Roll Call

The BKT EuroCup Semifinals begin on Tuesday, with the regular-season group winners hosting the openers of a three-game series. This is what we can look forward to.

Game Center: Who is ready for Game 1 of the semifinals?

The BKT EuroCup Semifinals begin on Tuesday, with the regular-season group winners hosting the openers of a three-game series. This is what we can look forward to.

## Tuesday, March 25

### Bahcesehir College Istanbul vs. Dreamland Gran Canaria (18:00 CET)

The first semifinal presents a rematch from the regular season as Group A winner Bahcesehir (14-4) attempts to extend its 100% home record with a visit from Gran Canaria (12-6), which finished third and has a strong 7-3 record on the road.

Both meetings earlier this season were low-scoring defensive battles won by the home team, with [Bahcesehir prevailing 73-65 in Istanbul](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/news/bahcesehir-beats-gran-canaria-73-65-to-take-control-in-group-a/) in December. Dejan Radonjic’s men will attempt to repeat the physical dominance they enjoyed in that contest through big men [Tai Odiase](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/tai-odiase/011823/) and [Tyler Cavanaugh](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/tyler-cavanaugh/009601/), who combined for 26 points and 15 rebounds. But they face a tough battle for supremacy against Gran Canaria’s [Mike Tobey](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/mike-tobey/008966/), who also showed his all-round class in that contest by combining 16 points with 6 boards and 5 assists.

In the backcourt, a key confrontation will see visiting defensive ace [Andrew Albicy](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/andrew-albicy/003425/) attempt to limit the influence of [Jaleen Smith](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/jaleen-smith/011192/), who may feel he has a point to prove after only making 1 of his 10 field-goal attempts when the teams last met.

Smith is one of several players on both teams offering a threat from three-point territory, with Bahcesehir also hoping [Axel Bouteille](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/axel-bouteille/003840/) will fire after averaging nearly two triples per game at 43.2%. For Gran Canaria, [Joe Thomasson](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/joe-thomasson/012095/) showed his scoring potential with a trio of triples in the quarterfinal victory at Hapoel Jerusalem, while guard [Mehdy Ngouama](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/mehdy-ngouama/009556/) – a EuroCup winner last season with Paris – is becoming increasingly important after arriving mid-season to replace the injured [Carlos Alocen](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/carlos-alocen/010623/).

But ultimately the key will be defense. These two teams have allowed fewer points than anyone else, with Gran Canaria’s average of 76.7 points conceded per game only bettered by Bahcesehir (75.1), and which team better nullifies the opposition will take this series opener.

<center><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="tr" dir="ltr">🎟️ 𝐒𝐎𝐋𝐃 𝐎𝐔𝐓!<br><br>🗓️ Bugün saat 20.00’de Dreamland Gran Canaria takımına karşı evimiz Sinan Erdem Spor Salonu’nda oynayacağımız BKT EuroCup yarı final ilk maçımızın biletleri tükenmiştir.<br><br>🙏 Tüm basketbolseverler ve taraftarlarımıza gösterdikleri yoğun ilgiden dolayı teşekkür… <a href="https://t.co/pWLBmABGbR">pic.twitter.com/pWLBmABGbR</a></p>&mdash; Bahçeşehir Koleji Spor Kulübü (@BKBasketbol) <a href="https://twitter.com/BKBasketbol/status/1904534046379823303?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 25, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

### Valencia Basket vs. Hapoel Shlomo Tel Aviv (20:30 CET)

Group B winner and four-time EuroCup champion Valencia (16-2) will attempt to make home-court advantage count with a visit from dangerous Group A runner-up Hapoel Shlomo Tel Aviv (12-6), which is searching for its first major honor since lifting the Israeli Cup in 1993.

Valencia has been the competition's dominant team throughout the season, boasting the best regular season record and again showing its power with [a comprehensive 98-74 quarterfinal victory over U-BT Cluj-Napoca](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/news/valencia-cruises-past-cluj-98-74-and-into-last-four/). That game saw eight different Valencia players register double digits in PIR to underline the Spanish team's depth, so Dimitris Itoudis's men will need to produce their very best as a collective unit to take a road win.

Perhaps the most important player for Hapoel to play the game its own way is center [Johnathan Motley](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/johnathan-motley/011157/) (16.3 points and 5.0 rebounds per game), who will attempt to dominate the paint against home team powerhouse [Matt Costello](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/matthew-costello/010444/) (9.7 points and 4.2 boards per night). The visiting team will also need the offensive output of [Marcus Foster](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/marcus-foster/010386/), who has scored in double digits in four consecutive games.

Hapoel showed its defensive strength with [a hard-fought 67-61 win over Turk Telekom Ankara](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/news/hapoel-fights-off-turk-telekom-moves-into-semifinals/) in the quarterfinals, and it will need a similar performance against a Valencia team orchestrated by the youthful brilliance of playmaker [Jean Montero](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/jean-montero/010042/), who has averaged 14.0 points and 4.5 assists in the last four games. He will have plenty of support from [Chris Jones](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/chris-jones/010568/), with Valencia’s weapons also coming from the wings through dangerous shooters [Xabi Lopez-Arostegui](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/xabi-lopez-arostegui/005356/) and [Semi Ojeleye](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/semi-ojeleye/011982/).

Valencia has won six straight, netting at least 96 points in five of those, and easily leads the competition in scoring with an average of 96.5 points per night. But with the expertise of Itoudis on the bench and a talented roster including the multiple talents of [Yam Madar](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/yam-madar/011052/), [Bruno Caboclo](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/bruno-caboclo/012096/) and [Joe Ragland](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/joe-ragland/005181/), Hapoel has every chance of causing an upset.

<center><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="es" dir="ltr">🏀 𝙂𝘼𝙈𝙀𝘿𝘼𝙔<br><br>Es noche de semifinales europeas en la Fonteta. ¡Preparad las gargantas, familia! 🧡<br><br>🏆 P1 1/2 <a href="https://twitter.com/EuroCup?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@EuroCup</a><br>🏡🆚 <a href="https://twitter.com/HapoelTLVBC?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@HapoelTLVBC</a><br>⌚ Martes-20:30h<br>📺 <a href="https://twitter.com/MovistarPlus?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@MovistarPlus</a><br>🤝🏻 <a href="https://twitter.com/pamesaceramica?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@pamesaceramica</a> <br><br>📰 Previa<br>🔗 <a href="https://t.co/6VqUnDiXPp">https://t.co/6VqUnDiXPp</a> <a href="https://t.co/BgkH4lOhTt">pic.twitter.com/BgkH4lOhTt</a></p>&mdash; Valencia Basket Club (@valenciabasket) <a href="https://twitter.com/valenciabasket/status/1904451437943554500?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 25, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Both semifinals get underway on Tuesday night

Game Center: The semifinals begin now!

Bahcesehir College Istanbul v Dreamland Gran Canaria (2025-03-25T17:00:00.000Z)

Valencia Basket v Hapoel Shlomo Tel Aviv (2025-03-25T19:30:00.000Z)

Igor Petrinovic explains why he can see Bahcesehir College Istanbul lifting the EuroCup trophy this season.

Why Bahcesehir can win the EuroCup

Defense wins championships, right? And the secret of [Bahcesehir College Istanbul](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/teams/bahcesehir-college-istanbul/bah/)’s success is the team’s defense.

Coach [Dejan Radonjic](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/teams/bahcesehir-college-istanbul/bah/radonjic-dejan/) has put together a roster to his liking, one that will have enough on offense to cause opposition play-callers a headache (Bahcesehir is averaging a respectable 82.2 points), but also one that will shine on defense. And his squad has played some stellar defense this season.

This Bahcesehir side allows the fewest points (75.1 ppg.) in the EuroCup this season. It also holds opponents to a league-low in rebounds (32.6 rpg.), allows the third-fewest assists (16.3) and holds opponents to 51.3% two-point shooting, the third-lowest mark this season.

Bahcesehir has held opponent to 70 points or fewer in eight games this season, and in four more it allowed 76 or fewer.

Jaleen Smith Top Plays of the 2024 Regular Season

Jaleen Smith is the leader for Bahcesehir

Bahcesehir also understands how important it is to take care of the ball as it commits a EuroCup-low 11.2 turnovers. That part of the game is a product of the team’s experience.

The likes of [Jaleen Smith](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/jaleen-smith/011192/), [Furkan Korkmaz](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/furkan-korkmaz/005763/), [Axel Bouteille](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/axel-bouteille/003840/) and [Mateusz Ponitka](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/mateusz-ponitka/004172/) have played a lot of EuroCup and Turkish Airlines EuroLeague basketball, so they certainly understand the importance how every possession matters.

Also, those four might be the team leaders, but Bahcesehir has a deep roster and its frontcourt is among the most dangerous in the competition, with the inside force of [Tai Odiase](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/tai-odiase/011823/), the long range-shooting of [Tyler Cavanaugh](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/tyler-cavanaugh/009601/), and a bit of both from [Marko Simonovic](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/marko-simonovic/012711/).

Add the X-factor called [Sehmus Hazer](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/sehmus-hazer/011201/) into the equation and the importance of getting [CJ Massinburg](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/cj-massinburg/011821/) and Pontika back after long absences, as well as mid-season playmaking addition of [Kenan Sipahi](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/kenan-sipahi/005275/) fitting in like a glove, and Bahcesehir seems ready to make a push for the throne.

<center>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="tr" dir="ltr">👉 BKT EuroCup Yarı Final ilk maçında, evimizde 𝐃𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐦𝐥𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐆𝐫𝐚𝐧 𝐂𝐚𝐧𝐚𝐫𝐢𝐚’yı konuk ediyoruz!<br><br>🗓️ 25 Mart Salı<br>⏰ 20.00<br>📍 Sinan Erdem Spor Salonu<br><br>❤️💙 <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/FlyHighTogether?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#FlyHighTogether</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/HayalDe%C4%9FilHedef?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#HayalDeğilHedef</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/EuroCup?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@EuroCup</a> <a href="https://t.co/unR3iWWYNs">pic.twitter.com/unR3iWWYNs</a></p>&mdash; Bahçeşehir Koleji Spor Kulübü (@BKBasketbol) <a href="https://twitter.com/BKBasketbol/status/1903701306180550863?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 23, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

This group of guys are certainly hungry for success because, among all the names listed above, there are no EuroCup titles next to their name. There are many EuroCup finals, and semifinals and quarterfinals appearances, but no championships.

This team, these players and their head coach have not been flashy, but steady. And showcased they know how to win games. They certainly can win four more and go all the way.

Game News

Igor Petrinovic explains why he can see the club from Istanbul is going all this way

Dreamland Gran Canaria v Bahcesehir College Istanbul (2025-03-28T20:00:00.000Z)

Geoff Gillingham explains why he can envisage Jaka Lakovic’s CB Gran Canaria going all this way in the EuroCup this season.

Why Gran Canaria can win the EuroCup

Been there, done that, got the postcard. That’s certainly the message [Jaka Lakovic](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/teams/dreamland-gran-canaria/can/lakovic-jaka/) will be stressing to his [Dreamland Gran Canaria](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/teams/dreamland-gran-canaria/can/) players ahead of the BKT EuroCup Semifinals.

Just two years ago (yes, time does fly when you’re having fun), Gran Canaria lifted its first major trophy by winning the EuroCup. That team, led by Coach Lakovic, really was the crème de la crème of the EuroCup in 2022-23, and five players on the current roster were part of that triumph: [Andrew Albicy](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/andrew-albicy/003425/), [Nico Brussino](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/nicolas-brussino/008121/), [Miquel Salvo](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/miquel-salvo/005005/), [John Shurna](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/john-shurna/006588/) and [Jovan Kljajic](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/jovan-kljajic/007560/).

Remembering the 2023 EuroCup Final!

Immediately, that is something that should play in Gran Canaria’s favor at this stage of the campaign. Experience and know-how are what teams lean on during the playoffs and, in that sense, the Canary Island side have it in abundance. [Mike Tobey](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/mike-tobey/008966/), one of the new recruits last summer, is another who knows what it takes after winning the 2019 EuroCup title with Valencia Basket, a team Gran Canaria may meet in the finals.

But first, Bahcesehir College Istanbul. The Turkish club has lofty ambitions, yet this is its first year back in the EuroCup. To date, Bahcesehir has played 29 games in the competition. Gran Canaria? 267, the most all-time. The 2023 champion knows the EuroCup inside out, and that’ll become clear during its series with Bahcesehir.

These two teams did already meet in the regular season, splitting the series, but the playoffs are a different beast altogether. This is when the real Gran Canaria comes to play.

<center>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="es" dir="ltr"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/PermitidoSo%C3%B1ar?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#PermitidoSoñar</a>. Conocemos el camino. Esfuerzo, sacrificio y trabajo en equipo. El martes arranca una batalla que llegará el viernes a nuestra casa ⚔️🔥 <a href="https://t.co/6BccL4cEYn">pic.twitter.com/6BccL4cEYn</a></p>&mdash; Dreamland Gran Canaria (@GranCanariaCB) <a href="https://twitter.com/GranCanariaCB/status/1903794192179945799?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 23, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

On top of the experience that Gran Canaria can offer, it has such a deep roster that any player could step up on any given night. So far in this postseason, we’ve already seen big games by [Mehdy Ngouama](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/mehdy-ngouama/009556/), a EuroCup champion with Paris Basketball last season, Tobey, Brussino and [Joe Thomasson](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/joe-thomasson/012095/) in the last 16, then [Caleb Homesley](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/caleb-homesley/011251/) and the trio of Tobey, Thomasson and Brussino once again in the quarterfinals.

The impressive thing about Gran Canaria is that, in any of the semifinal games, it wouldn’t come as a shock if Salvo, Shurna, Albicy, [Pierre Pelos](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/pierre-pelos/010452/) or [George Conditt](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/george-conditt-iv/012016/) had a telling impact on the contest. That variety makes Coach Lakovic’s group a scary proposition for any team.

For now, Gran Canaria will be wanting to take it one game at a time. That said, if we end up getting an all-Spanish finals against Valencia Basket, the Canary Island outfit is 1-0 against Pedro Martinez’s men in the Spanish League this season. As they say in Spain, *ojo*.

Ever since winning the EuroCup title in 2023, Gran Canaria has been sponsored by Dreamland, which feels fitting given that’s exactly where their fans will be if – as I suspect – they witness another championship run.

Geoff Gillingham explains why he can envisage Jaka Lakovic’s side going all this way this season

Javier Gancedo goes into what makes Valencia Basket the favorite, not just in its series against Hapoel Tel Aviv but also overall.

Why Valencia Basket can win the EuroCup

Sometimes, things are meant to be and the best team takes home the trophy. It's as simple as that.

[Valencia Basket](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/teams/valencia-basket/pam/) has consistently proved to be the best team in the BKT EuroCup this year. It comes into the semifinals with just two losses to its name, which came when the team was already on the right track to be first in its regular-season group. It has dominated the competition in style, playing great basketball. It has scored 100 points or more in 11 of its 19 games this season and even reached 127 points in the Spanish League this past weekend, a new club record. Good momentum is everything in a playoff series, and Valencia heads into the most decisive games of the season at full speed.  

<center>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="es" dir="ltr">🔥🇪 🇸🔥<br>🔥🇱 🇦🔥<br>🔥🇭 🇴 🇷 🇦🔥<br><br>Fonteta... ¿Estamos preparados para lo que viene? <br><br>🏆 P1 1/2 <a href="https://twitter.com/EuroCup?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@EuroCup</a><br>🏡🆚 <a href="https://twitter.com/HapoelTLVBC?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@HapoelTLVBC</a><br>⌚ Martes-20:30h<br>📺 <a href="https://twitter.com/MovistarPlus?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@MovistarPlus</a><br>🤝🏻 <a href="https://twitter.com/pamesaceramica?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@pamesaceramica</a> <a href="https://t.co/QulWaHCXQM">pic.twitter.com/QulWaHCXQM</a></p>&mdash; Valencia Basket Club (@valenciabasket) <a href="https://twitter.com/valenciabasket/status/1904226637962527006?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 24, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Sure, Hapoel Shlomo Tel Aviv has the star power and a two-time EuroLeague-winning coach like Dimitris Itoudis. It managed to bounce back from [Patrick Beverley](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/patrick-beverley/001927/)'s departure by bringing back homegrown hero [Yam Madar](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/yam-madar/011052/), a former EuroLeague Rising Star award winner. Valencia has everything else in its favor: know-how, depth and home-court advantage.

This is Valencia's 10th EuroCup semifinal appearance and it is aiming to lift its fifth title. No other team has won the EuroCup more than twice. Every time Valencia played a semifinal under the current format, it went through: against Hapoel Bank Yahav Jerusalem in 2017 and UNICS Kazan in 2019. Valencia means serious business when is this close to the goal.

Valencia has a really deep roster and the fact that I didn't mention any of its players until now is not a coincidence. Anyone can step up and contribute. As many as nine players average over 7.0 points per game, led by small forward [Semi Ojeleye](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/semi-ojeleye/011982/) (12.8 ppg.). [Matt Costello](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/matthew-costello/010444/) and [Jean Montero](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/jean-montero/010042/) have stepped up in recent games, but it could be just anyone. Hapoel has very well-defined scoring options and in that sense, coach Pedro Martinez's team is way more unpredictable... in a good way.

Semi Ojeleye of Valencia Basket averages 12.8 points so far in this 2024-25 BKT EuroCup season.

Semi Ojeleye: Valencia's top scorer

Home-court advantage means a lot to Valencia as it has won 86.6% of all EuroCup games played at La Fonteta. Only four teams have ever beaten Valencia in postseason action: Lokomotiv Kuban Krasnodar in the 2013 semifinals, Khimki Moscow Region in the 2015 quarterfinals, Unicaja Malaga in Game 3 of the 2017 Finals and Virtus Bologna in the 2022 semifinals. Valencia rarely loses at home, and it has an extra motivation. 

At the end of this season, the club will move to the bigger, brand-new Roig Arena. There is no better way to say goodbye to La Fonteta than winning the EuroCup and opening Roig Arena in the EuroLeague, the best stage possible.

Coach Martinez is looking to reach his third EuroCup Finals. In 2008, his Akasvayu Girona side lost against Joventut Badalona in Turin, Italy. In 2017, his Valencia squad had everything in their favor, leading by 13 points with 9 minutes left but ended up losing a do-or-die Game 3 against Unicaja Malaga. This is the kind of painful memory that never goes away, and I think Valencia can use it as an extra motivation, like it did in the 2019 Finals against ALBA Berlin. Given Valencia's strength at home, it is unlikely that it loses twice against any opponent this season.

<center>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="es" dir="ltr">🗣️ Habla Pedro<br>&quot;𝘚𝘰𝘯 𝘮𝘶𝘤𝘩𝘰𝘴 𝘮𝘦𝘴𝘦𝘴 𝘵𝘳𝘢𝘣𝘢𝘫𝘢𝘯𝘥𝘰 𝘺 𝘭𝘢 𝘪𝘭𝘶𝘴𝘪ó𝘯 𝘦𝘴 𝘮á𝘹𝘪𝘮𝘢. 𝘝𝘪𝘷𝘪𝘮𝘰𝘴 𝘱𝘢𝘳𝘢 𝘫𝘶𝘨𝘢𝘳 𝘦𝘴𝘵𝘰𝘴 𝘱𝘢𝘳𝘵𝘪𝘥𝘰𝘴&quot;<br><br>🏆 P1 1/2 <a href="https://twitter.com/EuroCup?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@EuroCup</a><br>🏡🆚 <a href="https://twitter.com/HapoelTLVBC?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@HapoelTLVBC</a> <br>⌚ Martes-20:30h<br>📺 <a href="https://twitter.com/MovistarPlus?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@MovistarPlus</a> <br>🤝🏻 <a href="https://twitter.com/pamesaceramica?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@pamesaceramica</a> <a href="https://t.co/sKKNYNNTSv">pic.twitter.com/sKKNYNNTSv</a></p>&mdash; Valencia Basket Club (@valenciabasket) <a href="https://twitter.com/valenciabasket/status/1904134348607041814?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 24, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

If you want numbers, Valencia has them all. It leads the competition in scoring (96.5 ppg.), defensive rebounds (27.7 drpg.), assists (23.6 apg.), three-point shots attempted (34.6) and accuracy (39.1% 3FG). The faster Valencia plays the better chance it has to win, and with such depth and physicality, it will make sure to speed up the game tempo as often as possible.

Four excellent teams made it to the EuroCup Semifinals and any of them could lift the trophy at the end of the season. But, personally, I would be surprised if that team is not Valencia.

Javier Gancedo goes into what makes Valencia the favorite, not just in its series against Hapoel Tel Aviv but also overall

Why Valencia can win the EuroCup

Frankie Sachs breaks down why he likes Hapoel’s chances to go all the way this season, starting with the semifinal series against top-ranked Valencia.

Why Hapoel Tel Aviv can win the EuroCup

Do you believe in destiny? Because the good folks at [Hapoel Shlomo Tel Aviv](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/teams/hapoel-shlomo-tel-aviv/hta/) do.

What do [Johnathan Motley](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/johnathan-motley/011157/), [Bruno Caboclo](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/bruno-caboclo/012096/), [Noam Yaacov](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/noam-yaacov/011386/) and [Yam Madar](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/yam-madar/011052/) have in common? They all played in the Turkish Airlines EuroLeague last season – two of them even reached the Final Four – and they chose to take a proverbial step back to the BKT EuroCup and accept the challenge of making history with Hapoel. Add to them former EuroLeague champion head coach [Dimitris Itoudis](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/teams/hapoel-shlomo-tel-aviv/hta/itoudis-dimitris/) and [Ish Wainright](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/ishmail-carzell-wainright/013284/), who spent the last three seasons in the NBA, and you have a team determined to make noise regardless of the opponent.

Hapoel has certainly faced some ups and downs, including two players pegged for meaningful roles ([Patrick Beverley](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/patrick-beverley/001927/) and [Ben Bentil](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/benjamin-bentil/009818/)) being released during the season. But the team seems to be peaking at the right time, having now won eight straight games in all competitions.

Talk to the players on the team and they will tell you how the mid-season introduction of Coach Itoudis has made them better. The numbers will show you how the mid-season signing of Madar has made the offense better. Another late addition, [Marcus Bingham](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/marcus-bingham/013506/), has made the team deeper and more dangerous on defense.

Marcus Bingham: Hapoel's X-factor

Between Motley, Caboclo and Bingham, Hapoel has as deep a big-man rotation as any EuroCup side, including the dangerous Valencia trio of [Jaime Pradilla](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/jaime-pradilla/010393/), [Matt Costello](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/matthew-costello/010444/) and [Amida Brimah](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/amida-brimah/012075/). Between [Marcus Foster](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/marcus-foster/010386/) and [Antonio Blakeney](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/antonio-blakeney/013402/), there is a lethal scorer on the floor at all times. With Madar, Wainright, [Guy Palatin](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/guy-palatin/013283/) and Bingham, there are stud defenders. And thanks to [Joe Ragland](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/joe-ragland/005181/), [Bar Timor](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/bar-timor/004846/) and Madar, playing with multiple ball-handlers is always an option for Coach Itoudis.

Championships are naturally won on the court. But the amount of work off the court to get a team there cannot always be measured. And this Hapoel team has been putting in the work all season long, even when it wasn’t trying to.

Unable to play home games in front of its raucous crowd in Tel Aviv, Hapoel has been on the road all season. Its home games have been played in tiny Samokov, Bulgaria. So, in addition to road games in Spain, Serbia, Italy, Lithuania, Montenegro and Germany, the players have boarded a flight to the Balkans 10 times. All of that time together on planes and buses has forged a chemistry that makes the team better on the court.

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Something to prove? You betcha! Hapoel management did an excellent job of convincing players to join the project, but Motley, Caboclo, Madar and Wainright all checked to see if there were better options before putting their names on the dotted line. Ragland, 35, wants to show everyone that he's still got it. Bingham and Yaacov want to prove that they have stardom in front of them, And Timor and [Tomer Ginat](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/tomer-ginat/010550/), like Madar, want to reward the Hapoel faithful.

I could go on with numbers to show how good Hapoel can be. But I don’t think numbers will make the difference against Valencia in the semifinals. I think Hapoel has the advantage in terms of chemistry, depth and, thanks to Coach Itoudis, defense and tactical acumen. And that should be enough.

All four teams still standing have good reasons to believe that they can capture EuroCup glory. Hapoel may just have more reasons.

Frankie Sachs breaks down why he likes Hapoel’s chances to go all the way this season, starting with the semifinal series against top-ranked Valencia

Check out what the protagonists are saying ahead of the BKT EuroCup Semifinals.

Semifinals, Game 1: Pregame quotes

## Tuesday, March 25: Game 1

### Bahcesehir College Istanbul vs. Dreamland Gran Canaria (18:00 CET)

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

"Tomorrow we face Bahcesehir in Istanbul in the EuroCup Semifinals. We face this semifinal series with a lot of enthusiasm, ambition and desire to compete. We are playing against a team that is structured both in terms of budget and players, with the goal of winning the competition and qualifying for the EuroLeague. It is a team that is built with players of great quality, talent, experience and physicality in every position. It is a team that plays very consistently throughout the season, and it is no coincidence that they were first in our group in the regular season. We have a very difficult, physical and demanding series ahead of us."

**Mike Tobey, Dreamland Gran Canaria center**

"It's a semifinal, so logically it's a super important game. They are a tough team, very physical. We've already fought them twice, so we know how good they are, but we're going to Turkiye to win. We want to reach the final, we want to win the title, so it's a very important game, but we'll be ready. The physical level will be very important. Being tough, playing our game... It's a semifinal, so obviously you have to score important shots, but defense and matching their physical intensity will be key."

### Valencia Basket vs. Hapoel Shlomo Tel Aviv (20:30 CET)

**Valencia Basket head coach Pedro Martinez**

"It's a great moment, the semifinal of a European competition. It is very difficult to get here. We have worked for many months, we have gone through all kinds of moments. The motivation and our hopes are very big. We live to play these games. The players are motivated. We are privileged to play these games, to have this pressure that we have: the fear of defeat, excitement for victory. We have all that before this game. We are going to enjoy it, we are going to fight, and hopefully we can win. I'm expecting a very tight series, it's going to be tremendous. If you had told me in preseason, when you see how the teams are, I think we were one of the favorites. We are not hiding, nor are we afraid or embarrassed to say it. Valencia is a team that has been playing EuroLeague in the last few seasons and we are one of the favorites. But Hapoel Tel Aviv was the other big favorite in the competition. When they put together their roster, when you see the players they signed and then they have reinforced very well during the year with \[Marcus\] Bingham, with the change of coach, a legend like \[Dimitris\] Itoudis. It's a very big matchup. It could have been in the final, but it's in the semifinal. It doesn't matter, you have to play against everyone. Whoever wins this series is not going to immediately be crowned the champion. Whoever it is will have to play in the EuroCup Finals. But it's a big tie. We have to be prepared to play against a great team that will make it very difficult for us, and we have to be in good spirits to get through it."

**Hapoel Shlomo Tel Aviv head coach Dimitris Itoudis**

"We take great pride in building, creating, and writing history for all Hapoel Tel Aviv fans, supporters, and, of course, the club itself. We know the challenge ahead won’t be easy, but we are here to embrace the tough moments. We will give everything we have on the court. Beating Valencia in a best-of-three series requires much more because they are an exceptional team. They excel at running the floor and scoring a variety of creative spot-up shots. Based on our analysis, they are the best team outside the NBA in terms of scoring, three-point shooting efficiency, and the ability to generate high-percentage three-point opportunities from their offensive play."

**Bar Timor, Hapoel Shlomo Tel Aviv guard**

"We are extremely excited and happy to have reached this stage. Both teams have different playing styles. Valencia plays at a very fast pace and tries to control the tempo, so we have a lot to focus on in that aspect. We will prepare well, come ready, stick to our game plan, and I believe it will work."

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

Fantasy Challenge guru Javier Gancedo shares some tips for the start of the BKT EuroCup Semifinals

Javier Gancedo's fantasy tips for the EuroCup Semifinals

The 2024-25 BKT EuroCup season is nearing its end, but there are still at least four rounds to be played in the [EuroCup Fantasy Challenge](https://euroleaguefantasy.euroleaguebasketball.net/11), which could rise to five or even six if any of the best-of-three playoff series goes to a third game. Player choice is now limited, so allow me to get straight to the point. I am recommending one player per team for Games 1 and 2 of the semifinals. Here they are.

### Jean Montero, Valencia Basket (11.8 credits)

The time has come for "El Problema" to showcase his talent. [Jean Montero](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/jean-montero/010042/) has been unstoppable lately and the EuroCup Semifinals should be another opportunity for him. Montero had 12 points and a PIR of 12 in 14 minutes in the [quarterfinals against Cluj](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/news/valencia-cruises-past-cluj-98-74-and-into-last-four/) and has been unstoppable in Spanish League action. His matchup against [Yam Madar](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/yam-madar/011052/) is a critical one in this series.

### Axel Bouteille, Bahcesehir College Istanbul (12.3 credits)

Bahcesehir has many hungry, experienced players ready to fight for the EuroCup title. [Axel Bouteille](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/axel-bouteille/003840/) was close in 2023 when he reached the final with Turk Telekom Ankara. He is one of the best three-point shooters in competition history (44.6% on 377 attempts) and should step up against a tough team like Gran Canaria. Expect him to lead his team all series long.

Mike Tobey, Matt Costello, Jean Montero, Axel Bouteille and Marcus Foster are featured in this week's article.

EuroCup Fantasy tips: semifinals Games 1-2

### Mike Tobey, Dreamland Gran Canaria (11.6 credits)

Speaking of EuroCup experience, [Mike Tobey](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/mike-tobey/008966/) won the competition with Valencia in 2019 and is looking for his second crown. Gran Canaria needs his defensive skills to stop [Johnathan Motley](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/johnathan-motley/011157/) down low. Tobey has been playing well, too, going for 14 points and 8 rebounds for a PIR of 21 in the [quarterfinals against Jerusalem](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/news/gran-canaria-beats-hapoel-89-92-to-advance-to-semifinals/) and amassing a PIR of 23 in Spanish League action.

### Marcus Foster, Hapoel Shlomo Tel Aviv (12.2 credits)

All eyes will be on [Johnathan Motley](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/johnathan-motley/011157/) and [Yam Madar](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/yam-madar/011052/), but [Marcus Foster](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/marcus-foster/010386/) has been incredibly solid in recent games. Foster finished the regular season in style, averaging a PIR of 18.0 in the last three games. He did well in the [quarterfinals against Turk Telekom](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/news/hapoel-fights-off-turk-telekom-moves-into-semifinals/), too, getting 21 points and 8 rebounds for a PIR of 15. If Hapoel advances, expect Foster to be a big part of that.

### Matt Costello, Valencia Basket (12.0 credits)

Valencia is looking for its fifth EuroCup championship and has the home-court advantage in all series. There is pressure, of course, and it needs its most experienced players to play a big role in the series against Hapoel. [Matt Costello](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/matthew-costello/010444/) already delivered [against Cluj](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/news/valencia-cruises-past-cluj-98-74-and-into-last-four/) with 10 points and 7 rebounds for a PIR of 15. This weekend, he had a PIR of 20 in 13 minutes in domestic action. His time is now.

Fantasy Challenge guru Javier Gancedo shares some tips for the start of the semifinals

Stats review: What to look out for in the semifinals

The best-of-three BKT EuroCup Semifinals are here, with the four teams with the best regular-season records all advancing. After surviving the competitive quarterfinals, three teams from Group A remain alongside Group B and point differential leader, [Valencia Basket](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/teams/valencia-basket/pam/).

### Bahcesehir College Istanbul vs. Dreamland Gran Canaria

[Bahcesehir College Istanbul](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/teams/bahcesehir-college-istanbul/bah/) and [Dreamland Gran Canaria](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/teams/dreamland-gran-canaria/can/) split their regular season series with both teams winning at home - Gran Canaria by 3 in early October and Bahcesehir by 8 in early December.

In their victory, Gran Canaria had an uneven showing offensively but had all the answers on the defensive end to compensate. While the main lineups scored 31 points over 30 possessions, Gran Canaria committed 20 turnovers as its bench struggled with mistakes. The team persevered by holding the visitors to 41% shooting in finishing situations in the half-court in what was ultimately one of Gran Canaria's best defensive performances of the year.

In the second meeting, Gran Canaria shot just 1-for-8 on pull-up threes and missed a season-high 10 open catch-and-shoot attempts as it went cold from beyond the arc. Bahcesehir shot 63% at the rim and took control of Group A with that win while finding an offensive rhythm that eluded both teams in the first matchup.

How those previous results translate in a three-game series will be fascinating as Bahcesehir looks to break through to the finals in its debut campaign, while Gran Canaria tries to boomerang back to the top of the EuroCup after [winning the championship two seasons ago](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/news/ec2223-final-report-grancanaria-turktelekom/). Depth may tell the story as Bahcesehir relies as heavily on its starters for minutes and production as any team in the EuroCup, while Gran Canaria’s bench scored 46% of its points - the third-highest percentage this season. With both teams finishing in the top-four in defensive efficiency, which group can find a way to break through offensively playing contrasting styles will be a point of interest.

Hapoel has scored 1.08 points per possession since the mid-season acquisition of Yam Madar

### Valencia Basket vs. Hapoel Shlomo Tel Aviv

[Valencia Basket](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/teams/valencia-basket/pam/) and [Hapoel Shlomo Tel Aviv](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/teams/hapoel-shlomo-tel-aviv/hta/) have no such history as the latter’s arrival in the EuroCup coincided with the prior’s departure to the EuroLeague. Sitting on different sides of the competition this year, they scored a matching 1.04 points per possession to lead all teams in offensive efficiency.

Taking very different routes to get there, Valencia attempted 100 more three-pointers than any other team this season and 199 more than Hapoel as it shot a league-best 39% from beyond the arc despite playing its bench more than its starters. Hapoel, in contrast, was this season’s lone team to shoot over 50% from the field as its consistency making midrange jumpers and floaters complemented extremely opportunistic scoring in transition. The acquisition of [Yam Madar](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/yam-madar/011052/) signaled a shift for the club mid-year as they scored 1.08 points per possession to close the gap on Valencia after his arrival.

That sets a compelling showdown between the EuroCup’s hottest team and its most dominant one. Valencia lost only [one game](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/game-center/2024-25/valencia-basket-7bet-lietkabelis-panevezys/U2024/58/) in La Fonteta this season, but if any team is capable of matching the Herculean effort it took [7Bet-Lietkabelis Panevezys](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/teams/7bet-lietkabelis-panevezys/roster/lkb/) to secure that victory, it is Hapoel.

How history repeats itself for these teams one way or another will make for compelling basketball as the hunt for the trophy barrels toward its conclusion.

Here's a breakdown of this season's two BKT EuroCup Semifinals based on the numbers

Valencia has been the competition's dominant team throughout the season, boasting the best regular season record and again showing its power with [a comprehensive 98-74 quarterfinal victory over U-BT Cluj-Napoca](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/news/valencia-cruises-past-cluj-98-74-and-into-last-four/). That game saw eight different Valencia players register double digits in PIR to underline the Spanish team's depth, so Dimitris Itoudis's men will need to produce their very best as a collective unit to take a road win.

Perhaps the most important player for Hapoel to play the game its own way is center [Johnathan Motley](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/johnathan-motley/011157/) (16.3 points and 5.0 rebounds per game), who will attempt to dominate the paint against home team powerhouse [Matt Costello](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/matthew-costello/010444/) (9.7 points and 4.2 boards per night). The visiting team will also need the offensive output of [Marcus Foster](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/marcus-foster/010386/), who has scored in double digits in four consecutive games.

Hapoel showed its defensive strength with [a hard-fought 67-61 win over Turk Telekom Ankara](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/news/hapoel-fights-off-turk-telekom-moves-into-semifinals/) in the quarterfinals, and it will need a similar performance against a Valencia team orchestrated by the youthful brilliance of playmaker [Jean Montero](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/jean-montero/010042/), who has averaged 14.0 points and 4.5 assists in the last four games. He will have plenty of support from [Chris Jones](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/chris-jones/010568/), with Valencia’s weapons also coming from the wings through dangerous shooters [Xabi Lopez-Arostegui](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/xabi-lopez-arostegui/005356/) and [Semi Ojeleye](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/semi-ojeleye/011982/).

Valencia has won six straight, netting at least 96 points in five of those, and easily leads the competition in scoring with an average of 96.5 points per night. But with the expertise of Itoudis on the bench and a talented roster including the multiple talents of [Yam Madar](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/yam-madar/011052/), [Bruno Caboclo](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/bruno-caboclo/012096/) and [Joe Ragland](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/joe-ragland/005181/), Hapoel has every chance of causing an upset.

GAME NOTES

\- This game will be the first ever meeting between these clubs in the EuroCup.

\- Valencia guard Chris Jones was a teammate of Hapoel forward Oz Blayzer during the 2020-21 season at Maccabi Playtika Tel Aviv.

\- Hapoel assistant coach Stefanos Dedas was the head coach at Israeli side Hapoel Holon when Nate Sestina played there at the tail end of the 2020-21 season.

Game Videos

GAME FACTS

### Valencia Basket

**Streaks**

Semi Ojeleye has made at least 1 three-pointer in 17 straight games.

Jean Montero has scored 11 or more points in eight of his last nine games.

Montero has posted double-digit PIRs in five straight games.

Montero has made at least 1 three-point shot in nine straight games.

Montero has made multiple three-pointers in eight of his last nine games.

Montero has collected at least 1 steal in eight of his last games.

Brancou Badio has made at least 1 three-point shot in 16 straight games.

Josep Puerto has made at least 1 three-point shot in six straight and 16 of his last 17 games.

Nate Sestina has made at least 1 three-point shot in 10 straight games.

Xabi Lopez-Arostegui has scored at least 10 points in seven straight games.

 

**Season Rankings**

Stefan Jovic is ranked sixth among qualified players with 5.3 assists per game. Jean Montero is seventh with 5.1 per game.

Jovic leads the EuroCup this season in assist-to-turnover ratio at 4.4.

Montero is third with 1.8 steals per game.

Nathan Reuvers is tied with Selom Mawugbe for fourth with 1.3 blocks per game.

Reuvers is fourth among qualified players in two-point accuracy at 72.0%.

Semi Ojeleye is tied with Fletcher Magee for 2.4 three-pointers made per game.

 

**All-time Rankings**

Xabi Lopez-Arostegui is 11th on the all-time EuroCup charts in free-throw accuracy at 89.1%.

Stefan Jovic is ranked second on the all-time EuroCup charts with an assist-to-turnover ratio of 3.1.

 

 

### Hapoel Shlomo Tel Aviv

 

**Streaks**

Johnathan Motley has posted a PIR in double figures in 10 of his last 11 games.

Marcus Foster has made at least 1 three-pointer in 15 of his last 16 games.

Foster has scored in double figures and had PIRs in double figures in five of his last six games.

Yam Madar has had PIRs of at least 11 in 10 straight games.

Madar has scored in double figures in eight of his last nine games.

Ish Wainright has at least 1 steal in seven of his last eight games.

 

**Season Rankings**

Johnathan Motley is fifth among qualified players in performance index rating with 19.1 per game.

Motley is sixth in scoring with 16.3 per game.

Motley leads the EuroCup in two-pointers made with 6.0 per game.

Motley is third in fouls drawn with 6.3 per game.

Motley is 10th in free throws made with 4.1 per game.

Joe Ragland is third among qualified players in assist-to-turnover ratio with 3.6.

Bar Timor is seventh among qualified players in assist-to-turnover ratio with 3.1.

Group B winner and four-time EuroCup champion Valencia (16-2) will attempt to make home-court advantage count with a visit from dangerous Group A runner-up Hapoel Shlomo Tel Aviv (12-6), which is searching for its first major honor since lifting the Israeli Cup in 1993.

Game Notes and Facts: Valencia vs. Hapoel Tel Aviv

Both meetings earlier this season were low-scoring defensive battles won by the home team, with [Bahcesehir prevailing 73-65 in Istanbul](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/news/bahcesehir-beats-gran-canaria-73-65-to-take-control-in-group-a/) in December. Dejan Radonjic’s men will attempt to repeat the physical dominance they enjoyed in that contest through big men [Tai Odiase](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/tai-odiase/011823/) and [Tyler Cavanaugh](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/tyler-cavanaugh/009601/), who combined for 26 points and 15 rebounds. But they face a tough battle for supremacy against Gran Canaria’s [Mike Tobey](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/mike-tobey/008966/), who also showed his all-round class in that contest by combining 16 points with 6 boards and 5 assists.

In the backcourt, a key confrontation will see visiting defensive ace [Andrew Albicy](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/andrew-albicy/003425/) attempt to limit the influence of [Jaleen Smith](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/jaleen-smith/011192/), who may feel he has a point to prove after only making 1 of his 10 field-goal attempts when the teams last met.

Smith is one of several players on both teams offering a threat from three-point territory, with Bahcesehir also hoping [Axel Bouteille](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/axel-bouteille/003840/) will fire after averaging nearly two triples per game at 43.2%. For Gran Canaria, [Joe Thomasson](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/joe-thomasson/012095/) showed his scoring potential with a trio of triples in the quarterfinal victory at Hapoel Jerusalem, while guard [Mehdy Ngouama](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/mehdy-ngouama/009556/) – a EuroCup winner last season with Paris – is becoming increasingly important after arriving mid-season to replace the injured [Carlos Alocen](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/carlos-alocen/010623/).

But ultimately the key will be defense. These two teams have allowed fewer points than anyone else, with Gran Canaria’s average of 76.7 points conceded per game only bettered by Bahcesehir (75.1), and which team better nullifies the opposition will take this series opener.

GAME NOTES

\- Gran Canaria outlasted Bahcesehir 66-63 when they met in Round 3 in what was the first-ever game between the sides. Nicolas Brussino led the way with a season-high 17 points.

\- Bahcesehir was a 73-65 winner in Round 12 behind 16 points from Tai Odiase and a Tyler Cavanaugh double-double.

\- Gran Canaria center Mike Tobey was a teammate of Bahcesehir players Tai Odiase and Mateusz Ponitka at Canarias Tenerife during the 2017-18 season.

\- Tobey grabbed a season-high 11 rebounds against Bahcesehir when they met in Round 3.

\- Gran Canaria guard Andrew Albicy was a teammate of Bahcesehir forward Mateusz Ponitka at Zenit St Petersburg during the 2019-20 season.

\- Bahcesehir center Marko Simonovic matched his season-high with 14 points against Gran Canaria in Round 3.

GAME FACTS

### Bahcesehir College Istanbul

 

**Streaks**

Jaleen Smith has made at least 1 three-pointer in eight straight games.

Smith has made 11 consecutive free throws,

Smith has posted PIRs in double figures is six of the last seven games.

Tai Odiase had PIRs of at least 10 in eight of his last nine games.

Odiase has scored 10 or more points in eight of his last nine games.

Odiase has at least 1 block in six of his last seven games.

CJ Massinburg has made at least 1 three-point shot in seven straight games.

Tyler Cavanaugh has had PIRs in double figures in 10 of his last 11 games.

Cavanaugh has had 5 or more rebounds in 13 of his last 14 games.

Cavanaugh has made at least 1 three-pointer in eight straight and 15 of his last 16 games.

 

**Season Rankings**

Tyler Cavanaugh is tied for fifth among qualified players this season with 6.3 rebounds per game.

Cavanaugh is eighth among qualified players in three-point shooting with 46.2% per game.

Tai Odiase is ranked fifth among qualified players this season with 2.4 offensive rebounds per game.

Odiase is ranked ninth among qualified players with 1.0 blocks per game.

Odiase is ranked seventh among qualified players with 4.8 two-pointers per game.

Jaleen Smith is ranked fourth among qualified players with 5.6 assists per game.

 

**All-time Rankings**

Axel Bouteille is 15th on the all-time EuroCup charts with 168 three-pointers in his career. Jaka Blazic and Todor Stoykov are tied for 13th with 171.

 

 

### Dreamland Gran Canaria

 

**Streaks**

Caleb Homesley has made at least 1 three-pointer in 11 of his last 12 games.

Andrew Albicy has recorded at least 1 steal in 14 straight games.

 

**Season Rankings**

Andrew Albicy leads the EuroCup is steals this season with 2.1 per game.

Pierre Pelos is tied for third among qualified players this season in three-point accuracy at 50%.

Mike Tobey is tied for 11th among qualified players this season with 5.8 rebounds per game.

 

**All-time Rankings**

Andrew Albicy is ranked second on the all-time EuroCup charts with 674 assists for his career. Stefan Markovic is the all-time leader with 698.

Albicy is ranked second with 209 career steals. Stefan Markovic is the all-time leader with 214.

Albicy is ranked fourth with 1,600 index rating points for his career. Errick McCollum is third with 1,634.

Albicy is tied with Pau Ribas for ninth with 182 three-pointers. John Shurna is eight with 195.

Albicy is tied with Bojan Dubljevic for seventh with 138 game played.

John Shurna is ranked ninth with 1,258 points scored. E.J. Rowland is eight with 1,275.

Shurna is seventh on the all-time charts with 515 rebounds. Axel Hervelle is sixth with 519.

Shurna is eighth on the all-time charts with 195 three-pointers. Marko Popovic is seventh with 207.

John Shurna is tied with AJ Slaughter for fourth on the all-time charts with 143 games played. Rafa Martinez is third with 144.

Miquel Salvo is ranked second on the all-time charts with in two-point accuracy at 66.5%.

The first semifinal presents a rematch from the regular season as Group A winner Bahcesehir (14-4) attempts to extend its 100% home record with a visit from Gran Canaria (12-6), which finished third and has a strong 7-3 record on the road.

Game Notes and Facts: Bahcesehir vs. Gran Canaria

CB Gran Canaria forward Caleb Homesley fancies his team's chances of advancing past Bahcesehir College Istanbul in the EuroCup Semifinals.

Caleb Homesley aims to become EuroCup champion with Gran Canaria, potentially in all-Spanish Finals

[Dreamland Gran Canaria](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/teams/dreamland-gran-canaria/can/) is dreaming big. The Las Palmas-based side is one of the four teams that will compete in the BKT EuroCup Semifinals and, therefore, one of the last survivors of arguably the toughest edition of the competition in recent memory.

On a stage it knows well, Gran Canaria has paved its way to this point with its undeniable style. The fusion of its joyful and effective game, the enthusiasm of the young players and the experience of the veterans has helped the new players who have arrived to fit in and create a core that will be difficult for any team to stop in the EuroCup.

With a 12-6 record in the regular season, and displaying a dominance that recent weeks have not done justice to, Jaka Lakovic's team has learned its lesson. Gran Canaria finished third in Group A, behind Bahcesehir College Istanbul and Hapoel Shlomo Tel Aviv (two of the other three semifinalists), but the Spanish side knows better than anyone how to perform in the latter stages and how to approach the most crucial games of the season so far.

Leaving behind rivals of the caliber of Umana Reyer Venice in the eighthfinals and a strong Hapoel Bank Yahav Jerusalem squad that made things difficult in the quarterfinals, Gran Canaria's morale is sky-high as it hopes to repeat the joy of lifting the EuroLeague trophy, just like it did in 2023.

Read more [HERE](https://www.eurohoops.net/en/eurocup/1800249/caleb-homesley-aims-to-become-eurocup-champion-with-gran-canaria-potentially-in-all-spanish-finals/).

The 28-year-old fancies his team’s chances ahead of a semifinal series with Bahcesehir

As another exciting BKT EuroCup season enters the final stretch, it is time to consider which stars are most deserving of end-of-season honors. And the fans will of course have their voices heard!

Vote for your 2024-25 All-EuroCup Team!

As another exciting BKT EuroCup season enters the final stretch, it is time to consider which stars are most deserving of end-of-season honors. And the fans will of course have their voices heard!

The voting for the All-EuroCup Team will be open from Monday, March 10 and will run through Thursday, April 3, the day after the semifinals conclude.

This season the votes of head coaches and team captains will each account for 35 percent of the total, while media members will make up another 20% and the fan vote will be worth 10%. Upon completion of all voting, the player with the most votes will become this season's BKT EuroCup MVP. He and the next four top vote-getters will comprise the All-EuroCup First Team and the next five will make up the All-EuroCup Second Team.

To make sure your vote is counted, go to <https://alleurocupteam.eurocupbasketball.com> to register your vote for the most deserving players from the 2024-25 season! Please base your selections on each player's performances for the entirety of the EuroCup Regular Season and knock-out phases.

The player with the most votes will become this season's EuroCup MVP

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