Name: Big dunk from Tyrique Jones! Motorola Magic Moment
Channel: Euroleague Basketball

Jones gets airborne to hammer it home after Isiaha misses a layup!

Big dunk from Tyrique Jones! Motorola Magic Moment

 Jones gets airborne to hammer it home after Isiaha misses a layup!

LDLC ASVEL Villeurbanne v Partizan Mozzart Bet Belgrade (2025-01-14T19:00:00.000Z)

7-Bet Lietkabelis Panevezys-Valencia Basket | Round 15 Highlights | 2024-25 BKT EuroCup   

7Bet-Lietkabelis Panevezys v Valencia Basket (2025-01-14T17:00:00.000Z)

Joan Beringer gets up high to throw down an alley-oop slam

Beringer soars for alley-oop jam! Magic Moment

 Joan Beringer gets up high to throw down an alley-oop slam

Dolomiti Energia Trento v ratiopharm Ulm (2025-01-14T19:00:00.000Z)

Brynton Lemar attacks the Jerusalem defense and makes a remarkable layup

Lemar squeezes in for a tough bucket! Magic Moment

 Brynton Lemar attacks the Jerusalem defense and makes a remarkable layup

Valencia Basket became the first team to qualify to the EuroCup Quarterfinals after downing 7Bet-Lietkabelis Panevezys 91-96 on the road in Round 15 on Tuesday. 

Semi Ojeleye leads Valencia past Lietkabelis, 91-96

Valencia Basket became the first team to qualify to the BKT EuroCup Quarterfinals after downing 7Bet-Lietkabelis Panevezys 91-96 on the road in Round 15 on Tuesday. Valencia improved to 13-2 in Group B and locked at least second place at the end of the regular season, enough to skip the eighthfinals and play the single-game quarterfinals at La Fonteta. Lietkabelis dropped to 4-10 and could be mathematically out of the playoff race at the end of this round. 

Semi Ojeleye led the winners with 20 points. Jaime Pradilla, Chris Jones and Jean Montero each added 14, Xabi Lopez-Arostegui had 13 and Nate Reuvers got 11 for Valencia. Martynas Varnas led Lietkabelis with 19 points. Paulius Danusevicius added 14, Georgios Kalaitzakis 13, Djordje Gagic 11 and Dovis Bickauskis 10.

Game Videos

Montero got Valencia going with a jumper and then he bettered Gagic's jump hook with a triple. After Danusevicius banked in a close shot, Pradilla followed a three-pointer with a layup. Kalaitzakis's jumper drew Lietkabelis within 6-9. Gagic scored again and followed Kakaitzakis's jumper with a dunk to put the hosts ahead, 12-11. Lopez-Arostegui stepped up for Valencia with 7 quick points to put his team in charge, 14-18. After Danusevicius struck from downtown, Jones followed a driving layup with a jumper. Ojeleye sank a corner triple for a 19-25 Valencia lead. Montero and Gagic traded baskets and then Aminah Brimah boosted the visitors' lead to 21-28 after 10 minutes.

Bickauskis struck from beyond the arc early in the second quarter and Grantas Vasiliauskas dunked to make it 26-30. Lipkevicius sank a jumper and an unstoppable Vasiliauskas dunked three more times to give Lietkabelis a 34-33 lead. After Jones buried a floater, Reuvers, Lopez-Arostegui, Oleksandr Kovliar, Montero and Varnas each struck from downtown for a 40-44 score. Jones and Josep Puerto also buried one triple apiece, which prompted the hosts to call timeout at 40-50. Kalaitzakis and Bickauskis fueled a 6-0 Lietkabelis run, but Jones restored a 46-52 Valencia edge at halftime.

Game News

Pradilla scored twice around the rim right after the break. Lipkevicius beat the shot clock with a three-pointer and got help from Gagic and Danusevicius to bring Lietkabelis within 55-56. After Matt Costello buried a three-pointer, Varnas answered with a driving layup and Kovliar struck from downtown, which led to a Valencia timeout at 60-59. Reuvers stepped up with a layup and erased Varnas's alley-oop basket with a dunk. Bickauskis followed a driving layup with a bomb from downtown, Ojeleye made a corner triple and Danusevicius set a 69-68 Lietkabelis lead. Kalaitzakis followed a jumper with a layup, but Pradilla scored again and Lopez-Arostegui's three-pointer kept Valencia within 74-73 through three quarters.

Puerto struck from beyond the arc early in the fourth quarter. Kalaitzakis banked in an off-balance shot, which Varnas followed with a backdoor layup for a 78-76 Lietkabelis lead. Ojeleye took over with back-to-back three-pointers in a 0-8 run that he capped with free throws. Lipkevicius and Varnas each struck from downtown, but a red-hot Ojeleye single-handedly kept Valencia in charge, 84-90, with 3 minutes left. Danusevicius stepped up with a close basket that Montero improved with an eight-meter bomb. Varnas hit free throws and added a triple that gave Lietkabelis hope at 91-93. Jones silenced the crowd with a wild three-point play that sealed the outcome.

The forward made the difference in the fourth quarter 


Justin Smith converts an incredible up and under layup against staunch defense

Justin Smith makes a ridiculous layup! Magic Moment

 Justin Smith converts an incredible up and under layup against staunch defense

Jean Montero to Matt Costello to Jaime Pradilla for a baseline dunk: beautiful basketball!

Costello finds Pradilla! Magic Moment

 Jean Montero to Matt Costello to Jaime Pradilla for a baseline dunk: beautiful basketball!

The Management Control Commission (MCC), an independent commission responsible for reviewing the financial performance of clubs and ensuring their adherence to the relevant regulations, has concluded its assessment regarding AS Monaco, which has been handed an economic fine.

 AS Monaco Financial Fair Play settlement agreement

The Management Control Commission (MCC), an independent commission responsible for reviewing the financial performance of clubs and ensuring their adherence to the relevant regulations, has concluded its assessment regarding [AS Monaco](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/teams/as-monaco/mco/).

The MCC has reached a settlement agreement with AS Monaco. The club has been found in breach of two specific provisions of the EuroLeague Financial Stability and Fair Play Regulations:

1. **Article 7**: Failure to provide the EuroLeague body with all necessary financial information required to assess the club’s compliance with the Financial Stability and Fair Play Regulations (FSFPR).
2. **Article 3f**: Breach of the shareholder contribution ratio requirement.

As a result of these breaches, an economic fine has been imposed on AS Monaco.

Sasha Vezenkov went third on the EuroLeague's all-time single-game scoring charts with 45 points in Olympiacos BC's win over FC Bayern Basketball last week, but how does that performance rank among the top scoring games in modern EuroLeague history?

Ranking the top EuroLeague scoring performances of the last 20 years

By scoring 45 points in [Olympiacos Piraeus’s 112-69 win over FC Bayern Munich](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/news/sasha-vezenkov-makes-history-as-olympiacos-thrashes-bayern-112-69/) last week, [Sasha Vezenkov](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/sasha-vezenkov/003469/) registered the third-highest scoring output in the modern Turkish Airlines EuroLeague annals.

Only two players have scored more than Vezenkov in a game: Fenerbahce Beko Istanbul forward [Nigel Hayes-Davis](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/nigel-hayes-davis/008962/) with the all-time record of 50 points and Anadolu Efes Istanbul guard [Shane Larkin](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/shane-larkin/007200/) with 49.

When it comes to the last 20 years there are just two more players who have reached the 41-point mark: [Tyrese Rice](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/tyrese-rice/003367/) with Panathinaikos AKTOR Athens and [Bobby Brown](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/bobby-brown/000129/) of Montepaschi Siena.

The rareness of 40-point games is a testament to how difficult it is to put up such numbers in the EuroLeague. It requires a lot of talent, skill, effort and – when it comes to breaking records – a fair amount of team coordination as well.

It’s no coincidence that all players who appear on the list have some notable individual distinctions, ranging from multiple All-EuroLeague selections to the Alphonso Ford Top Scorer award and Final Four MVPs.

While all these feats are impressive in their own right, some carry more significance than the rest for reasons outside of sheer numbers. Eurohoops ranked the highest-scoring performances of the last 20 years based not only on how stunning they were but also on their importance, difficulty, how much they mattered in the game they took place in, how each player made buckets, and how organically they reached their record.

Read more [HERE](https://www.eurohoops.net/en/trademarks/1770615/ranking-the-top-euroleague-scoring-performances-of-the-last-20-years/).

The group of 41-point (or more) scorers in the EuroLeague now includes a fifth player

Olympiacos Piraeus v FC Bayern Munich (2025-01-10T19:15:00.000Z)

Javier Gancedo of Euroleague.net and Vasiliki Karamouza of Sport 24 discussed a number of topics in Episode 16 of the EuroLeague Fantasy Challenge Podcast, including Vasiliki and absent co-host Frankie Sachs of Euroleague.net breaking the 200-point mark. 

Episode No. 16 of the EuroLeague Fantasy Challenge Podcast is out now!

[Javier Gancedo](https://x.com/ganchetto) of [Euroleague.net](http://Euroleague.net) and [Vasiliki Karamouza](https://x.com/karamouza_vas) of Sport 24 discussed a number of topics in Episode 16 of the EuroLeague Fantasy Challenge Podcast, including Vasiliki and absent co-host [Frankie Sachs](https://x.com/MrEuroleague) of [Euroleague.net](http://Euroleague.net) breaking the 200-point mark. 

They also touched on [Olympiacos Piraeus](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/teams/olympiacos-piraeus/oly/) star forward [Sasha Vezenkov](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/sasha-vezenkov/003469/)'s [monster performance against FC Bayern Munich](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/news/sasha-vezenkov-took-center-stage-on-historic-night-for-olympiacos/): 45 points, 52 PIR and 85.8 fantasy points if he was your team's captain! #VezforPrez

Other topics included [Anadolu Efes Istanbul](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/teams/anadolu-efes-istanbul/ist/)'s coaching change, [Achille Polonara](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/achille-polonara/002084/) and [Matthew Strazel](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/matthew-strazel/008099/) as possible additions to afford Vezenkov in the short run, as well as discussed their trades and captain choices.

Check out the teams Javi and Vasiliki plan to use in Round 21, which begins at 20:00 CET on Tuesday when [LDLC ASVEL Villeurbanne](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/teams/ldlc-asvel-villeurbanne/asv/) hosts [Partizan Mozzart Bet Belgrade](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/teams/partizan-mozzart-bet-belgrade/par/). Good luck, fantasy managers!

Joventut Badalona has confirmed that Sam Dekker has signed a deal to remain with the team until the end of the 2024-25 season.

Sam Dekker re-signs with Joventut until end of season

[Joventut Badalona](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/teams/joventut-badalona/jov/) has confirmed that [Sam Dekker](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/players/sam-dekker/009672/) will remain with the team on a deal until the end of the 2024-25 season.

Dekker (2.03 meters, 30 years old) initially joined Joventut on a short-term deal in mid-November and later received a one-month extension, but the former NBA forward will now see out the remainder of the campaign in Badalona.

Since arriving in Spain, Dekker has played six times in the BKT EuroCup for Joventut, averaging 9.8 points, 5.0 rebounds and 1.5 assists. In the Spanish League, he has posted 13.9 points, 5.5 rebounds and 1.4 assists in eight appearances.

<center>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="ca" dir="ltr">💣 Sam <a href="https://twitter.com/dekker?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@dekker</a>, renovat fins a final de temporada!<br><br>✍️ El Club Joventut Badalona i l’aler pivot nord-americà han ampliat el contracte que els unia i Dekker acabarà el curs a la Penya<br><br>📝 El comunicat: <a href="https://t.co/SHWYQ97UGl">https://t.co/SHWYQ97UGl</a><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/CityOfBadalona?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#CityOfBadalona</a> <a href="https://t.co/WpEhR9oeWc">pic.twitter.com/WpEhR9oeWc</a></p>&mdash; Club Joventut Badalona (@Penya1930) <a href="https://twitter.com/Penya1930/status/1879113776055955847?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 14, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Formerly a member of the Houston Rockets, Los Angeles Clippers, Cleveland Cavaliers, Washington Wizards, and Toronto Raptors in the NBA, Dekker is in his sixth season in Europe. 

Prior to landing at Joventut, he played on the old continent for Lokomotiv Kuban (2019-20), Turk Telekom Ankara (2020-21), Bahcesehir College Istanbul (2021-22), and the London Lions (2022-24).

Now in his fourth EuroCup season, having played for Lokomotiv, London and now Joventut in the competition, his career averages stand at 14.2 points, 5.2 rebounds, 2.0 assists and 1.0 steal per night across 43 games.

Joventut is currently eighth in Group A with a 5-9 record, but with four games remaining in the regular season, it still has hopes of sneaking into the top six and playing playoff basketball in March.

More Joventut News

The American has quickly become a fans' favorite in Badalona

Deutsche Telekom and Euroleague Basketball have announced the renewal of their broadcast agreement, continuing a partnership that began in 2015. This new extension will ensure that the Turkish Airlines EuroLeague and the BKT EuroCup will remain on MagentaSport, Deutsche Telekom's dedicated sports platform, until the end of the 2028-29 season.

Euroleague Basketball and Deutsche Telekom extend partnership for three more seasons

Deutsche Telekom and Euroleague Basketball have announced the renewal of their broadcast agreement, continuing a partnership that began in 2015. This new extension will ensure that the Turkish Airlines EuroLeague and the BKT EuroCup will remain on MagentaSport, Deutsche Telekom's dedicated sports platform, until the end of the 2028-29 season.

The agreement, finalized well in advance of the previous extension's expiration in the 2025-2026 season, highlights the strong synergy and commitment between Euroleague Basketball and Deutsche Telekom. This partnership, set to span more than a decade, reinforces MagentaSport's dedication to delivering premier basketball content. Fans can look forward to continued live HD broadcasts of all Turkish Airlines EuroLeague and BKT EuroCup games, including one top game per round available on a free-to-air basis.

"We are thrilled to extend our partnership with Deutsche Telekom and MagentaSport," said Alex Ferrer Kristjansson, Euroleague Basketball Marketing and Communications Executive Officer. "Their commitment to providing high-quality broadcasts and a comprehensive fan experience aligns perfectly with our goal of growing the sport of basketball In Germany. This renewal is a solid evidence of the success of our collaboration and the increasing popularity of our competitions in Germany."

Germany remains a key market for Euroleague Basketball. The country boasts top-tier teams such as [ALBA Berlin](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/teams/alba-berlin/ber/) and [FC Bayern Munich](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/teams/fc-bayern-munich/mun/) in the Turkish Airlines EuroLeague, and [ratiopharm Ulm](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/teams/ratiopharm-ulm/ulm/) and [Veolia Towers Hamburg](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/teams/veolia-towers-hamburg/ham/) in the BKT EuroCup. Furthermore, Germany has hosted Euroleague Basketball's signature event, the EuroLeague Final Four, multiple times, including three editions in Berlin (2009, 2016, 2024) and one in Cologne (2021). The German fan base has seen a remarkable 50% growth over the last five seasons, contributing to the increasing popularity of the competitions, which have enjoyed a 272% rise in TV audience numbers on MagentaSport on the same period.

"We have an outstanding, trusting partnership with the Euroleague, which is also characterized by a shared desire for constant development. We continuously maintain and develop the sports content with our partners. This is especially true for the top Euroleague competitions with major clubs, which has a rapidly growing audience. The EuroLeague provides weekly proof that it is the best league in Europe with the best players - the premier class of basketball," says Dorothea Jacob, VP Proposition & Content at MagentaTV.

MagentaSport delivers an exceptional product each competition round, featuring top-quality live game broadcasts and a comprehensive 360-degree fan experience. This includes extensive coverage across digital channels and the weekly program "The Conference," where top German basketball journalists provide in-depth analysis and custom content such as the "Road Trip Series," features, documentaries, and exclusive interviews.

In addition to Euroleague Basketball competitions, MagentaSport's basketball's portfolio includes the 2025 FIBA Women’s EuroBasket Qualifiers and Tournament, as well as the 2025 FIBA EuroBasket, among other sports content.

MagentaSport to continue broadcasting the EuroLeague and EuroCup until 2029

Hapoel Tel Aviv BC guard Marcus Foster spoke to Frankie Sachs about what makes his team special in this week's EuroCup interview.

Marcus Foster: 'I can help this team elevate'

[Hapoel Shlomo Tel Aviv](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/teams/hapoel-shlomo-tel-aviv/hta/) has been in the headlines since a splash of high-profile signings, which have made the club a serious contender for the BKT EuroCup crown. Despite all the big names, no player has put the ball in the net more for Hapoel this season than [Marcus Foster](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/marcus-foster/010386/) with 188 points. 

A combo-guard with EuroLeague experience, Foster has been a go-to scorer at most stops in his career, but this season has taken on a different role and – after an adjustment period – he’s been thriving in it.

Foster, 29, is among the league’s most-efficient shooters, having made 70.3% of his two-pointers and 43.5% of his threes to average 13.4 points. 

In this interview, Foster discusses how he adjusted to his role on this team, who Hapoel’s unsung heroes are, what it’s like to play for coach Dimitris Itoudis, and how Hapoel’s demanding schedule helps the team, among other topics.

**Congratulations on your three-game winning streak in the EuroCup. The team is getting contributions from everywhere and you guys aren’t even at full strength! How is the vibe in the locker room?**

"The vibe is very high right now. I think we're figuring out what we need to do to be a good team and especially at this time of the season, with four EuroCup games left, we want to find some momentum heading into the playoffs."

**You’ve always been a great scorer, but this season your scoring efficiency has been truly outstanding. What do you attribute that to?**

"This year it's more about just focusing on being the best role player I could be for this team as far as my scoring ability; defensively, just trying to do all the little things and just focus on whatever minutes I have, I have to be the best, you know, not for my individual self, but for the team. So it's a different role but I understand the goal we have as a team and the talent we have, so I feel if I can be a star in my role, I can help this team elevate and get to where we need to be."

Big buckets from Marcus Foster of Hapoel Shlomo Tel Aviv, Rounds 1-14, 2024-25

Big buckets from Marcus Foster

**Can you talk more about that role and how you’ve adapted to it?**

"I think just being patient and taking the shots I’m allowed to take. You know, usually I'm in a role where I can come down and take some bad shots and, you know, force some things, but this year with the team we have, I have to be more efficient. I have to execute in the time that I have and also I'm playing with great guys on my team. When you're coming down and Patrick Beverley has the ball, you know \[the opposition's\] defense is a little more worried about him or Yam Madar or Antonio Blakeney, Bar \[Timor\], you know. It's just the people I'm surrounded by, there's so much attention on other guys and there's attention on me, so the time I have when I have the ball, I just have to be efficient and make the reads and make the plays I know how to make.

"I think it's definitely different expectations, like I was saying; this is a role that it took me a little bit to get to understand how to play. Usually, I'm the guy that is trying to make the plays every time down, trying to get guys going. Now there are situations where I can sit back and let them work for me, in the sense of coming down, just spacing out the court, sitting in the corner. They might not get me the first two or three times, but eventually, the ball's gonna come around to me just because those guys know how to dissect the game and get players better each time, so like I said, it's a very different role than I’m used to, but I'm enjoying doing something new on the court."

**Was it difficult mentally to adjust to playing such a different role on a team?**

"Yes. At the beginning, it was very difficult. As you can see I wasn't playing the best at the beginning, but I started to figure it out and game by game, I started getting good at what I'm doing right now. Of course, my whole career in Europe, outside of Panathinaikos, I was really the main guy, the creator, I was making the reads, I'm making the passes most of the time. I'm 80% of the offense on my team. So I've definitely missed that aspect of it, but I like being around elite-level players and on a high-level team that has a very big ambition to win and go to the EuroLeague. It makes it all worth it for me. I remember coming in when I signed. What I'm doing now is what I talked about. I always say less is more. The less I do, the more valuable I am to this team. I don't have to overdo it, overforce it sometimes, but you know at the end of the day, I still gotta play my game and that's what the fun part about it is. I'm enjoying it. How can I still play my game but also do less and help my team? So it took me a while to get it and now I feel like I'm in a groove where I'm understanding what I need to do each night."

"It took me a while to get it and now I feel like I'm in a groove where I'm understanding what I need to do each night."

**When you signed with Hapoel, the team had already signed Johnathan Motley and made it clear that it was aiming high. And then came Ish Wainright, Patrick Beverley and later Bruno Caboclo. What were your reactions as the team kept getting stronger?**

"It just made me more confident in the situation I'm in. You know when you're coming in and you're making the team, you know, you have all these ambitions and goals, but you never know what could happen throughout the season. So you know the more and more we’re signing, the more and more I understand that this team, this organization is serious about what they're trying to do. So it just put... I wouldn't say it puts the pressure on us as players, it just puts a different perspective on what we need to do on the court. I think that's why there's so many eyes, so much attention and so much talk around the team when we win games and lose games. I was just excited about being around these guys, some guys I've known for a while, some guys that I'd seen play and some guys that I've always wanted to play with, like Joe Ragland, so I'm just excited that I was one of the guys chosen to be a part of this."

**The rotation can be very deep with contributions coming from all over. Who would you say is the unsung player, the player who gets the least credit for his contributions?**

"I would probably say Bar Timor or Ish Wainright just because those guys are so solid for us every night. You know, you got Bar leading us and doing different things. Some games Bar may have 12-15 points for us or some games; like last game against Jerusalem \[in the Israeli League\], he had 7 assists. Bar does a little bit of everything and he defends for us. Guys like that who aren't, you know, I would say the guys like Patrick Beverley, Johnathan Motley, Antonio Blakeney with the higher name as far as the standards of NBA and stuff like that, we all know Bar has a big name in Europe because he's been a consistent player, but you know, every game he's bringing another dimension for us that helps us win. And then Ishmail Wainright, he just does all the dirty work for us. He's guarding the best players. He may not be getting the most shots on the team, but he also can shoot, so he's a threat on the offensive end for us and as you can see in games, Ish just sits down and does the dirty work, gets deflections and he's on the floor and he's talking to guys. When you got guys like that in the locker room, it helps us a lot."

Foster on Bar Timor: 'Every game he's bringing another dimension for us that helps us win'

**The big midseason addition was Yam Madar, who wasn’t playing much in the EuroLeague with FC Bayern Munich but has looked great since returning to Hapoel. What can you say about playing alongside him?**

"It's great. You know, sometimes I'm watching him play and I forget how young of a player he is because of the way he carries himself on the court. He has a very mature game and he helps me be able to score some of the easy shots that I score sometimes because the way he drives and kicks puts me in situations to make the game easier for me. And just this energy every day, he's trying to learn, he's trying to be a better player to help his team and he also takes information in. You know at the levels he's played in the past couple years with Partizan, Fenerbahce and Bayern Munich, he understands the level of what it takes to have a good team and also be a good player."

**What has it been like to play for Coach Itoudis? What kind of impact can you say he’s had since taking over?**

"It's tough. I'm not gonna lie. It's very tough, but it's a good thing. You know, he's a very hard coach. Elite coach. I understand why he is one of the best coaches in Europe and why he has titles and all that because every day he's asking for perfection, and he's not \[just\] asking for perfection from Patrick Beverley or Johnathan Motley, he's asking from everybody. From the guy that plays the most to the guy that may never play. And that's what I like about him. And what I like even more is he's teaching me how to be a different dynamic player, like what we've been talking about. He's teaching me how to play off ball, he's teaching me how to defend guys, what I need to do when guys are coming off the pick-and-roll. He's really teaching me the game in a way I've never been taught before. So I never thought I would be in a position where he would be my head coach. So, you know, it's tough some days, but I'm enjoying it and being a part of this process with him."

Foster on Coach Itoudis: 'He's really teaching me the game in a way I've never been taught before'

**The security situation is Israel has meant that you guys are playing all of your “home” games in Bulgaria. Of course, the demanding travel schedule is a burden. But I imagine there must be some positives to that in terms of team bonding and off-court chemistry.**

"It's difficult to have to travel like that and going to Samokov, Bulgaria, a small, small, small place and, you know, not much to do there, but it gives us that bonding time. We're at the airport every week. Long bus trips, so we spend a lot of time with each other, and it helps us bond and like I said, this team is something I've never been a part of as far as on the court and off the court. We're a very close team, and not just the foreign players. The foreign players and the Israeli players are very close. So I'm just enjoying being part of this."

**How much can that off-court chemistry help the team on the court?**

"A lot. I believe it helps a lot. I think, through my past years playing different teams, the closer teams are, those are the teams that win at the end. Because you start to understand each other, you start to know each other. So I think that's gonna be a big part and I think that's what's helping us right now gel and as we are because we're with each other every day."

"This team is something I've never been a part of as far as on the court and off the court. We're a very close team."

**You have played all the teams in your group at least once and you know the other Israeli team in the EuroCup, Hapoel Bank Yahav Jerusalem, pretty well. How far do you think Jerusalem can go in this competition?**

"Jerusalem is a very good team, very well-disciplined team on defense. I think that's what makes them so good. And when you've got a guy like Jared Harper who's leading the way, it also helps them a lot, I think they have a chance to be a final four team with a chance to go to the championship regardless who they play in the semifinals, whether it be us or Valencia, Bahcesehir. Whoever they play, I think they definitely have a chance to make the finals.”

**Can you imagine a scenario where you guys are playing them in the semifinals or the finals and what that would mean for Israeli basketball?**

"I think that would mean a lot to Israeli basketball. I'm not sure if it's ever been done before but I think it's something that would be great for this country and just to put people to understand how good of a basketball place this is to play, so that would be something amazing if it did happen that way."

More Hapoel Tel Aviv News

The Hapoel Shlomo Tel Aviv guard spoke to Frankie Sachs about what makes his team special in this week's EuroCup interview

The second stop of the 2024-25 Adidas NextGen EuroLeague tips off on Friday, January 17, and the reigning continental champion [U18 Real Madrid](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/ngt/teams/u18-real-madrid/jrm/) arrives at the NextGen Munich tournament as the heavy favorite for the much-coveted ticket to the NextGen Finals. Real has won the European crown the last two seasons and a record five times since 2015. 

*Los Blancos* will have a major target on its back for the other seven teams competing in Munich's BMW Park from January 17 to 19 – host [U18 FC Bayern Munich](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/ngt/teams/u18-fc-bayern-munich/jmu/), [U18 Aris Midea Thessaloniki](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/ngt/teams/u18-aris-midea-thessaloniki/jar/), [U18 Cedevita Olimpija Ljubljana](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/ngt/teams/u18-cedevita-olimpija-ljubljana/jlj/), [U18 SC Derby Podgorica](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/ngt/teams/u18-sc-derby-podgorica/jpg/), [U18 Valencia Basket](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/ngt/teams/u18-valencia-basket/jva/), [U18 Virtus Segafredo Bologna](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/ngt/teams/u18-virtus-segafredo-bologna/jvi/), and [U18 Next Gen Team Munich](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/ngt/teams/u18-next-gen-team-munich/ngm/). 

The tournament winner will book a spot in the season finale at the Turkish Airlines EuroLeague Final Four in May. The first spot has already been handed out as [two-time continental champion U18 Mega MIS Belgrade took first place at the NextGen Istanbul event](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/ngt/news/jt124-next-gen-istanbul-report-mega-next/) last December. 

The eight teams in Munich are broken down into two groups of four. Each team will face the others in its group in a round-robin fashion. The top teams in each group will then square off in Sunday’s first-place game, with the winner of that matchup securing a spot at the NextGen Finals.

The breakdown of the eight teams is as follows: Group A has Bayern, Aris, Cedevita and Valencia, while Group B is topped by Real and also includes Derby, NextGen Munich and Virtus.

### Evaluating Group A 

Bayern will be hosting a qualifying tournament for the fifth time following 2018, 2019, 2020 and 2023. Bayern is competing for the 10th time and took fourth place last season at the NextGen Podgorica and lost to Real in the 2019-20 NextGen Munich first-place game. 

Aris is back in the competition for a second season after making its debut at NextGen Dubai last year and taking sixth place. 

Cedevita is appearing for the 19th time, including the last seven and 17 of the last 18 seasons. The club went 1-3 at the NextGen Podgorica tournament last season and took seventh place. 

This will be Valencia’s 11th showing – and seventh in a row – after it took fifth place at the NextGen Dubai event last season. 

### Looking into Group B teams

Real has been the dominant force at the NextGen competition with a record five titles while also reaching the NextGen EuroLeague Championship Game in 2014. Real competes in the event for the 18th straight season and has won its qualifying tournament in each of the last 11 campaigns. The Spanish powerhouse needed a major comeback in the NextGen Podgorica first place game last season to knock off the NextGen Team. Real went on to claim last season’s crown at the NextGen Finals in Berlin. Real has won its last 17 NextGen games, dating back to the NextGen Finals in 2022 in Belgrade. 

Montenegro side Derby is making its second appearance in the competition after it debuted last season as host in the NextGen Podgorica and finished third with a 3-1 record. 

Virtus for its part is back for its ninth season and second in a row after claiming seventh place at the NextGen Dubai last year. That was the Italian club’s first time playing in the event since 2019. 

The NextGen selection team is in participating for a fourth season, with [Dogus Balbay](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/ngt/teams/u18-next-gen-team-munich/ngm/balbay-dogus/) coaching the team this season. 

 Los Blancos go into the NextGen EuroLeague Munich as heavy favorites 

Reigning champ Real Madrid starts defense of NextGen title in Munich

U18 Real Madrid v U18 SC Derby Podgorica (2025-01-17T12:30:00.000Z)

U18 FC Bayern Munich v U18 Cedevita Olimpija Ljubljana (2025-01-17T08:00:00.000Z)

U18 Valencia Basket v U18 Aris Midea Thessaloniki (2025-01-17T10:15:00.000Z)

U18 Next Gen Team Munich v U18 Virtus Segafredo Bologna (2025-01-17T14:45:00.000Z)

Fantasy Challenge guru Javier Gancedo shares some tips for Round 15 of the EuroCup Fantasy Challenge.

Fantasy tips, Round 15: Some underused options

It is being a very competitive BKT EuroCup season and, of course, the same can be said about the [EuroCup Fantasy Challenge](https://euroleaguefantasy.euroleaguebasketball.net/). 

With just four regular-season games left, it is time for the best teams to go all-in to qualify to the playoffs and get one of the top-two spots in each group, going straight to the quarterfinals. 

As for fantasy, I have some recommendations for you. Here they are.

Kur Kuath, Tyler Cavanaugh, Carlos Alocen, Nick Johnson and Marcio Santos are featured in this week's article.

EuroCup Fantasy tips: Round 15

### Kur Kuath, Veolia Towers Hamburg (10.2 credits)

[Kur Kuath](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/kur-kuath/013313/) is proving to be a defensive wall but has also been really effective on offense. He has scored in double digits in each of his last five games, hitting 26-of-33 two-pointers to average 12.2 points, 7.0 rebounds, 1.6 blocks and a PIR of 18.4. If you are looking for a steady center with a solid PIR, Kuath is your man.

### Tyler Cavanaugh, Bahcesehir College Istanbul (13.2 credits)

In Round 14, [Tyler Cavanaugh](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/tyler-cavanaugh/009601/) finished the game against Buducnost with a career-best 17 points on 4-of-5 three-point shooting and 6 rebounds for a PIR of 20. He has amassed three double-doubles and averaged 11.8 points, 8.6 rebounds and a PIR of 17.8 in the last five games. Cavanaugh should keep it going all season long.

### Nick Johnson, Trefl Sopot (11.1 credits)

After a small adjustment period, [Nick Johnson](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/nick-johnson/007426/) has been simply outstanding and done a little bit of everything for Trefl, which just got its first victory. In the last three games, Johnson averaged 11.7 points, 6.3 rebounds, 8.3 assists, 2.0 steals and a PIR of 18.3. Johnson is owned by 0.5% of managers. A hidden gem in the market!

### Marcio Santos, ratiopharm Ulm (9.2 credits)  

[Marcio Santos](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/marcio-santos/013289/) is even less popular than Johnson, owned by just 0.4% of happy managers who are enjoying his great performances lately. After averaging 1.8 points and a PIR of 1.2 in the previous four games, Santos has boosted his numbers up to 15.0 points and a PIR of 14.8 in the last four showdowns. Santos, the man of the moment!

### Carlos Alocen, Dreamland Gran Canaria (8.5 credits)

Another great option under 10.0 credits. [Carlos Alocen](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/carlos-alocen/010623/) has found his rhythm and has been extremely effective in the last two games, averaging 12.0 points, 4.0 rebounds, 6.0 assists and a PIR of 16.5 in the last two games. Seeing more playing time has allowed Alocen to show his best version and it looks like the best is yet to come.

Fantasy Challenge guru Javier Gancedo shares some tips for the week ahead

Turk Telekom Ankara v Veolia Towers Hamburg (2025-01-15T16:30:00.000Z)

Trefl Sopot v Bahcesehir College Istanbul (2025-01-15T18:00:00.000Z)

Dreamland Gran Canaria v Joventut Badalona (2025-01-15T20:00:00.000Z)

Here comes the first double-round week of 2025, and it is a pivotal moment for EuroLeague Fantasy Challenge managers.

Fantasy tips, Rounds 21-22: Lots of good options!

Here comes the first double-round week of 2025, and it is a pivotal moment for [EuroLeague Fantasy Challenge](https://euroleaguefantasy.euroleaguebasketball.net/) managers. 

After these two rounds, unlimited trades will be available before Round 23. A lot of players are doing really well lately and as always, I am here to recommend you players who can give you the extra boost in both private league and the overall standings. Here are my recommendations for Rounds 21 and 22.

Matthew Strazel, Vincent Poirier, Chimezie Metu, Omer Turtseven and Sterling Brown are featured in  this week's article.

EuroLeague Fantasy tips: Rounds 20-21

### Omer Yurtseven, Panathinaikos AKTOR Athens (10.7 credits)

It was a pretty obvious choice when Mathias Lessort got injured, but some managers needed further confirmation. Well, here it is. [Omer Yurtseven](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/omer-yurtseven/005353/) earned Round 19 MVP honors with a PIR of 34 against Virtus, and went on to get 17 points, 8 rebounds and a PIR of 20 in Round 20 against Partizan. At 10.7 credits, he is a big opportunity in the game.

### Vincent Poirier, Anadolu Efes Istanbul (12.0 credits)  

Luca Banchi became Efes's head coach and according to his first two games, [Vincent Poirier](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/vincent-poirier/004887/) is set to play a bigger role than before. In Round 20, Poirier had 14 points and a PIR of 19 against ASVEL. That's his highest PIR since getting 25 in Round 8 against Monaco. He also got a double-digit PIR in Turkish League action. Time to sign Poirier? I say 'yes'.

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border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"></div> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"></div></div></div><div style="padding: 19% 0;"></div> <div style="display:block; height:50px; margin:0 auto 12px; width:50px;"><svg width="50px" height="50px" viewBox="0 0 60 60" version="1.1" xmlns="https://www.w3.org/2000/svg" xmlns:xlink="https://www.w3.org/1999/xlink"><g stroke="none" stroke-width="1" fill="none" fill-rule="evenodd"><g transform="translate(-511.000000, -20.000000)" fill="#000000"><g><path d="M556.869,30.41 C554.814,30.41 553.148,32.076 553.148,34.131 C553.148,36.186 554.814,37.852 556.869,37.852 C558.924,37.852 560.59,36.186 560.59,34.131 C560.59,32.076 558.924,30.41 556.869,30.41 M541,60.657 C535.114,60.657 530.342,55.887 530.342,50 C530.342,44.114 535.114,39.342 541,39.342 C546.887,39.342 551.658,44.114 551.658,50 C551.658,55.887 546.887,60.657 541,60.657 M541,33.886 C532.1,33.886 524.886,41.1 524.886,50 C524.886,58.899 532.1,66.113 541,66.113 C549.9,66.113 557.115,58.899 557.115,50 C557.115,41.1 549.9,33.886 541,33.886 M565.378,62.101 C565.244,65.022 564.756,66.606 564.346,67.663 C563.803,69.06 563.154,70.057 562.106,71.106 C561.058,72.155 560.06,72.803 558.662,73.347 C557.607,73.757 556.021,74.244 553.102,74.378 C549.944,74.521 548.997,74.552 541,74.552 C533.003,74.552 532.056,74.521 528.898,74.378 C525.979,74.244 524.393,73.757 523.338,73.347 C521.94,72.803 520.942,72.155 519.894,71.106 C518.846,70.057 518.197,69.06 517.654,67.663 C517.244,66.606 516.755,65.022 516.623,62.101 C516.479,58.943 516.448,57.996 516.448,50 C516.448,42.003 516.479,41.056 516.623,37.899 C516.755,34.978 517.244,33.391 517.654,32.338 C518.197,30.938 518.846,29.942 519.894,28.894 C520.942,27.846 521.94,27.196 523.338,26.654 C524.393,26.244 525.979,25.756 528.898,25.623 C532.057,25.479 533.004,25.448 541,25.448 C548.997,25.448 549.943,25.479 553.102,25.623 C556.021,25.756 557.607,26.244 558.662,26.654 C560.06,27.196 561.058,27.846 562.106,28.894 C563.154,29.942 563.803,30.938 564.346,32.338 C564.756,33.391 565.244,34.978 565.378,37.899 C565.522,41.056 565.552,42.003 565.552,50 C565.552,57.996 565.522,58.943 565.378,62.101 M570.82,37.631 C570.674,34.438 570.167,32.258 569.425,30.349 C568.659,28.377 567.633,26.702 565.965,25.035 C564.297,23.368 562.623,22.342 560.652,21.575 C558.743,20.834 556.562,20.326 553.369,20.18 C550.169,20.033 549.148,20 541,20 C532.853,20 531.831,20.033 528.631,20.18 C525.438,20.326 523.257,20.834 521.349,21.575 C519.376,22.342 517.703,23.368 516.035,25.035 C514.368,26.702 513.342,28.377 512.574,30.349 C511.834,32.258 511.326,34.438 511.181,37.631 C511.035,40.831 511,41.851 511,50 C511,58.147 511.035,59.17 511.181,62.369 C511.326,65.562 511.834,67.743 512.574,69.651 C513.342,71.625 514.368,73.296 516.035,74.965 C517.703,76.634 519.376,77.658 521.349,78.425 C523.257,79.167 525.438,79.673 528.631,79.82 C531.831,79.965 532.853,80.001 541,80.001 C549.148,80.001 550.169,79.965 553.369,79.82 C556.562,79.673 558.743,79.167 560.652,78.425 C562.623,77.658 564.297,76.634 565.965,74.965 C567.633,73.296 568.659,71.625 569.425,69.651 C570.167,67.743 570.674,65.562 570.82,62.369 C570.966,59.17 571,58.147 571,50 C571,41.851 570.966,40.831 570.82,37.631"></path></g></g></g></svg></div><div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style=" color:#3897f0; 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### Chimezie Metu, FC Barcelona (11.6 credits)  

Listed as forward in the game, [Chimezie Metu](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/chimezie-metu/013379/) is now seeing playing time at center due to injuries and coach Joan Penarroya's latest roster adjustments. He was really effective against Monaco, getting 13 points, 8 rebounds, 3 assists and a PIR of 14. In the last three games since he came back from injury, Metu averages a PIR of 18.0. Everything is clicking for him right now.

### Sterling Brown, Partizan Mozzart Bet Belgrade (10.5 credits)

Another solid player in great shape lately. [Sterling Brown](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/sterling-brown/012720/) has been outstanding in the last two games, averaging 22.0 points on 13-of-19 two-pointers, 3.0 steals and a PIR of 23.5. Brown has played 30 minutes or more in five of Partizan's last seven games – coach Zeljko Obradovic trusts him and Brown is doing whatever it takes to help Partizan get more wins.

<center>
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### Matthew Strazel, AS Monaco (7.1 credits)

He should be in every team right now. [Matthew Strazel](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/matthew-strazel/008099/) has been nothing but extraordinary lately, averaging 12.6 points on 16-of-24 three-pointers and a PIR of 14.2 in the last five games. In Rounds 19 and 20, he boosted those numbers to 16.5 points on 9-of-11 three-pointers and a PIR of 20.5. All for just 7.1 credits. What's not to like about Strazel? 

Take advantage of this latest double-round week

FC Barcelona v Panathinaikos AKTOR Athens (2025-01-15T19:30:00.000Z)

Baskonia Vitoria-Gasteiz v Panathinaikos AKTOR Athens (2025-01-17T19:30:00.000Z)

Paris Basketball v Anadolu Efes Istanbul (2025-01-14T19:30:00.000Z)

FC Barcelona v Anadolu Efes Istanbul (2025-01-17T19:45:00.000Z)

EA7 Emporio Armani Milan v Partizan Mozzart Bet Belgrade (2025-01-16T19:30:00.000Z)

FC Bayern Munich v AS Monaco (2025-01-15T19:30:00.000Z)

Crvena Zvezda Meridianbet Belgrade v AS Monaco (2025-01-17T19:00:00.000Z)

Time is running out in the race for postseason action in the BKT EuroCup, and Round 15 promises a thrilling week of action. Here’s your guide to Tuesday and Wednesday’s games.

At a glance: Entering the home straight

Time is running out in the race for postseason action in the BKT EuroCup, and Round 15 promises a thrilling week of action. Here’s your guide to Tuesday and Wednesday’s games.

## Tuesday, January 14

### 7Bet-Lietkabelis Panevezys vs. Valencia Basket (18:00 CET)

With a playoff place guaranteed, Valencia (12-2) will look to secure top seed status with a trip to Lietakbelis (4-9), which might have to win all its remaining games to progress. Last week’s loss at Bourg was a big setback for the Lithuanian team, which will look to recapture the magic of December’s overtime win at Valencia, propelled by 21 points and 6 assists from guard [Martynas Varnas](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/martynas-varnas/005521/). The Spanish side appears to have overcome its midseason blip, winning by 38 against Turk Telekom last week as youngster [Sergio de Larrea](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/sergio-de-larrea/010750/) underlined his talent with 9 points and 9 assists. Valencia will not want to lose twice to the same team, so Lietkabelis will have to be at its very best.

### Besiktas Fibabanka Istanbul vs. Wolves Twinsbet Vilnius (18:00 CET)

A pair of direct rivals who have badly lost their way look to bounce back as Besiktas (7-7) hosts Wolves (7-7) for a crucial Group A showdown. The Turkish team has lost three games straight due to an alarming defensive collapse, allowing at least 93 points in each of those defeats. Last week’s defeat at Joventut saw only [Jonah Mathews](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/jonah-mathews/011936/) (18 points) score in double digits, so there are concerns at both ends for coach Dusan Alimpijevic. Wolves has lost two of its last three and will aim to recover from last week’s shock defeat to previously winless Trefl, when 17 points and 8 assists from the consistent [Anthony Cowan](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/players/anthony-cowan-jr/012003/) was not enough to prevent a 23-point thrashing.

Round 15 Head-to-Head: Mathews vs. Cowan

### Hapoel Bank Yahav Jerusalem vs. Cedevita Olimpija Ljubljana (19:00 CET)

It’s second versus third in Group B as Jerusalem (9-5) welcomes Cedevita (8-5) for a crucial matchup. The first meeting between the teams was taken 83-94 by Jerusalem – which has never lost to the Slovenian team – as the unstoppable [Jared Harper](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/jared-harper/011970/) delivered a typically game-changing performance with 30 points. Cedevita ranks third in the EuroCup in steals, so backcourt players like [Devante Jones](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/devante-jones/013260/), who had 14 points and 5 assists to orchestrate last week’s win over Aris, will look to put pressure on the ball to limit the effectiveness of Harper. Another key for the visitor will be the athleticism of [Devin Robinson](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/devin-robinson/012042/), who has recorded double-digit PIR in nine of the last ten games.

Round 15 Head-to-Head: Smith vs. Robinson

### Dolomiti Energia Trento vs. ratiopharm Ulm (20:00 CET)

Trento (4-10) will look to keep alive its faint playoff hopes by overcoming an Ulm team (9-5) still battling for a top two finish. The Italian team suffered at both ends of the floor in last week’s heavy loss at Hapoel, and needs more than just [Jordan Ford](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/jordan-ford/013270/) – who has scored at least 17 points in five straight games – to propel an offense which has failed to reach 70 points in the last two outings. Ulm saw its five-game winning streak ended by last week’s home loss to Gran Canaria despite 19 points from [Ben Saraf](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/ben-saraf/011437/), and will hope big man [Marcio Santos](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/marcio-santos/013289/) repeats the performance which delivered 23 points and 11 boards to edge out Trento, 84-82, in Round 6.

## Wednesday, January 15

### Turk Telekom Ankara vs. Veolia Towers Hamburg (17:30 CET)

Turk Telekom (8-6) will look to stay on the playoff path with a visit from lowly Hamburg (3-11). Despite being out of postseason contention, the German team showed it will continue fighting with a battling performance in last week's loss to Reyer, led by [Jordan Barnett](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/jordan-barnett/013312/) knocking down 4 triples in his 16 points. The Turkish team needs to react after last week's thrashing at the hands of Valencia, and will hope for another strong performance from forward [Berkan Durmaz](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/berkan-durmaz/007917/) after he provided 16 points and 6 rebounds in that game. Hamburg hasn’t won on the road all season whereas Turk Telekom is 6-2 at home, so a visiting victory would be a major upset.

### Aris Midea Thessaloniki vs. Cosea JL Bourg-en-Bresse (19:00 CET)

Struggling Aris (3-11) will look to strike a positive note by upsetting playoff chasing Bourg (7-7). The French team ended a three-game losing streak by overcoming Lietkabelis last week behind 17 points and 9 rebounds from forward [Jordan Usher](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/jordan-usher/013265/), who has recorded double-digit scoring in seven of the last eight games. Aris needs to improve at both ends of the floor after losing by 21 at Cedevita in Round 14, and needs big man [Darral Willis](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/darral-willis/010397/) to maintain his strong form after averaging 12.0 points and 6.3 rebounds since arriving at the club mid-season. Bourg will counter him with [Kevin Kokila](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/kevin-kokila/011837/), who grabbed 9 points and 9 rebounds in last week’s win.

### Buducnost VOLI Podgorica vs. Hapoel Shlomo Tel Aviv (19:00 CET)

After being edged out in heartbreaking fashion in last week’s overtime loss to Bahcesehir, battling Buducnost (6-8) will look to threaten another pacesetter with a visit from Hapoel (9-5). It’s a key game for both teams as the host looks to climb into the playoff places, while Hapoel is just one game behind Gran Canaria in second place. Buducnost will need a strong game from [Kenan Kamenjas](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/kenan-kamenjas/008325/), who had 12 points and 8 rebounds last week, as he faces visiting big man [Bruno Caboclo](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/bruno-caboclo/012096/) – the Brazilian is coming off his best game of the season with 19 points and 9 boards to overpower Trento and help Hapoel gain a third straight win.

Round 15 Head-to-Head: Ferrell vs. Madar

### Trefl Sopot vs. Bahcesehir College Istanbul (19:00 CET)

After finally gaining its first win by thrashing Wolves last week, Trefl (1-13) will look to cause another upset with a visit from Group A leader Bahcesehir (12-2). The Polish team was led to its maiden triumph by 20 points from [Jaroslaw Zyskowski](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/jaroslaw-zyskowski/013295/), who also grabbed 9 rebounds in a powerful team performance that delivered a total of 45 boards. So Bahcesehir, which has won three in a row to clinch a playoff berth, will have to fight hard in the paint behind the consistently excellent [Tai Odiase](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/tai-odiase/011823/), who bagged a double-double of 16 points and 10 boards to help propel his team’s latest triumph in last week’s overtime thriller against Buducnost.

### Umana Reyer Venice vs. U-BT Cluj-Napoca (20:00 CET)

A vital battle in Group B will see Reyer (8-6) attempt to maintain its excellent form with a visit from direct rival Cluj (7-7). The Italian team has won six out of the last seven, with [Kyle Wiltjer](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/kyle-wiltjer/008052/)'s usual smooth shooting delivering 16 points in last week's win at Hamburg. Cluj needs to bounce back from last week's loss against Jerusalem, when 27 points from in-form [DJ Seeley](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/dennis-seeley/004862/) weren't enough to compensate a poor defensive performance. Cluj won the season’s first meeting between the teams, triumphing 86-78 in October thanks to a huge fourth quarter comeback led by [Adam Mokoka](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/adam-mokoka/012698/), who finished with 16 points, so both teams will understand the importance of playing the full 40 minutes in this crucial encounter.

Round 15 Head-to-Head: Kabengele vs. Hankins

### Dreamland Gran Canaria vs. Joventut Badalona (21:00 CET)

An all-Spanish showdown will see Gran Canaria (10-4) continue to push for a top two finish against a Joventut team (5-9) battling to stay in playoff contention. Last week’s thrashing of Besiktas was a belated demonstration of Joventut’s quality, with [Kassius Robertson](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/kassius-robertson/012740/) maintaining his strong form by pouring in 17 points. Ther visitor will need a performance of similar quality against a Gran Canaria that stood strong on the road last week to overcome Ulm, where [Mike Tobey](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/mike-tobey/008966/) showed his quality in the paint with 10 points and 10 boards. His battle against visiting bigs [Art Pustovyi](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/artem-pustovyi/004834/) and [Ante Tomic](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/ante-tomic/002507/) will be well worth watching in this mouthwatering matchup.

Round 15 Head-to-Head: Tobey vs. Tomic

The business end of the season is fast approaching

7Bet-Lietkabelis Panevezys v Cedevita Olimpija Ljubljana (2025-01-16T17:30:00.000Z)

Besiktas Fibabanka Istanbul v Wolves Twinsbet Vilnius (2025-01-14T17:00:00.000Z)

Hapoel Bank Yahav Jerusalem v Cedevita Olimpija Ljubljana (2025-01-14T18:00:00.000Z)

Buducnost VOLI Podgorica v Hapoel Shlomo Tel Aviv (2025-01-15T18:00:00.000Z)

Aris Midea Thessaloniki v Cosea JL Bourg-en-Bresse (2025-01-15T18:00:00.000Z)

Umana Reyer Venice v U-BT Cluj-Napoca (2025-01-15T19:00:00.000Z)

The reigning champs brushed aside injury problems to down Partizan last week, with excellence from the backcourt pairing of [Jerian Grant](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/jerian-grant/011204/) (14 points, 7 rebounds and 8 assists) and league-leading scorer [Kendrick Nunn](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/kendrick-nunn/012774/) (25 points). Barca also delivered a strong performance to win on the road at Monaco behind a career-high 27 points from [Dario Brizuela](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/dario-brizuela/009992/), and Blaugrana coach Joan Penarroya will be confident that his players can find the defensive answers to slow down a Green machine that has blasted at least 96 points in four of the last five games. The Round 13 meeting between the teams was a 90-89 thriller taken by Panathinaikos; expect a similarly close finale on Wednesday.

### FC Barcelona

**Streaks**

 

Jabari Parker has made at least 1 three-point shot in 19 of his last 20 games.

Kevin Punter has made at least 1 three-point shot in 10 straight and 19 of his last 20 games. He has made multiple threes in eight of his last nine games.

Punter has scored in double figures in seven straight games.

Jan Vesely has at least 1 steal in 13 of his last 14 games.

Nico Laprovittola has made at least 1 three-point shot in 19 straight games.

Chimezie Metu has posted a PIR in double figures in seven of his last eight games.

Justin Anderson has made 10 consecutive free throws.

Dario Brizuela has made at least 1 three-pointer in seven straight games.

Alex Abrines has made at least 1 three-pointer in seven of his last eight games.

 

**Season rankings**

 

Kevin Punter ranks eighth in scoring with 16.4 points per game.

Jan Vesely ranks sixth in steals with 1.2 per game.

Punter is tied for ninth in steals with 1.2 per game.

Tomas Satoransky ranks 10th in assists with 4.9 per game.

Barcelona ranks second in the league in assists with 20.8 per game.

Barcelona leads the league in steals with 7.8 per game.

Barcelona ranks third in three-point shooting at 38.2%.

Barcelona's defense has forced 13.3 turnovers per game, the second most in the league.

 

**Records/Milestones**

 

Tomas Satoransky ranks fourth all-time with a 2.8-to-1 career assist-to-turnover ratio.

Jan Vesely is the all-time leader in two-pointers made with 1,555.

Vesely is in fourth place all-time with 651 offensive rebounds. Walter Tavares of Real Madrid is third with 666 and counting.

Vesely ranks fifth all-time with 1,765 rebounds. Tavares is fourth with 1,772 and Felipe Reyes is third with 1,799.

Vesely ranks eighth all-time with 216 blocks. Tibor Pleiss is seventh with 228.

Vesely is sixth all-time with 4,008 points scored. Sergio Llull of Real Madrid is fifth with 4,074 and counting.

Vesely ranks second all-time with 5,077 index rating points. Nando De Colo of LDLC ASVEL Villeurbanne is the all-time leader with 5,278 and counting.

Vesely ranks fourth all-time with 363 steals. Rudy Fernandez is third with 367 steals.

Vesely ranks eighth all-time with 787 free throws made. Juan Carlos Navarro is seventh with 853.

Kevin Punter ranks 12th all-time in free-throw accuracy at 89.6%.

Youssoupha Fall ranks 15th all-time in two-point accuracy at 64.7%.

Nico Laprovittola needs 3 three-point shots made to reach 300 for his career.

### Panathinaikos AKTOR Athens

 

 

**Streaks**

 

Kendrick Nunn has scored at least 10 points in 25 straight and 40 of his last 41 games.

Nunn has scored 25 or more points in five straight games.

Nunn has made at least 1 three-point shot in 25 straight games. He has made at least 4 threes in five straight games.

Nunn has had double digit PIRs in 24 of his last 25 games. He has a PIR of at least 22 in seven of his last eight games.

Nunn has made 20 consecutive free throws.

Kostas Sloukas has at least 1 steal in 10 of his last 11 games.

Sloukas has made 35 consecutive free throws.

Jerian Grant has made 21 consecutive free throws.

Lorenzo Brown has made 12 consecutive free throws.

Mathias Lessort has pulled down at least 5 rebounds in 11 straight and 23 of his last 24 games.

Lessort has had a PIR of 10 or more in 25 of his last 26 games.

 

**Season rankings**

 

Kendrick Nunn leads the league in scoring with 21.2 points per game.

Mathias Lessort ranks fifth in average index rating with 20.5 per game.

Nunn ranks seventh in average index rating with 20.1 per game.

Lessort ranks second in rebounding with 7.1 per game.

Lessort ranks third in offensive rebounding with 2.8 per game.

Lessort ranks fourth in two-point shooting at 74.1%.

Kostas Sloukas leads the league in free throw shooting at 97.6%.

Nunn leads the league in three-pointers made with 3.2 per game.

Juancho Hernangomez ranks ninth in three-point shooting at 46.8%.

Panathinaikos leads the league in average PIR with 106.0 per game.

Panathinaikos leads the league in scoring with 87.7 points per game.

Panathinaikos leads the league in three-point shooting at 40.2%.

Panathinaikos ranks second in two-point shooting at 59.5%.

Panathinaikos ranks second in defensive rebounding with 24.6 per game.

 

**Records/Milestones**

 

Kostas Sloukas is in third place all-time with 406 games played.

Sloukas ranks third all-time with 1,787 assists. Sergio Rodriguez is second with 1,874.

Sloukas is in fifth place all-time with 948 free throws made. Felipe Reyes is fourth with 967.

Sloukas is eighth all-time with 3,848 career points. Nikola Mirotic of EA7 Emporio Armani Milan is seventh with 3,903 and counting. Jan Vesely of FC Barcelona is sixth with 4,008 and counting.

Sloukas is ranked fourth all-time with 4,799 index rating points. Mike James of AS Monaco is third with 5,067 and counting.

Sloukas ranks 16th all-time in free-throw accuracy at 89.0%.

With his next steal, Sloukas will tie James Gist and Adam Hanga for 20th place on the all-time charts with 252 career steals.

Marius Grigonis ranks eighth all-time in free-throw accuracy at 90.6%.

Grigonis needs 4 steals to reach 100 for his career.

Jerian Grant is the all-time leader with a 3.1-to-1 career assist-to-turnover ratio.

Expect a big-time battle between historic rivals as fast-rising Barcelona (11-9) welcomes a red-hot Panathinaikos team (13-7) aiming for a sixth straight win.