Name: Plavsic violates the rim! Magic Moment
Channel: Euroleague Basketball

Turk Telekom Ankara improved to 4-0 this season when scoring at least 90 points as it dismantled Buducnost VOLI Podgorica in racing into the BKT EuroCup Quarterfinals. 

Turk Telekom's offense shined in do-or-die showdown

[Turk Telekom Ankara](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/teams/turk-telekom-ankara/roster/ttk/?season=2024-25) knows it can play defense, but offense has been a bit of an issue this season. There was no such problem at that side of the court against [Buducnost VOLI Podgorica](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/teams/buducnost-voli-podgorica/roster/bud/?season=2024-25) in [racing into the BKT EuroCup Quarterfinals](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/news/turk-telekom-takes-care-of-buducnost-93-73-to-sets-quarterfinal-date-with-hapoel/).

Turk Telekom made 72.4% percent of its two-pointers and 42.9% percent of its three-pointers in grabbing a 93-73 victory in front of the boisterous crowd at the Ankara Spor Salonu. The home side also held Buducnost to just 47.7% on two-pointers and 26.9% from long-range.

“That was a great fight today. We played against a really strong team. We gave up 19 offensive rebounds, but other than that our defensive toughness was the key,” said Turk Telekom head coach Erdem Can, whose team will face [Hapoel Shlomo Tel Aviv](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/teams/hapoel-shlomo-tel-aviv/roster/hta/?season=2024-25) in the quarterfinals.

Game Videos

Turk Telekom came into the game averaging 79.8 points scored, ranking 14th in the EuroCup. And whenever the offense is clicking, the team wins.

Turk Telekom improved to 4-0 this season when scoring at least 90 points. They won at home [99-80 over U-BT Cluj-Napoca](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/news/turk-telekom-roars-back-to-brush-cluj-aside-99-80/) in Round 7; [beat 7Bet-Lietkabelis Panevezys 93-98](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/news/turk-telekom-rallies-past-lietkabelis-93-98/) on the road in Round 10; and [took down Cosea JL Bourg-en-Bresse 98-89](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/news/anthony-brown-keeps-turk-telekom-rolling-against-bourg-98-89/) at home in Round 13.

Can’s men did a great job sharing the offensive load against Buducnost. Five players scored in double figures, topped by [Anthony Brown](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/anthony-brown/009025/)’s 20 points while [Olivier Hanlan](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/olivier-hanlan/006598/) and [Speedy Smith](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/kenneth-smith/010587/) combined for 11 points and 15 assists.

Game News

In total, Turk Telekom dished out 26 assists for the game, setting a new season high. The output was still a bit off the club’s all-time mark of 32 assists.

Many of those passes came on the break as Turk Telekom took the fast break points category 18-2 while creating 25 points off 13 turnovers by Buducnost, which had 9 points from Turk Telekom’s 11 miscues.

“We managed our aggressiveness and played the right defense. This is just one game. We qualified, we need to go step by step. We have a long way to go,” Can added.

The Turkish side improved to 4-0 in games with 90+ points 

Turk Telekom Ankara v Buducnost VOLI Podgorica (2025-03-05T16:30:00.000Z)

Plavsic violates the rim! Magic Moment

Cedevita Olimpija Ljubljana v Besiktas Fibabanka Istanbul (2025-03-05T18:30:00.000Z)

Turk Telekom Ankara center Kyle Alexander spoke to EuroLeague TV after his team beat Buducnost VOLI Podgorica in the BKT EuroCup eighthfinals. 

Kyle Alexander: 'We are a team full of fighters'

What a dunk from Sleva! Magic Moment

Turk Telekom Ankara-Buducnost VOLI Podgorica | Eighthfinals Highlights | 2024-25 BKT EuroCup   

Allman gets airborne! Magic Moment

Plavsic with a superb dunk! Magic Moment

Turk Telekom Ankara reached the quarterfinals of the BKT EuroCup for the third straight season and will take on Hapoel Shlomo Tel Aviv after beating Buducnost VOLI Podgorica 93-73 at home on Wednesday in the single-game eighthfinals

Turk Telekom takes care of Buducnost, 93-73, to sets quarterfinal date with Hapoel 

Turk Telekom Ankara advanced to the quarterfinals of the BKT EuroCup where it will take on Hapoel Shlomo Tel Aviv after beating Buducnost VOLI Podgorica 93-73 at home on Wednesday in the single-game eighthfinals. The 2023 runner-up saw its 18-point first half lead trimmed to 6 in the third quarter, but the Turkish side never caved in.

Five Turk Telekom players scored in double figures, paced by Anthony Brown with 20 points. Kyle Alexander had 17 points, Yoan Makoundou 16, Javon Bess scored a career-high 13 points and Brian Angola collected 11 points, 3 rebounds, 4 assists and 4 steals while Olivier Hanlan and Speedy Smith combined for 11 points and 15 assists.

Buducnost could not take advantage of 19 offensive rebounds and the Montenegro side has now gone seven attempts without advancing in a EuroCup elimination game. Fletcher Magee hit 4 three-pointers for 16 points, Kenan Kamenjas scored 12 points and McKinley Wright tallied 11 points, 7 rebounds and 6 assists in the absence of veteran guard Yogi Ferrell.

Wright scored 5 points to put the visitors ahead 6-7. Turk Telekom started forcing some turnovers and ran away. Brown sank a pair of three-pointers as part of his 8 points and Makoundou added 6 points in an 18-2 surge to lead 24-9. Buducnost made just one field goal in the final 7 minutes of the opening frame and trailed 26-11.

Buducnost started scoring a bit more consistently - including 2 three-pointers by Magee to trim the gap to 30-19. Smith was dishing out one assist after the next and triples from Bess and Brown extended the advantage to 39-21. Buducnost charged back thanks to 7 Magee points and a Dordje Jovanovic triple to make it 39-31. Makoundou and Brown added three-pointers at the other end and Turk Telekom led 48-36 at the break.

Wright scored twice and set up a third basket as Buducnost started the second half with the first 6 points to get within 48-42 while Turk Telekom needed nearly 3 minutes to score. The visitors were feeling good but then committed back-to-back turnovers while an Angola triple and Makoundou dunk had Turk Telekom back up by 12 points. Scoring came at a premium the rest of the quarter and the home side led 62-53 after 30 minutes.

Bess connected again from long range for Turk Telekom, which held Buducnost to just two baskets in the first 4 minutes of the fourth quarter to lead 69-57. Bess and Angola drained back-to-back three-pointers as the cushion grew to 20 points with just over 3 minutes to play to finish off the game.

The 2023 runner-up is back in the top eight

Turk Telekom takes care of Buducnost, 93-73, to set up quarterfinal date with Hapoel 

 Alexander punishes the rim! Magic Moment

Latest disciplinary decisions

Crvena Zvezda Meridianbet Belgrade has been sanctioned with a fine of €10,000 for the offensive chants against individuals participating in the game by its fans during the game Crvena Zvezda Meridianbet Belgrade – Zalgiris Kaunas, under Article 29.2.f) of the Euroleague Basketball Disciplinary Code

Euroleague Basketball has announced the following disciplinary decisions pertaining to incidents that occurred in Round 27 of the 2024-25 Turkish Airlines EuroLeague Regular Season.

What an alley-oop for Makoundou! Magic Moment

Kamenjas hammers it home early! Magic Moment

Top 10 Blocks | February | 2024-25 Turkish Airlines EuroLeague

Euroleague Basketball has officially announced the implementation of the Competitive Balance Standards (CBS), a comprehensive set of regulations designed to enhance the current Financial Stability & Fair Play Regulations (FSFPR).

Euroleague Basketball Introduces Competitive Balance Standards for 2025-26 Season

You can download the full Financial Stability & Fair Play Regulations that will be in force for the 2025-26 season from [HERE](https://ftpserver.euroleague.net/general/25-26financialstabilityfairplayregulations.pdf).

Euroleague Basketball has officially announced the implementation of the Competitive Balance Standards (CBS), a comprehensive set of regulations designed to enhance the current Financial Stability & Fair Play Regulations (FSFPR). The new measures, set to take effect in the 2025-26 season, aim to strengthen financial sustainability, promote competitive balance, prevent inappropriate practices, and increase transparency among participating clubs, while aligning all stakeholders’ objectives.

[Presented in September](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/es/news/euroleague-introduces-ground-breaking-financial-fair-play-regulations/), the CBS ensures equal remuneration levels across all clubs based on collective revenues. This framework establishes a structured compensation system to maintain financial equilibrium, while harmonizing the impact of the different taxation models coexisting in the League by valuing the indicators on net amounts. The 2025-26 season marks the initial phase of a progressive implementation process, culminating in full implementation by the 2027-28 season.

### Key Financial Regulations\*

The CBS will introduce the Average Licensed Clubs Defined Revenues (ALCDR)—comprising game-day earnings, commercial revenues, and other income generated by EuroLeague licensed clubs over a three-season period—as the reference point for determining club’s upper thresholds and the mandatory minimum spending level on players’ remunerations.

The Low, Base and High remunerations Levels, calculated as a percentage of the ALCDR will include the following adaptations for the 2025-26 season:

- **2025-26 Average Licensed Clubs Defined Revenues (ALCDR)**: calculated ahead of every season over a three-season period - **€19,489,944.**
- **2025-26 Low Remuneration Level (LRL)** - The minimum net expenditure required for clubs’ remunerations to players, varying by club license type:
  - Licensed Clubs: 30% of ALCDR - **€5,846,983**
  - Associated clubs via wildcard: 24% of ALCDR - **€4,677,587**
  - Associated Clubs via EuroCup: 21% of ALCDR - **€4,092,888**
- **2025-26 Base Remuneration Level (BRL)** - The net amount any participating club may spend on registered players’ remuneration, excluding Anchor Players, U23 Players, Extended-Tenure Players, Long-Term Unavailability and Medium-Range Exceptions.
  - 40% of ALCDR - €7.795.978. As the Base remuneration level is lower than the minimum set, the BRL for the 2025-26 will be **€8.000.000.**
- **High Remuneration Level (HRL)** - To be in force starting on the 2027-28 season. The HRL determines the net amount that any given club may spend on registered players’ remuneration, including Anchor Players, and excluding U23 Players, Extended-Tenure Players, Long-Term Unavailability and Medium-Range Exception.

To ensure financial fairness, the **Competitive Balance Compensation (CBC)** will also be introduced in 2025-26. This system serves as a financial mechanism designed to redistribute funds collected from clubs exceeding the BRL and HRL. These funds will be allocated equally to compliant clubs at the end of the season. During the transition period, the CBC will apply solely to clubs surpassing the BRL, as the HRL remains unrestricted to facilitate a smoother adaptation to the new regulations.

Euroleague Basketball remains committed to fostering a financially sustainable and competitively balanced environment, ensuring long-term growth and transparency for all stakeholders. The CBS framework marks a pivotal step in achieving these objectives, laying the foundation for a more stable and equitable future in European basketball.

**\*** Updates introduced on June 19, 2025, after the Assembly of Syndicated Shareholders of Euroleague Commercial Assets (ECA) approval:

- Base Remuneration Level (BRL): Minimum set at €10 million net, up from €8 million net, applicable unless 40% of the Average Licensed Clubs Defined Revenues (ALCDR) falls above this threshold.
- Anchor Player Exception: Clubs will now be permitted up to three designated anchor players under the BRL framework, increased from two.
- Transitional Financial Compensation Cap: For the 2025–26 and 2026–27 seasons only, clubs exceeding the BRL will face a financial maximum compensation cap of 10% of their total net player remuneration for the relevant season.
- Extended Tenure Player Exception: Deduction rate increased from 25% to 50%.

**Community Partner:**  The Special Olympics 

**Social Issue:** Disabilities - Intellectual disabilities  

**Ambassador**: Dobric Ognjen, Mike Daum 

**Main Life Skills:** Confidence, Respect, Teamwork 

**About the program:** 

The Special Olympics, which is empowering individuals with intellectual disabilities through sports, is joining forces with Crvena Zvezda Meridianbet Belgrade to launch an innovative program aimed at fostering inclusion, equality, and personal growth. This partnership is dedicated to creating a supportive, fun environment where young athletes aged between 10 and 18 can develop their athletic, social, and life skills. 

This program offers a unique, consistent opportunity for participants, blending physical activities with life skills coaching. Through weekly basketball sessions and skill-building exercises, participants will enhance their confidence, teamwork, and respect for others. With activities held across various community settings – from basketball courts to visits to local sites like the zoo and chocolate factory – this holistic program is designed to be as enriching as it is enjoyable. 

Participants gain access to professional coaching, attend Crvena Zvezda games, and enjoy special incentives such as receiving team jerseys and certificates for their achievements. This structured, inclusive sports program also benefits the local community, inviting businesses and volunteers to contribute to a more inclusive sports culture.  

The program will proudly feature Ognjen Dobric and Mike Daum as ambassadors, who bring their passion for basketball and commitment to inclusion, inspiring young athletes to reach their full potential. Through sports, inclusion, and community partnerships, the Special Olympics and Crvena Zvezda are paving the way for a future where everyone can shine.

Our programs - Crvena Zvezda Meridianbet Belgrade

Check out what the protagonists are saying ahead of the BKT EuroCup Eighthfinals

EuroCup Eighthfinals pregame quotes

### Wednesday, March 5, 2025

#### [Turk Telekom Ankara vs. Buducnost VOLI Podgorica](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/game-center/2024-25/turk-telekom-ankara-buducnost-voli-podgorica/U2024/183/)

#### [Cedevita Olimpija Ljubljana vs. Besiktas Fibabanka Istanbul](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/game-center/2024-25/cedevita-olimpija-ljubljana-besiktas-fibabanka-istanbul/U2024/182/)

**Zvezdan Mitrovic, Cedevita Olimpija Ljubljana head coach**

"A very important game is definitely ahead of us. So far, we have shown solid performances in the EuroCup. Besiktas is coming to us — a team that finished the regular season in fifth place in their group, but they were a EuroCup Semifinalist last season and played in the Turkish Cup final just a few weeks ago. They are truly an ambitious team with an ambitious head coach. Stozice \[Arena\] is our advantage, while everything else is on a different level, but players on the court play. Our energy will be the most important factor, and we need to be tough and aggressive. Tactics, technique, and everything else will follow, but the key is to bring the right energy. We must be strong in rebounding and focus on the fundamentals of defense. Most of our players are experiencing this level of competition for the first time, so this will be their first truly big game. The arena will be well-filled, with plenty of fans, and I believe the support from the stands will be great. It is the coaching staff’s job to prepare the team for the game."

**Jaka Blazic, Cedevita Olimpija Ljubljana guard**

"I expect a tough and emotional game against a team that has been built this season to compete for the top spots in the EuroCup and the Turkish national championship. Besiktas is certainly not coming to Ljubljana waving a white flag. We have worked hard throughout the season in Europe to earn the opportunity to play this decisive game for a spot in the quarterfinals on our home court. We are all looking forward to this game. Single-elimination matchups like this are special, and they are the ones you remember after your career is over. We already faced Besiktas last season and their backcourt players are mostly the same as back then. The players know each other well and have good chemistry. They play very aggressively on defense and we have to respond with the same intensity. A lot is at stake, so we must follow the instructions from our coaching staff and react in the way we know best. I invite all our fans to join us in Stozice, to be loud, and to support us even in the moments when things might not go our way. We will need that extra push when it matters most."

Jaka Blazic: 'We worked hard to earn the opportunity to play this game at home'

#### [Dreamland Gran Canaria vs. Umana Reyer Venice](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/game-center/2024-25/dreamland-gran-canaria-umana-reyer-venice/U2024/181/)

**Jaka Lakovic, Dreamland Gran Canaria head coach**

"I think the team is focused and mentally prepared for the game. We know what we have to do, we have been in this situation the last two years in BKT EuroCup playoff matches. The team has that experience and I am confident that we will come out in the right way for the match. We expect a very solid and physical Reyer. Ennis and Kabengele are the two players who have the biggest impact on their game. There are also others like Munford, McGruder, Wiltjer and Simms at the four position. This is a very solid and physical team. We must be prepared to defend well, secure our defensive rebounds, try to play our game in transition and have solutions in five-on-five. Neven Spahija was my coach at KK Krka Novo Mesto. He has also left our countries to make a great career as a coach. We have kept in touch throughout all these years and we are good friends."

**Neven Spahija, Umana Reyer Venice head coach**

"This is a very important game for all of us, for the history of our club, and for the Reyer fans. I regret that it’s a single-elimination match played away because our fans also would have deserved a game like this. In any case, we step onto the court aware that we can be competitive and win on the road. On the court, we must continue executing our plays, especially those in which we are most effective. We will need solid defense because it has been one of our strengths since the beginning of the year, but the result will also depend on them, as they are a great team with a lot of talent and experience. It will be a very tough game, but an exciting one to play."

**Tyler Ennis, Umana Reyer Venice guard**

"A big game awaits us. We are playing away again against a great and well-organized team. We want to step onto the court to show what we can do and what we have worked on. We are aware that we can compete and win against any opponent, whether in Italy or Europe. This is a win-or-go-home game and I believe it will be an amazing one. We need to enter the court with great confidence to bring home the victory."

De'Shawn Stephens: 'We have to be locked in, be together and we need everybody'

### Tuesday, March 4, 2025

#### [Wolves Twinsbet Vilnius vs. U-BT Cluj-Napoca](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/game-center/2024-25/wolves-twinsbet-vilnius-u-bt-cluj-napoca/U2024/184/)

**Alessandro Magro, Wolves Twinsbet Vilnius head coach**

"It's a crucial game right now. We deserve the chance to play this kind of game. After a very solid EuroCup season, we play against a very solid team. Same record as us, they are well built. They have a lot of experienced players. Right now, we are after the break in a situation where we need to recruit all the mental and physical energy we have, as well as the motivation to try to achieve another goal and try to advance winning at home in front of our fans."

**Kristupas Zemaitis, Wolves Twinsbet Vilnius guard**

"We have already gone through crucial games before. We are very disappointed with our performance in the national cup tournament and are currently in a stretch of poor results. That’s why we have some anger and are ready to fight because we only have two tournaments left this season. The fate of one of them will be decided in this game. We are playing at home and must show a completely different face than we have in the past few weeks."

**Mihai Silvasan, U-BT Cluj-Napoca head coach**

"This is a Play-Off game, so for sure, it is an important moment. They have a great team, with very good foreigners and quality Lithuanian internationals. Their team is really tall and strong. We need to match their intensity in order to win. We have our own weapons!"

**De'Shawn Stephens, U-BT Cluj-Napoca center**

"It is going to be tough. We have to be locked in, be together and we need everybody. We need all the players, even the fans. Every game is tough and this one in particular. We will not have our entire fanbase with us and the dynamic will be different. We need to be ready!"

Eighthfinals pregame quotes: 'A big game awaits'

Dreamland Gran Canaria v Umana Reyer Venice (2025-03-05T20:00:00.000Z)

Wolves Twinsbet Vilnius v U-BT Cluj-Napoca (2025-03-04T17:00:00.000Z)

In one of the longest post-season games in BKT EuroCup history, U-BT Cluj-Napoca reached the EuroCup Quarterfinals for the second time with a 99-100 road win at Wolves Twinsbet Vilnius that lasted 50 intense minutes and Zavier Simpson set a EuroCup postseason record with 14 assists

Zavier Simpson and Cluj made history on Tuesday

After one of the longest post-season games in BKT EuroCup history, [U-BT Cluj-Napoca](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/teams/u-bt-cluj-napoca/roster/clu/?season=2024-25) celebrated advancing to the EuroCup Quarterfinals. The Romanian champs claimed their first-ever EuroCup postseason win with [a 99-100 road victory](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/news/cluj-eliminates-wolves-in-2ot-99-100/) at [Wolves Twinsbet Vilnius](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/teams/wolves-vilnius/roster/wol/?season=2024-25) after a game that lasted 50 intense minutes. Both teams seemed to have the win in the bag at some points during this incredible game in which Cluj playmaker [Zavier Simpson](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/zavier-simpson/013302/) made the difference with a performance for the ages.

Simpson struggled at first, tallying 7 points and 3 assists in the first half in which he didn't find his rhythm. On the other hand, Wolves star guard [Anthony Cowan](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/anthony-cowan-jr/012003/) had 6 assists and just 1 turnover at the break. Cluj trailed 48-39 at halftime, but then Simpson finally got going with a floater and a couple of three-pointers. He singlehandedly carried Cluj to a 75-80 lead that seemed to seal the outcome, but a couple of late three-pointers by [Jeffery Taylor](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/jeffery-taylor/006546/) and Cowan helped Wolves force overtime, 81-81.

Zavier Simpson had 26 points and 14 assists, a new all-time EuroCup playoffs record, to lead U-BT Cluj-Napoca to a 99-100, double-overtime win over Wolves Twinsbet Vilnius.

Simpson sets playoff record in iconic win

Simpson saved the best for last, finding [Zach Hankins](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/zach-hankins/013304/) for easy points in the paint. His last three-pointer gave Cluj an 88-90 lead and he found Hankins for a wide-open shot in the paint, which he missed with a chance to seal the win. [Andrew Andrews](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/andrew-andrews/011248/) drew a foul at the other end and sent the game to a second overtime. Simpson dished 3 critical assists in the final 5 minutes, finding Hankins for a jump hook and a three-point play before feeding [Patrick Richard](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/patrick-richard/011801/) for a three-pointer that gave Cluj a 96-100 edge.

It was an inspiring moment, as it was Richard's first three-pointer of the season after missing almost the entire regular season due to injury. Richard is Cluj's captain and is in his sixth season with the team. He has helped the team grow almost from scratch and he hit one of the biggest shots in club history, one that sent Cluj to uncharted territory in the EuroCup.

Simpson finished the game with 26 points and 14 assists, which marked both a club record and a EuroCup postseason record. The previous playoff record was 12 assists shared by four players: [Damir Mulaomerovic](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/damir-mulaomerovic/apl/) of PAOK Thessaloniki ([2005](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/game-center/2004-05/cholet-basket-paok-thessaloniki/U2004/213/#boxscore)), [Nemanja Gordic](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/nemanja-gordic/000531/) of Cedevita Zagreb ([2015](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/game-center/2014-15/cedevita-zagreb-herbalife-gran-canaria/U2014/278/#boxscore)), [Stefan Markovic](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/stefan-markovic/lme/) of Zenit St Petersburg ([2017](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/game-center/2016-17/zenit-st-petersburg-lokomotiv-kuban-krasnodar/U2016/173/#boxscore)) and [Andrew Albicy](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/andrew-albicy/003425/) of Morabanc Andorra ([2019](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/game-center/2018-19/alba-berlin-morabanc-andorra/U2018/180/#boxscore)). It was Simpson's fourth consecutive double-double and his sixth in his first EuroCup season. Cowan led Vilnius with 23 points, 7 rebounds and 12 assists.

After the game, Simpson highlighted his team's fighting spirit and not being intimidated by a new situation, fighting for bigger goals in the competition.

"Man, it was crazy. Obviously, this is my first EuroCup playoff game and the atmosphere was lit! We played against a really good team. They had great execution, guys that play hard, made some tough decisions like us down the stretch. And being able to go in two overtimes like this for the first time, it's amazing," Simpson said. "I am very appreciative and grateful that we were able to come out with the win."

His coach had nothing but great things to say about Simpson and his Tuesday night performance.

"He has been one of the main players all season. He is third in points scored and first in assists in the EuroCup and he can improve even more. He has a lot of room to improve and today, he was amazing," Cluj head coach Mihai Silvasan added. "He had 14 assists and just 2 turnovers. Of course, he had the ball a lot, but still his decision-making was really good. Big congrats to him but again, I will tell the players that one player or the other can have a good game, but it is important to play good basketball collectively, especially on defense, helping each other and not allowing easy points."

Simpson and Cluj will next face in the quarterfinals a familiar team, top-seeded [Valencia Basket](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/teams/valencia-basket/roster/pam/?season=2024-25), at La Fonteta.

"I believe we can win against anybody. Obviously, Valencia beat us twice this season, so hopefully that can be some extra motivation for the locker room. But Valencia speaks for itself. They are a really good team and a really good organization, great coaching staff, great players, so it is going to be kind of up to us to come out and make sure that we execute a game plan and know what we are up against."

The point guard's inspiring performance allowed the Romanian champs to eliminate Wolves in a double-overtime instant classic

The BKT EuroCup postseason gets underway on Tuesday and Wednesday with the eighthfinals as the third to sixth-placed teams from the regular season battle to reach the quarterfinals. Here's your overview of the action.

Gamecenter: EuroCup Eighthfinals 

### Wednesday, March 5

[Turk Telekom Ankara 93-73 Buducnost VOLI Podgorica](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/game-center/2024-25/turk-telekom-ankara-buducnost-voli-podgorica/U2024/183/)

Turk Telekom advanced to the quarterfinals where it will take on Hapoel Shlomo Tel Aviv after beating Buducnost at home. The 2023 runner-up saw its 18-point first half lead trimmed to 6 in the third quarter, but the Turkish side never caved in. Five Turk Telekom players scored in double figures, paced by Anthony Brown with 20 points and Kyle Alexander with 17 points. Fletcher Magee made 4 three-pointers and scored 16 points to lead Buducnost in the absence of veteran guard Yogi Ferrell.

<center><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="tr" dir="ltr">EuroCup&#39;ta çeyrek finaldeyiz! 💪<br><br>Maç sonucu: Türk Telekom 93 - 73 Buducnost VOLI Podgorica<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AnkaraBasketbolu?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AnkaraBasketbolu</a><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Kaizen?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Kaizen</a><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WeAreHereForAReason?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WeAreHereForAReason</a><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/RoadToGreatness?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#RoadToGreatness</a> <a href="https://t.co/qeTB3Udj0V">pic.twitter.com/qeTB3Udj0V</a></p>&mdash; Türk Telekom Basketbol (@TT_Basketbol) <a href="https://twitter.com/TT_Basketbol/status/1897353512935416158?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 5, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

[Cedevita Olimpija Ljubljana 96-86 Besiktas Fibabanka Istanbul](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/game-center/2024-25/cedevita-olimpija-ljubljana-besiktas-fibabanka-istanbul/U2024/182/)

Cedevita booked a quarterfinal berth where it will meet Bahcesehir College Istanbul for a spot in the last four after an impressive home win over Besiktas. Devin Robinson led a pack of five Cedevita players who finished in double figures with 21 points and 11 boards and Brynton Lemar scored 20 points for the hosts, who erased a 13-point first-half deficit to delight a vocal home crowd in the Stozice Arena. At the other end, Jonah Mathews paced Besiktas with 18 points and Kyle Allman paired 13 points with 14 assists. 

<center><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">DRAGONS WIN! A major comeback for the big win over Besiktas and a spot in the Quarterfinals!<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ZmajevaDruzina?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ZmajevaDruzina</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/DragonFamily?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#DragonFamily</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/BKTEuroCup?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#BKTEuroCup</a> <a href="https://t.co/UeA9maBa7o">pic.twitter.com/UeA9maBa7o</a></p>&mdash; Cedevita Olimpija Ljubljana - English (@KKCedOL_EN) <a href="https://twitter.com/KKCedOL_EN/status/1897386855315988666?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 5, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

[Dreamland Gran Canaria 84-80 Umana Reyer Venice](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/game-center/2024-25/dreamland-gran-canaria-umana-reyer-venice/U2024/181/)

Gran Canaria reached the quarterfinals for the ninth time in club history by edging Umana Reyer Venice at home. Gran Canaria is now set to face Hapoel Bank Yahav Jerusalem in the single-game quarterfinals next week. Mehdy Ngouama led the winners with 18 points, all of which came in the first half. Mike Tobey added 14 while Nico Brussino and Joe Thomasson each had 12 for Gran Canaria. Jordan Parks, Tyler Ennis and Aamir Simms led Reyer with 15 points apiece. Mfiondu Kabengele pulled down 12 rebounds for the visitors.

<center><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="es" dir="ltr">🏀 Final:<br><br>🐥 Dreamland Gran Canaria 84<br>🟫 Umana Reyer Venecia 80<br><br>🔥 <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/VamosGranca?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#VamosGranca</a> <a href="https://t.co/yvjQqkqfxJ">pic.twitter.com/yvjQqkqfxJ</a></p>&mdash; Dreamland Gran Canaria (@GranCanariaCB) <a href="https://twitter.com/GranCanariaCB/status/1897404896254812473?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 5, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

### Tuesday, March 4

[Wolves Twinsbet Vilnius 99-100 U-BT Cluj-Napoca](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/game-center/2024-25/wolves-twinsbet-vilnius-u-bt-cluj-napoca/U2024/184/)

Cluj advanced to the quarterfinals for the second time in club history by edging Wolves in double overtime in the Lithuanian capital on Tuesday. Cluj will face Valencia Basket in the single-game quarterfinals next week. Zavier Simpson paced the winners with 26 points and a club-record 14 assists and De'Shawn Stephens added 17 points and 10 rebounds. Anthony Cowan led Wolves with 23 points, 7 rebounds and 12 assists.

<center><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">The game of the season belongs to <a href="https://twitter.com/UBTCluj?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@UBTCluj</a> 👀<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/RoadToGreatness?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#RoadToGreatness</a> <a href="https://t.co/iriT5IPi8D">pic.twitter.com/iriT5IPi8D</a></p>&mdash; BKT EuroCup (@EuroCup) <a href="https://twitter.com/EuroCup/status/1897007215086854353?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 4, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

The BKT EuroCup postseason got underway on Tuesday, and continues on Wednesday with the eighthfinals as the third- to sixth-placed teams from the regular season battle to reach the quarterfinals. Here's your overview of the action.