24, Anadolu Efes Istanbul vs. Real Madrid  - Round 2

Reigning champ Real Madrid (16-2) will look to quickly banish the memory of Wednesday's Clásico loss by handing more misery to Anadolu Efes Istanbul (7-11).

First-place Real Madrid awaits Efes, Larkin

Real Madrid v Anadolu Efes Istanbul (2024-01-05T19:45:00.000Z)

In a showdown loaded between two of the seven teams tied for fifth place, Olympiacos Piraeus (10-8) will look to gain a fourth straight win with a visit from AS Monaco (10-8), which has stumbled by losing three of its last five.

 Alec Peters, Olympiacos: 'Monaco is always difficult for us' 

Mike James had with 24 points and 6 assists when Monaco beat the Reds 85-77 in Round 11, and Olympiacos will look for the defensive hustle of Thomas Walkup and Nigel Williams-Goss to slow down James and backcourt teammate Elie Okobo. The versatility of big man Moustapha Fall will also present a problem to Monaco, with the giant center averaging 4.8 assists in the last four games.

### Georgios Bartzokas, Olympiacos head coach

"Tactically, it's a totally different game compared to the one vs. Milan. On the other hand, its importance is the same. Each game is significant at this point in the season, when many teams battle to be among the 10 that are going to contest for the qualification. We have nothing else to do than readjust our plans a bit, mainly in regard to tactics, what it is we should be doing, what are the keys to the game that we need to focus on. Of course, we expect a competitive game with a team that has lots of talent, that is second in points scored in the paint, with players with special talent, like Mike James and Elie Okobo obviously are, but also like the rest of their guards. They also have athleticism. The games against Monaco are always difficult for us. I hope that tomorrow we are who we must be to win."

### Alec Peters, Olympiacos player

"The games against Monaco are always difficult for us. Other than last year’s Final Four, we haven’t had much success against them, so we want to play a good game and get the win. Stopping Mike James is one thing. I don’t think anybody should approach the game thinking how they will stop him. We want to make it tough for him, but we need to play defense as a team. It is not one against one. It is Olympiacos against Monaco and we want to play our best game tomorrow."

Game News

Game Videos

Alec Peters, Olympiacos: 'Monaco is always difficult for us'

Olympiacos Piraeus v AS Monaco (2024-01-04T19:15:00.000Z)

Fenerbahce Beko Istanbul (10-8) will look to bounce back from Tuesday's shock home loss by overcoming Maccabi Playtika Tel Aviv (11-7), which is riding high in fourth place after winning four of the last five. 

 Sarunas Jasikevicius, Fenerbahce: 'Maccabi is an extremely physical team' 

Maccabi edged the Round 9 meeting between these teams 78-73 behind 18 points from former Fener man Lorenzo Brown. Sarunas Jasikevicius's men know they also have to pay special attention to Bonzie Colson after he blasted 27 points in Maccabi's Tuesday win over Monaco. To counter him, Fenerbahce has Nigel Hayes-Davis in great form with 24 and 21 points in the last two games.

### Sarunas Jasikevicius, Fenerbahce head coach

"A very difficult game awaits us. Maccabi is an extremely physical team. Obviously, a huge emphasis must be on the defensive rebounds and the fastbreak points because they are the best in the EuroLeague in these two situations. Plus, we have to make things as difficult as possible for Lorenzo Brown and Wade Baldwin."

### Oded Kattash, Maccabi head coach

"The second game of a double week has a life of his own. We will have to use different players and manage the load. Fenerbahce is a good team who represents different challenges compared to Monaco: more switches, more discipline. Everything will start from our defense."

### Scottie Wilbekin, Fenerbahce player

"It's going to be a tough game. Double week. Hopefully, we can take advantage of having fans there and bounce back with a win."

### Rafi Menco, Maccabi player

"We are happy with the result we achieved on Tuesday, but we are focused on Fener. We have an opportunity to win both games of a double week for the first time. We are all concentrated and want to extend our momentum".

Sarunas Jasikevicius, Fenerbahce: 'Maccabi is an extremely physical team'

Fenerbahce Beko Istanbul v Maccabi Playtika Tel Aviv (2024-01-04T17:45:00.000Z)

An emotional Belgrade derby will see Partizan Mozzart Bet Belgrade (10-8) try to sweep local rivals Crvena Zvezda Meridianbet Belgrade (7-11) after having celebrated a 88-86 comeback triumph in their Round 5 meeting. 

 Ioannis Sfairopoulos, Zvezda: 'These are unique games' 

Both teams are high in confidence after winning earlier this week, with Zvezda overcoming Fenerbahce behind 24 points from Joel Bolomboy, while Partizan cruised past ASVEL on 4-for-5 three-point shooting from Kevin Punter. Another Partizan weapon could be Danilo Andjusic, who boosted his confidence as he ended a run of four games without scoring by draining 15 points on Tuesday night.

### Ioannis Sfairopoulos:, Zvezda head coach

"A city derby is always a derby. A very important game for us, we are playing in front of our fans. We expect a tough game, regardless of how you played before, regardless of the state and condition of the teams. These are unique games. We have players who know how to play these kinds of games, and we have to be ready physically and mentally to fight for victory."

### Zeljko Obradovic, Partizan head coach

"The next match is against the biggest opponent for us, Crvena Zvezda. It comes at a good time for them and for us. Our rival played a really good game against Fenerbahce, we played very well against ASVEL, and we hope it will be a good game. We know the baskets and the atmosphere in the arena, but this time it will be a little different. That's how it is: you have to concentrate on the game. We know what our job is."

### Rokas Giedraitis, Zvezda player

"In front of our fans, the expectation is always to win. They know how to pump you up with good energy, so it's easier to play when you're in front of your crowd. I hope we can reward that. We have to play the best we can, stick together, like against Fenerbahce. If we believe in each other, everything will be fine."

### Kevin Punter, Partizan player

"Victory. We expect a tough game, we want to go to the playoffs. When I play a derby, it doesn't matter who is in the stands. The first thing that comes to my mind when it comes to derby is that we have to believe. I can't explain it any other way. There will be many more derbies besides this one."

Ioannis Sfairopoulos, Zvezda: 'These are unique games'

Crvena Zvezda Meridianbet Belgrade v Partizan Mozzart Bet Belgrade (2024-01-04T19:00:00.000Z)

Weekly prizes are on offer for the top team manager in the EuroLeague Fantasy Challenge, so don't miss out!

EuroLeague Fantasy Challenge Round 18 winner

Turkish Airlines EuroLeague fans, we have our 18th winner in the EuroLeague Fantasy Challenge! Ivan Jelenkovic beat everyone else in Round 18 with his team Tara 2016 2, which had a Fantasy Challenge score of 249.75.

Pavlos had the following lineup: team captain Mike James of AS Monaco, Alec Peters and Moustapha Fall both of Olympiacos Piraeus, Bonzie Colson of Maccabi Playtika Tel Aviv and Joel Bolomboy of Crvena Zvezda Meridianbet Belgrade as starters. His sixth man was Zvezda's Milos Teodosic, while the rest of the bench was made up of Adam Hanga of Crvena Zvezda, Dovydas Giedraitis of Zalgiris Kaunas, Michalis Lountzis of Olympiacos and Chima Moneke of Baskonia Vitoria-Gasteiz. His head coach was Zeljko Obradovic of Partizan Mozzart Bet Belgrade.

The prize for finishing first in Round 18 is a free subscription to Euroleague TV for the 2024-25 season, so congratulations, Ivan!

Giorgios Antonopoulos is the leader of the EuroLeague Fantasy Challenge overall standings with 3,300.70 points.

Trades are now open for Round 19. Remember, it's three trades per round until the end of Round 19!

The first game in Round 19, Fenerbahce Beko Istanbul vs. Maccabi Playtika Tel Aviv, tips off on Thursday, January 4, at 18:45 CET. This contest marks the deadline to get trades done, so don’t leave it too late!

Make new teams now or improve your existing ones and try to become our next round winner in the EuroLeague Fantasy Challenge!