Roll Call

Round 16 comes to a close this Wednesday night, with seven games on offer for EuroCup fans.

Game Center: Seven games tonight to see out Round 16

## Wednesday, January 22

### [Wolves Twinsbet Vilnius 88-76 Dreamland Gran Canaria](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/game-center/2024-25/wolves-twinsbet-vilnius-dreamland-gran-canaria/U2024/152/)

Wolves claimed a crucial victory in its fight for the playoffs by fighting off Gran Canaria to snap a two-game losing streak. Wolves bent but did not break, seeing the visitors wipe away a 14-point deficit, but the Lithuanian side never trailed and finished the game off for good with a 12-2 late run. Wolves improved to 8-8 after losing five of its last seven games. Gran Canaria fell to 10-6 after its fourth loss in the last five games. Marek Blazevic scored a career-high 27 points and Andrew Andrews had 25 points for the winners. Pierre Pelos netted 22 points and Caleb Homesley added 20 for Gran Canaria.

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Big-time W in a big-time game 🔥<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WeAreWolves?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WeAreWolves</a> <a href="https://t.co/8LlG1LUCbU">pic.twitter.com/8LlG1LUCbU</a></p>&mdash; BC WOLVES (@wolves_bc) <a href="https://twitter.com/wolves_bc/status/1882143876565385512?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 22, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

### [Hapoel Shlomo Tel Aviv 84-77 Bahcesehir College Istanbul](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/game-center/2024-25/hapoel-shlomo-tel-aviv-bahcesehir-college-istanbul/U2024/155/)

Hapoel defeated Bahcesehir in Samokov, Bulgaria, to improve to 10-6 and take over second place in Group A, while Bahcesehir dropped to 13-3 and saw its four-game winning streak come to an end. Both teams had already qualified to the playoffs before this game. Johnathan Motley led the winners with 19 points and 7 assists. Marcus Foster added 17 points and Yam Madar scored 16 for Hapoel. Furkan Korkmaz and Jaleen Smith paced Bahcesehir with 13 points apiece. Smith also delivered 7 assists. 

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="iw" dir="rtl">הפועל מנצחת את בחצ&#39;שהיר ועולה למקום השני בבית! <br><br>תודה לקהל האדום שהגיע ❤️<br><br>הקבוצה תחזור מחר לארץ ותחל בהכנות לקראת משחק הליגה מול קריית אתא (ראשון, 26.1). <a href="https://t.co/b690x6hvhp">pic.twitter.com/b690x6hvhp</a></p>&mdash; Hapoel Tel Aviv BC (@HapoelTLVBC) <a href="https://twitter.com/HapoelTLVBC/status/1882152305765777905?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 22, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

### [Besiktas Fibabanka Istanbul 87-72 Trefl Sopot](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/game-center/2024-25/besiktas-fibabanka-istanbul-trefl-sopot/U2024/151/)

Besiktas held off a stiff challenge from Trefl before pulling away late. The result lifted Besiktas into fourth place in Group A with a 9-7 record, while last-place Trefl fell to 1-15. Jonah Mathews paced five Besiktas scorers in double figures with 21 points and Kyle Allman netted 17. Geoffrey Groselle paced Trefl with 16 points.

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="tr" dir="ltr">Akatlar’da galibiyet bizim.<br><br>Beşiktaş Fibabanka 87-72 Trefl Sopot | Maç Sonucu <a href="https://t.co/kW8rCjPunJ">pic.twitter.com/kW8rCjPunJ</a></p>&mdash; Beşiktaş Fibabanka (@BJK_Basketbol) <a href="https://twitter.com/BJK_Basketbol/status/1882157215047713225?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 22, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

### [ratiopharm Ulm 82-85 Buducnost VOLI Podgorica](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/game-center/2024-25/ratiopharm-ulm-buducnost-voli-podgorica/U2024/154/)

Buducnost kept its playoff hopes alive by edging Ulm. The hosts started strong, but Buducnost led for most of the game before a comeback saw Ulm take a narrow lead in the closing stages. Yet, Buducnost tightened up its defense in crunch time and clinched the road victory. The visitors claimed the head-to-head tiebreak advantage over Ulm and improved their record to 8-8, with Ulm dropping to 9-7. Rasheed Sulaimon led all scorers with a season-high 27 points and McKinley Wright netted 18 for the winners. Noa Essengue paced Ulm with 19 points and 7 rebounds.

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="und" dir="ltr">Velika pobjeda u Ulmu 💪<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/kkb?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#kkb</a> <a href="https://t.co/uESlgzm3fD">pic.twitter.com/uESlgzm3fD</a></p>&mdash; KK Budućnost VOLI (@KKBuducnostVOLI) <a href="https://twitter.com/KKBuducnostVOLI/status/1882160551289372771?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 22, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

### [Cosea JL Bourg-en-Bresse 87-79 Cedevita Olimpija Ljubljana](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/game-center/2024-25/cosea-jl-bourg-en-bresse-cedevita-olimpija-ljubljana/U2024/160/)

Bourg took a big step towards booking a playoff berth with a hard-fought home win over Cedevita in Group B. Bourg improved to 9-7 while Cedevita dropped to 10-6. Maxime Salash paced Bourg on 22 points and 7 boards after a valiant effort, while Hugo Benitez and Xavier Castaneda scored 14 apiece for the home side, which weathered a late Cedevita storm after the visitors had slashed a 72-53 deficit with a 0-13 run. Devin Robinson netted a team-high 17 points for Cedevita.

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="fr" dir="ltr">VICTOIRE ✅<br><br>COSEA JL Bourg - 87 🆚 82 - <a href="https://twitter.com/KKCedOL?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@KKCedOL</a><br><br>Bon match de nos Bressans qui décrochent une victoire cruciale face à Cedevita et des points précieux dans la lutte pour le classement ! ⚔️<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WeRedy?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WeRedy</a>｜<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/RoadToGreatness?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#RoadToGreatness</a> ｜<a href="https://twitter.com/EuroCup?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@EuroCup</a> <a href="https://t.co/2dL8UlyWxY">pic.twitter.com/2dL8UlyWxY</a></p>&mdash; JL Bourg Basket (@JLBourgBasket) <a href="https://twitter.com/JLBourgBasket/status/1882168099044294687?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 22, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

### [Valencia Basket 106-65 Aris Midea Thessaloniki](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/game-center/2024-25/valencia-basket-aris-midea-thessaloniki/U2024/159/)

Valencia took the inside track for the number one overall seed in the playoffs as it dominated Aris at home for a third straight win. Valencia already led by 26 points in the first half and cruised to a 14-2 record in Group B - moving one victory ahead of Group A leader Bahcesehir. Valencia hit the century mark on the scoreboard for the 10th time this season. Nate Sestina nailed 6 of 10 three-pointers for 18 points to lead the way for Valencia with Jean Montero adding 16 points and 7 assists. Aris dropped its fourth straight game for a 3-13 record and just one victory in the last 10 games. Vassilis Toliopoulos tallied 15 points as Aris’s top scorer.

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="es" dir="ltr">VAMOOOOOOOOOOOS 🧡<br><br>¡¡Victoria en la Fonteta y aseguramos el liderato de nuestro grupo de la BKT EuroCup!! 😍<br><br>🟠 <a href="https://twitter.com/valenciabasket?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@valenciabasket</a> 106<br>🟡 <a href="https://twitter.com/ARISBCgr?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ARISBCgr</a> 65<br><br>🏆 J16 <a href="https://twitter.com/EuroCup?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@EuroCup</a><br>🤝 <a href="https://twitter.com/caixabank?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@caixabank</a> <a href="https://t.co/5OqnYhKyQ9">pic.twitter.com/5OqnYhKyQ9</a></p>&mdash; Valencia Basket Club (@valenciabasket) <a href="https://twitter.com/valenciabasket/status/1882176821732540433?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 22, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

### [Umana Reyer Venice 76-75 Hapoel Bank Yahav Jerusalem](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/game-center/2024-25/umana-reyer-venice-hapoel-bank-yahav-jerusalem/U2024/156/)

In a thriller that came down to the final shot, Reyer improved its chances to reach the playoffs by edging Jerusalem at home. Reyer improved to 8-8 in the standings while Jerusalem dropped to 9-7. Mfiondu Kabengele led the winners with 16 points and a game-saving block down the stretch. Carl Wheatle added 13 points for Reyer. Khadeen Carrington led Jerusalem with 21 points and Jared Harper added 17.

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="it" dir="ltr">Guerrieri fino all&#39;ultimo secondo!<br>È vittoria orogranata su Jerusalem 🔥<br>Avanti così leoni <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/finoallafine?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#finoallafine</a>! <a href="https://t.co/8Ymee5LEPP">pic.twitter.com/8Ymee5LEPP</a></p>&mdash; Reyer Venezia (@REYER1872) <a href="https://twitter.com/REYER1872/status/1882184353675108782?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 22, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

## Tuesday, January 21

### [U-BT Cluj-Napoca 94-81 Turk Telekom Ankara](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/game-center/2024-25/u-bt-cluj-napoca-turk-telekom-ankara/U2024/157/)

Cluj improved to 9-7 in Group B and stayed on course to reach the playoffs with two games remaining in the regular season after an impressive home win over Turk Telekom Ankara, which dropped to the same record. D.J. Seeley paced Cluj with a magnificent solo effort of 31 points, shooting 8 of 9 from downtown. Zavier Simpson also shined with a double-double of 21 points and 10 assists, scoring 11 points in the fourth quarter when Cluj fended off Turk Telekom’s attempted comeback. Anthony Brown paced Turk Telekom with 20 points.

<center><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Dennis Seeley BIG night leads <a href="https://twitter.com/UBTCluj?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@UBTCluj</a>!<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/RoadToGreatness?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#RoadToGreatness</a> <a href="https://t.co/tatCysGVQ7">pic.twitter.com/tatCysGVQ7</a></p>&mdash; BKT EuroCup (@EuroCup) <a href="https://twitter.com/EuroCup/status/1881778524119511174?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 21, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

### [Veolia Towers Hamburg 84-77 7Bet-Lietkabelis Panevezys](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/game-center/2024-25/veolia-towers-hamburg-7bet-lietkabelis-panevezys/U2024/158/)

Hamburg split the season series against Lietkabelis with a come-from-behind victory in Germany in a matchup of teams that had already been eliminated from playoff contention. Hamburg, which had lost 91-68 in Lithuania in Round 7, rallied from 17 points down (44-61) to improve to 4-12. The hosts snapped a three-game losing streak. Johnathan Stove scored 22 points and Kur Kuath collected 14 points, 11 rebounds, 4 assists and 3 steals for the winners. Dorde Gagic netted a career-high 27 points and 6 rebounds in the loss. Lietkabelis has now lost four in a row to fall to 4-12. 

<center><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="de" dir="ltr">17-PUNKTE COMEBACK!<br>Wir drehen im letzten Viertel auf und holen uns diesen Heimsieg im <a href="https://twitter.com/EuroCup?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@EuroCup</a> 😍<br><br>𝓽𝓸𝓹𝓹𝓮𝓻𝓯𝓸𝓻𝓶𝓮𝓻<a href="https://twitter.com/iso_stove?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@iso_stove</a> 22 𝙋𝙏𝙎 | 2 𝙍𝙀𝘽 | 1 𝙎𝙏𝙇<a href="https://twitter.com/JBounce33?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@JBounce33</a> 14 𝙋𝙏𝙎 | 2 𝙍𝙀𝘽 | 1 𝙎𝙏𝙇<a href="https://twitter.com/RichHomieKur?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@RichHomieKur</a> 14 𝙋𝙏𝙎 | 11 𝙍𝙀𝘽 | 3 𝙎𝙏𝙇<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/VeoliaTowersHamburg?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#VeoliaTowersHamburg</a> <a href="https://t.co/OqLCtbHkYk">pic.twitter.com/OqLCtbHkYk</a></p>&mdash; Veolia Towers Hamburg (@hamburgtowers) <a href="https://twitter.com/hamburgtowers/status/1881807790060274113?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 21, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

### [Joventut Badalona 86-100 Dolomiti Energia Trento](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/game-center/2024-25/joventut-badalona-dolomiti-energia-trento/U2024/153/)

Trento kept its playoff ambitions alive with a road win at Joventut, leaving the two teams tied at 6-8 just outside the Group A top six. Trento also holds the head-to-head tiebreak advantage after completing a season sweep of the Spanish team. Trento controlled the whole game, leading 44-52 at halftime and holding several double-digit advantages in the second half to cruise home. Myles Cale netted Trento’s first 10 points and top scored with 21, while Jordan Ford grabbed all of his 15 points in the last 12 minutes. Sam Dekker paced Joventut with 19 points in defeat.

<center><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="ca" dir="ltr">🔐 Final amb derrota a l&#39;Olímpic<a href="https://twitter.com/Penya1930?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Penya1930</a> 86-100 <a href="https://twitter.com/AquilaBasketTN?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@AquilaBasketTN</a><br><br>🎯 Sam Dekker: 19 punts<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/CityOfBadalona?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#CityOfBadalona</a> <a href="https://t.co/RQbSGb1SRi">pic.twitter.com/RQbSGb1SRi</a></p>&mdash; Club Joventut Badalona (@Penya1930) <a href="https://twitter.com/Penya1930/status/1881815995641381111?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 21, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Cluj, Trento and Hamburg were all victorious on Tuesday

Game Center: Key wins for Wolves, Hapoel, Buducnost, Bourg, Reyer

Umana Reyer Venice v Hapoel Bank Yahav Jerusalem (2025-01-22T19:45:00.000Z)

Valencia Basket v Aris Midea Thessaloniki (2025-01-22T19:30:00.000Z)

Cosea JL Bourg-en-Bresse v Cedevita Olimpija Ljubljana (2025-01-22T18:30:00.000Z)

ratiopharm Ulm v Buducnost VOLI Podgorica (2025-01-22T18:00:00.000Z)

Hapoel Shlomo Tel Aviv v Bahcesehir College Istanbul (2025-01-22T17:45:00.000Z)

Wolves Twinsbet Vilnius v Dreamland Gran Canaria (2025-01-22T17:00:00.000Z)

Besiktas Fibabanka Istanbul v Trefl Sopot (2025-01-22T17:00:00.000Z)

Joventut Badalona v Dolomiti Energia Trento (2025-01-21T19:30:00.000Z)

Veolia Towers Hamburg v 7Bet-Lietkabelis Panevezys (2025-01-21T18:30:00.000Z)

U-BT Cluj-Napoca v Turk Telekom Ankara (2025-01-21T17:00:00.000Z)

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A dominant individual performance in a winning effort allowed DJ Seeley of U-BT Cluj-Napoca to earn Round 16 MVP honors with a PIR of 33, the highest of any player in this round and a new personal-best mark.

Round 16 MVP: DJ Seeley, U-BT Cluj-Napoca

A dominant individual performance in a winning effort allowed [DJ Seeley](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/dennis-seeley/004862/) of [U-BT Cluj-Napoca](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/teams/u-bt-cluj-napoca/clu/) to earn Round 16 MVP honors with a PIR of 33, the highest of any player in this round and a new personal-best mark.

Seeley led Cluj to a crucial 94-81 home victory over Turk Telekom Ankara. He finished the game with a career-high 31 points on 3-of-5 two-pointers, 8-of-9 three-pointers and 1-of-1 free throws, while he also had 1 assist, 1 steal and 5 fouls drawn for a PIR of 33. This is the second time that Seeley has secured MVP of the Round honors, having previously done so with Dreanland Gran Canaria in Game 2 of the 2016 semifinals. He is the fourth Cluj player to earn his honor, after Karel Guzman, Emanuel Cate and Zavier Simpson.

[Marek Blazevic](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/marek-blazevic/008186/) of Wolves Twinsbet Vilnius had a PIR of 32 in his team's 88-76 home win over Gran Canaria. Blazevic had 27 points on 7-of-12 two-pointers and 13-of-13 free throws, 6 rebounds, 2 assists, 1 steal, 1 block and 8 fouls drawn. 

His teammate [Andrew Andrews](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/andrew-andrews/011248/) amassed a PIR of 31 in that same game. He had 25 points on 3-of-3 two-pointers, 3-of-8 three-pointers and 10 of 10 free throws, adding 7 rebounds, 1 assist, 1 steal and 6 fouls drawn. It is the first time in EuroCup history that two teammates have made 10 free throws apiece in a game without a single miss. 

[Djordje Gagic](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/dorde-gagic/004229/) of 7Bet-Lietkabelis Panevezys had a PIR of 30 and Cluj’s [Zavier Simpson](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/zavier-simpson/013302/) amassed a PIR of 29 to complete the top individual performances in Round 16. Gagic posted 27 points, 6 rebounds, 2 assists, 1 steal and 1 block, while Simpson amassed 21 points, 3 rebounds, 10 assists and 2 steals.

### Individual highs: Darious Moten, Trefl, 5 blocks

DJ Seeley of Cluj led all scorers in Round 16 with 31 points. [Jared Harper](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/jared-harper/011970/) of Hapoel Bank Yahav Jerusalem is the competition's top scorer with 22.3 points per game.

[Kur Kuath](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/kur-kuath/013313/) of Veolia Towers Hamburg pulled down 11 rebounds, more than anyone in Round 16. [Mfiondu Kabengele](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/mfiondu-kabengele/012796/) ranks first overall with 9.3 boards per night.

Zavier Simpson of Cluj and [Anthony Cowan](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/players/anthony-cowan-jr/012003/) of Wolves were the only players to reach double digits in assists with 10 apiece. Simpson is also the overall leader with 7.2 assists per game. 

[Berk Ugurlu](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/berk-ugurlu/003783/) of Besiktas Fibabanka Istanbul collected 4 steals in this round. [Andrew Albicy](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/andrew-albicy/003425/) of Dreamland Gran Canaria ranks first overall with 2.1 per night.

[Darious Moten](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/darious-moten/013516/) of Trefl Sopot had 5 blocks in Round 16. [Kyle Alexander](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/kyle-alexander/011973/) of Turk Telekom leads the 2024-25 EuroCup in blocks with 2.3 per game.

Simpson (21 points, 10 assists) and Kuath (14 points, 11 rebounds) were the only players to register a double-double in this round.

This is the second time he has earned MVP of the Round honors in his career

Congratulations to Branislav Popadic, our 16th winner in the 2024-25 EuroCup Fantasy Challenge! Branislav's team, 'Loza2Land', posted a score of 216.25.

EuroCup Fantasy Challenge: Round 16 winner

Congratulations to Branislav Popadic, our 16th winner in the 2024-25 [EuroCup Fantasy Challenge](https://euroleaguefantasy.euroleaguebasketball.net/)! Branislav's team, 'Loza2Land', posted a score of 216.25.

Branislav had the following starting lineup: Zavier Simpson of U-BT Cluj-Napoca as team captain, and his teammate DJ Seeley, then Turk Telekom Ankara's Anthony Brown, Noa Essengue of ratiopharm Ulm and Kur Kuath of Veolia Towers Hamburg. Jared Harper of Hapoel Bank Yahav Jerusalem was the sixth man.

The head coach of Branislav's team was Dusan Alimpijevic of Besiktas Fibabanka Istanbul, while the four bench players were Derek Needham of Besiktas, Berkan Durmaz of Turk Telekom, Mfiondu Kabengele of Umana Reyer Venice and Sergio De Larrea of Valencia Basket.  

The prize for finishing first in Round 16 is a free subscription to Euroleague TV for the 2025-26 season, so congratulations, Branislav!

The leader in the overall standings remains Milos Mihajlovic and his squad, 'BallIsLife', which has a total of 2,792.25 points after the first 16 rounds. Trades are now open for Round 16. Remember, four trades are allowed before each round until the end of the regular season.

Make new teams now or improve your existing ones and try to become EuroCup Fantasy Challenge's next winner!

EuroCup Fantasy Challenge offers weekly prizes to the top team manager, so get in the game and go for the gold!

Cosea JL Bourg-en-Bresse survived a late Cedevita Olimpija Ljubljana onslaught for a vital 87-82 win behind a career-high 22 points and 7 boards from Maxime Salash in a thrilling BKT EuroCup clash.
The backcourt pairing of Hugo Benitez and Xavier Castaneda were also instrumental 

Bourg leaned on Maxime Salash and backcourt duo to subdue Cedevita

[Cosea JL Bourg-en-Bresse](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/teams/jl-bourg-en-bresse/roster/bou/?season=2024-25) survived a late [Cedevita Olimpija Ljubljana](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/teams/cedevita-olimpija-ljubljana/roster/lju/?season=2024-25) onslaught for [a vital 87-82 win](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/news/bourg-holds-on-for-big-win-over-cedevita-87-82/) behind a career-high 22 points and 7 boards from [Maxime Salash](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/maksim-salash/004525/) in a thrilling BKT EuroCup clash.

The backcourt pairing of [Hugo Benitez](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/hugo-benitez/010449/) and [Xavier Castaneda](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/xavier-castaneda/013266/) were also instrumental in the success, as the guards scored 14 points apiece to complement Salash’s efforts.

The outcome kept Bourg in the playoff picture with two regular season rounds remaining, as the French team improved to 9-7 and stayed in contention for the runner-up spot which guarantees an automatic quarterfinal berth.

Cedevita, on the other hand, dropped to 10-6 and must now win both its remaining games to make sure of finishing second in Group B, behind runaway leader Valencia Basket which is assured of clinching the group.

Salash, who averages 10.8 points per game, shined throughout as he shot 8 of 11 from the floor and 4 of 5 from the foul line in 20 minutes on the court, providing the edge Bourg needed against a physical and athletic Cedevita outfit.

The 28-year-old from Belarus was unstoppable on offense while he also constituted a wall at the other end, managing a pair of steals too as Bourg ultimately prevailed on the back of ironclad defense in the second and third quarters.

Game Videos

Third-quarter offense was also vital, with the home team winning that period 30-17 and eventually holding on after Cedevita had launched a spirited late fightback which fell short.

“It was a tough game but we stayed solid throughout as we corrected some first-half mistakes and played better in the second,” a delighted Salash said in his postgame comments.

“The whole team performed today and it was more about defense than offense, but I am glad I scored some points. We have two very important games left in the fight for the playoff spots,” he added.

Game News

Coach Frederic Fauthoux was also pleased with the result ahead of the clutch games against Hapoel Bank Yahav Jerusalem at home and Valencia away.

“We played great defense, especially on their in-form player [Brynton Lemar](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/brynton-lemar/013261/), as we did a good job on him,” he said. “We struggled in the last 3 minutes of the game but we controlled the rebounds and it’s a great victory.”

Lemar was limited to 8 points as he shot 0 of 5 from downtown, with Cedevita making just 6 of 17 from deep against Bourg’s aggressive defense on the perimeter.

The Slovenian team is at home to Valencia in a Round 17 blockbuster before closing out its regular season campaign at Veolia Towers Hamburg.

The versatile forward posted a career-high 22 points to propel the French team to victory 

Valencia routed Aris Midea Thessaloniki 106-65 to improve to 14-2 in Group B with all 12 players scoring at least 2 points and grabbing at least 1 rebound

Valencia reached 100-point mark for 10th time 

The [Valencia Basket](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/teams/valencia-basket/roster/pam/?season=2024-25) train just keeps rolling along as it reached the 100-point mark for the 10th time this season - with the Spanish side not offering up any special reaction to another blowout win.

[Valencia routed Aris Midea Thessaloniki 106-65](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/news/valencia-routs-aris-106-65-grabs-lead-for-no-1-overall-seed/) to improve to 14-2 in Group B with all 12 players scoring at least 2 points and grabbing at least 1 rebound.

“We are happy because we played a solid, regular game - not a big difference in our offense or defense in 40 minutes,” Valencia head coach Pedro Martinez said calmly after the game.

"That’s what we have to keep up - our identity, the intensity. We just have to stay focused and be humble every night,” said [Jean Montero](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/jean-montero/010042/), who tallied 16 points, 4 rebounds and 7 assists for the four-time EuroCup champion.

Valencia’s finely-tuned offensive machine utterly dominated Aris, shooting 65.5% on two-pointers and 50.0% (15 of 30) on three-pointers and dishing out 26 assists. Valencia already came into the game ranked first in the EuroCup in [performance index rating](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/stats/key-stats-teams/?size=1000&misc=&seasonCode=U2024&category=Valuation&seasonMode=Single&sortDirection=descending&aggregate=perGame), scoring, offensive rebounds, assists and three-point percentage and third in two-point shooting.

While Valencia scored 100 or more points for the 10th time in 2024-25, the other 19 EuroCup teams have combined to achieve that feat 26 times. [ratiopharm Ulm](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/teams/ratiopharm-ulm/roster/ulm/?season=2024-25) is the only other team with four 100-point scoring games while four teams have hit the century mark three times and six have not done it a single time in 2024-25.

Valencia’s victory combined with [Bahcesehir College Istanbul’s 84-77 loss at Hapoel Shlomo Tel Aviv](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/news/hapoel-knocks-off-bahcesehir-84-77/) in Group A means the Spanish side takes the lead for the number one seed throughout the playoffs with a 14-2 record in Group B while Bahcesehir is 13-3.

Martinez however would have none of the talk about the top record, saying: “We don’t have to be worried about what other teams do. We just have to worry about what we can do. All we can do is try to win the next game. If we can win it doesn’t matter what the other teams do.”

The 19 other teams have combined for 26 games with 100+ points

Rasheed Sulaimon, McKinley Wright carried Buducnost on their shoulders at Ulm

Heading into the game against fellow BKT EuroCup playoff contender [ratiopharm Ulm](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/teams/ratiopharm-ulm/roster/ulm/?season=2024-25), [Buducnost VOLI Podgorica](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/teams/buducnost-voli-podgorica/roster/bud/?season=2024-25)'s players and coaching staff had flagged Wednesday’s clash at ratiopharm Arena as a must-win duel. Having beaten Ulm [105-100 in overtime back in Round 7](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/news/buducnost-wins-overtime-thriller-over-ulm-on-ferrells-three-pointer/), any victory would be enough for Buducnost to claim the head-to-head tiebreak advantage.

“We knew it was going to be a tough game, important for us and for the home team,” Buducnost head coach Andrej Zakelj said in the post-game press conference.

And when the going gets tough, the tough get going.

[Rasheed Sulaimon](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/rasheed-sulaimon/011150/) and [McKinley Wright](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/mckinley-wright-iv/012606/) came to the fore when their team needed them most and inspired Buducnost to [an 82-85 road victory](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/news/buducnost-wins-thriller-at-ulm-82-85/) by posting season-highs in scoring. The two men netted 29 of Buducnost’s 51 points before the break and finished the game with a combined 45 points – more than half of their team’s output.

Sulaimon recorded a season-high 27 points, just 3 points shy from his career-high tally. He went 4-for-6 from inside the arc, 4-for-10 from deep and 7-for-8 from the free throw line. More importantly, he completed a crucial three-point play to put Buducnost back in front, 82-84, with 28 seconds to go. The visitors were leading for the majority of the game, but a second-half comeback saw Ulm secure an 82-79 cushion with 1 minute left on the clock.

Enter Wright, who made 2 of 2 from the charity stripe before setting up Sulaimon in transition for the aforementioned three-point play. Wright ended the game with 18 points, matching his season-high tally that was achieved in Buducnost’s home win over Ulm earlier in the season. The 26-year-old guard pulled off a complete display by posting 5 assists, 3 rebounds and 2 steals for a season-high PIR of 24.

This win saw Buducnost improve its record to 8-8 to remain in the playoff conversation. Zakelj’s side has now won four of its last five games and will look to build on their momentum with a potential victory over Joventut Badalona next week. To do so, Buducnost will lean again on Sulaimon and Wright following their outstanding performance at Ulm.

The two guards scored more than half of their team’s points in the 82-85 road win

In a thriller that came down to the final shot, Umana Reyer Venice improved its chances to reach the BKT EuroCup playoffs in Group B by edging Hapoel Bank Yahav Jerusalem 76-75 at home in Round 16 on Wednesday.

Mfiondu Kabengele lifts Reyer past Jerusalem, 76-75! 

In a thriller that came down to the final shot, Umana Reyer Venice improved its chances to reach the playoffs in Group B by edging Hapoel Bank Yahav Jerusalem 76-75 at home in Round 16 on Wednesday.

Reyer and Jerusalem are now 9-7 in Group B along with three other teams: Cosea JL Bourg-en-Bresse, U-BT Cluj-Napoca and Turk Telekom Ankara. Mfiondu Kabengele led the winners with 16 points and a game-saving block down the stretch. Carl Wheatle added 13 points while Tyler Ennis had 12 for Reyer. Khadeen Carrington led Jerusalem with 21 points and Jared Harper added 17.

Gabriel Chachasvili got Jerusalem going with a three-pointer. Kabengele answered from downtown before Jared Harper's fatsbreak layup gave the visitors a 3-5 lead. Carl Wheatle banked in a close shot and Jordan Parks added a tip-in that put Reyer ahead, 7-5. Ennis beat the shot clock with a triple and Xavier Munford also joined the three-point shootout to boost the hosts' margin to 13-7. Harper stepped up with a driving layup and Carrington erased Munford's jumper with a close basket. Carrington scored again and got help from Derek Ogbeide and Tarik Phillip to tie the game at 17-17 after 10 minutes.

 

Carrington remained on fire early in the second quarter and Jeremy Morgan's three-point play gave Jerusalem a 17-22 lead after a 0-11 run. Reyer found a go-to guy in Alessandro Lever, who had a put-back layup, a fastbreak basket and a dunk off a steal in an 8-0 run that made it 25-22. Simms matched Justin Smith's put-back slam with an off-balance jumper. Parks hit a running jumper and Carrington answered with a reverse layup before Harper tied it at 29-29. Kabengele stepped up for Reyer with a pair of free throws, a put-back layup and a dunk to put his team ahead, 37-35. Yovel Zoosman scored in penetration before Kyle Wiltjer gave Reyer a 38-37 edge at halftime.

Ennis buried a long three-pointer soon after the break and Wheatle added a layup off a steal for a 43-38 Reyer lead. After Zoosman struck from beyond the arc, Kabengele answered with a put-back layup and Carrington's big basket in transition drew Jerusalem within 45-43. Ogbeide's reverse layup got the visitors even closer. Carrington took over with a coast-to-coast dunk and Ogbeide matched Kabengele's slam with a tip-in for a 50-51 Jerusalem lead. After Kabengele bettered Chris Johnson's power basket with a three-point play, Rodney McGruder added an acrobatic basket-plus-foul of his own only to see Harper tie it again, 58-58. Juan Fernandez struck from downtown for a 61-58 Reyer lead after 30 minutes.

Smith scored around the basket early in the fourth quarter. McGruder made a close shot and added a fastbreak layup, which prompted Jerusalem to call timeout at 65-60. Carrington struck from downtown and Smith followed a fastbreak slam with a put-back layup to give the visitors a 66-67 lead with over 6 minutes left. Wheatle stepped up with a backdoor layup and Ennis Euro-stepped his way away from the defense, giving Reyer a 70-68 lead. Harper silenced the crowd with an off-balance three-point play, Wheatle dunked and Ennis made it 74-71 with 2:24 left. Phillip sank a corner triple and added a free throw for a 74-75 Jerusalem lead. Wiltjer downed foul shots and Jerusalem called timeout with 22.8 seconds remaining. Kabengele ignited the crowd with a game-saving block on Harper which allowed Reyer to get a good-as-gold win, as Carrington missed a mid-range shot at the buzzer.

The star center made a game-saving block with 3 seconds left


Mfiondu Kabengele lifts Reyer past Jerusalem, 76-75

Valencia Basket took the inside track for the number one overall seed in the BKT EuroCup as it dominated Aris Midea Thessaloniki 106-65 at home for a third straight win

Valencia routs Aris, 106-65, grabs lead for No. 1 overall seed

Valencia Basket took the inside track for the number one overall seed in the BKT EuroCup as it dominated Aris Midea Thessaloniki 106-65 at home for a third straight win. Valencia already led by 26 points in the first half and cruised to a 14-2 record in Group B - moving one victory ahead of Group A leader Bahcesehir College Istanbul. Valencia hit the century mark on the scoreboard for the 10th time this season.

Nate Sestina nailed 6 of 10 three-pointers for 18 points to lead the way for Valencia with Jean Montero adding 16 points and 7 assists, Xabi Lopez-Arostegui scoring 12 points, Semi Ojeleye having 11 and Stefan Jovic dishing 9 assists. Aris dropped its fourth straight game for a 3-13 record and just one victory in the last 10 games. Vassilis Toliopoulos tallied 15 points as Aris’s top scorer.

Aris stayed with Valencia in the first 3 minutes and even led 5-7. But Valencia raced away with a 12-0 run for a 17-7 lead. Four points from Montero had Valencia ahead 25-12 and the score was 28-16 after 10 minutes.

Valencia needed nearly 2 minutes to score in the second quarter and Aris pulled with 28-18. But Sestina drained 2 three-pointers for the hosts and it was 38-24 when Josep Puerto and Sergio De Larrea both made triples in a 12-0 surge for a 50-24 advantage. The home side led 55-33 at the break.

Aris trailed 57-37 early in the second half and watched Valencia make 4 three-pointers - including back-to-back triples from Ojeleye - in a 17-6 run for a 74-43 cushion. Aris was able to score a bit more consistently but could not really make a dent in the deficit and was down 82-51 after 30 minutes.

Aris held Valencia scoreless for nearly 2 minutes to start the fourth quarter and pulled within 82-55. Valencia delivered the final knockout punch with the next 12 points and it was 94-55 with 5 minutes left in the game.

All 12 players scored for Valencia, which reached 100 points for 10th time 

Cosea JL Bourg-en-Bresse took a big step towards booking a playoff berth in the BKT EuroCup after a hard-fought 87-82 home win in Round 16 over Cedevita Olimpija Ljubljana in Group B 

Bourg holds on for big win over Cedevita, 87-82

Cosea JL Bourg-en-Bresse took a big step towards booking a playoff berth in the BKT EuroCup after a hard-fought 87-82 home win over Cedevita Olimpija Ljubljana in Group B, improving to 9-7 while the Slovenian side dropped to 10-6.

With two rounds to go in the regular season, the home straight appears set for a dramatic climax as six teams are in contention for the runner-up spot behind leader Valencia Basket, which has secured pole position and hence an automatic quarterfinal berth.

Maxime Salash paced Bourg on 22 points and 7 boards after a valiant effort, while Hugo Benitez and Xavier Castaneda scored 14 apiece for the home side, which weathered a late Cedevita storm after the visitors had slashed a 72-53 deficit with a 0-13 run.

Devin Robinson netted a team-high 17 points for Cedevita, DJ Stewart added 13 and Devante Jones chipped in with 10. Crucially, Bourg sank 11 three-pointers to Cedevita’s 6, as the visitors also made a modest 12 of 18 free throws while the hosts were 18 of 22 from the foul line.

Cedevita turned an early 5-2 deficit into a 13-18 lead but Bourg hit back with an 8-0 run late in the first quarter and nosed ahead 22-20 at the end of the opening period. Salash did not miss a shot in the first half as he racked up 12 points and 5 boards by the interval, keeping Bourg in the driving seat as the French team took a 38-36 advantage into the locker room at the interval.

The third quarter brought the best in Bourg as the home side romped away into a 68-53 lead ahead of the final 10 minutes, with Salash dominating the paint at both ends while Benitez and Castaneda pulled the strings in the backcourt, forcing Cedevita on to the back foot. 

The visitors looked out for the count after falling behind 72-53 early in the fourth, but they then had their best spell of the matchup by closing the gap to 72-66. Several minutes later, Bourg’s lead was 77-71 and the home team then prevented a nervy finish with a 6-0 run which effectively sealed the game as a contest.

Cedevita kept fighting but eventually ran out of time to force the final twist, as Bourg was able to run the clock down and hold on for what could turn out to be a priceless win.

The French team nearly blew a massive lead but regained its composure in crunch time 

Buducnost VOLI Podgorica kept its BKT EuroCup Playoffs hopes alive by edging ratiopharm Ulm 82-85 in Round 16 of the BKT EuroCup

Buducnost wins thriller at Ulm, 82-85

Buducnost VOLI Podgorica kept its BKT EuroCup Playoffs hopes alive by edging ratiopharm Ulm 82-85 on Wednesday evening. The hosts started strong, but Buducnost led for most of the game before a comeback saw Ulm take a narrow lead in the closing stages. Yet, Buducnost tightened up its defense in crunch time and clinched the road victory. The visitors claimed the head-to-head tiebreak advantage over Ulm and improved their record to 8-8, with Ulm dropping to 9-7.

Rasheed Sulaimon led all scorers with a season-high 27 points. McKinley Wright netted 18 and Kenan Kamenjas chipped in with 12 points. Noa Essengue paced Ulm with 19 points and 7 rebounds. Ben Saraf recorded 14 and 5 assists, with Alfonso Plummer netting 10 in a losing effort.

Marcio Santos opened the scoring with a triple before 6 straight points from Karim Jallow gave Ulm a 9-4 cushion. Wright and Sulaimon scored inside, with the latter completing a three-point play to tie it up, 9-9. Buckets by Kamenjas and Juwan Morgan gave Buducnost its first lead of the game, 12-17. Andrija Slavkovic’s three-point play was followed by a triple from Fletcher Magee, who extended Buducnost’s run to 1-14 for a 13-23 lead. Yogi Ferrell netted a layup and Nikola Tanaskovic opened his account from the free-throw line, with the visitors securing a 16-27 cushion after 10 minutes.

Saraf took over with 7 points to start the second quarter, trimming the deficit to 25-31. The game turned into a back-and-forth affair, as Essengue converted a three-point play as a response to Ferrell’s triple before Jallow and Alen Omic traded buckets, 30-36. But Sulaimon drilled one from deep and Wright scored 7 straight points to restore a 34-46 cushion. A Sulaimon three was followed by a layup from Kamenjas and a jumper by Wright to make it 36-53. Justinian Jessup and Nelson Weidemann netted inside, but Sulaimon hit again from deep, allowing Buducnost to maintain a 41-56 cushion at halftime.

The hosts opened the third quarter with a 12-2 run inspired by Saraf and slashed the deficit to 52-58. Sulaimon ended Ulm’s momentum with his fourth triple of the evening before Kamenjas and Slavkovic scored inside, establishing a 55-65 lead. Plummer scored 5 consecutive points on the other end, but Sulaimon responded with an off-balance jumper, 60-69. Isaiah Roby drained a three and Essengue added 5 points to his tally to bring Ulm within 68-71 heading into the closing quarter.

Essengue opened the fourth with a powerful slam, which was the only field goal scored by either team in the first 3 and a half minutes before a Roby dunk made it 72-73. Sulaimon scored inside, but Plummer and Jessup drilled back-to-back triples to put Ulm ahead, 78-77, with 4 minutes remaining. Then, Saraf and Essengue made a couple of free throws each to maintain an 82-79 lead with 1 minute left on the clock. But Wright made 2 of 2 from the charity stripe and Sulaimon completed a three-point play to put Buducnost back in front, 82-84. Jessup didn’t manage to hit the midrange jumper on the other end, with Sulaimon sealing the outcome from the line.

The visitors claimed the head-to-head tiebreak advantage over their fellow playoff contender

Bahcesehir College Istanbul star Jaleen Smith spoke with David Hein about his EuroLeague and EuroCup journey to this point, and what lies ahead.

Jaleen Smith: ‘Being at ALBA was like learning basketball all over again’

[Jaleen Smith](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/jaleen-smith/011192/) is clearly one of the leaders of [Bahcesehir College Istanbul](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/teams/bahcesehir-college-istanbul/bah/) and a big reason why the Turkish club hopes it can win the BKT EuroCup, which would give it a direct spot in next year’s Turkish Airlines EuroLeague. A major portion of that leadership stems from his move to [ALBA Berlin](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/teams/alba-berlin/ber/) back in 2021 – a massive change during which he admits to struggling to find his game.

Smith has averaged 13.3 points per game as one of four Bahcesehir players in double figures for the team that leads Group A with a very impressive 13-2 record.

“We're pretty good right now. We're achieving what we set out to do, what I thought we could do at the beginning of the season,” Smith told David Hein. “So now we just got to keep it rolling and, keep this momentum going into these last couple of games and also into the playoffs as well.”

The 30-year-old arrived in Istanbul this past offseason and is in his first year in the EuroCup after spending the last three years in the EuroLeague. And he has been impressed with the level.

“It's very fast-paced – maybe a little bit faster than the EuroLeague. It’s a little less physicality than the EuroLeague, but it's still good basketball. And the teams are also ambitious to get to the EuroLeague. They're trying to put their money in to try to get to the EuroLeague for the following season,” said Smith, who suited up for ALBA for two years in the EuroLeague and then for [Virtus Segafredo Bologna](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/teams/virtus-segafredo-bologna/vir/) and [Partizan Mozzart Bet Belgrade](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/teams/partizan-mozzart-bet-belgrade/par/) in the 2023-24 campaign.

“Bahcesehir wanted a project to be one of the best Turkish League teams up there with Fenerbahce \[Beko Istanbul\] and \[Anadolu\] Efes \[Istanbul\] and the ambition to go to the EuroLeague. So I came in with a mindset of we're going to try to win the EuroCup, try to win the Turkish League and be a part of a project of getting the team to the EuroLeague.”

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Smith remembers well his first season in the EuroLeague back in 2021-22 – the first of his two years with ALBA. He had just won the German League MVP award in his second season with MHP Riesen Ludwigsburg. But things did not go so smoothly for Smith in the German capital at first.

Smith was a star for Ludwigsburg as he averaged 15.2 points, 5.0 rebounds, 5.3 assists and 1.8 steals in taking home the top individual honor. But he was playing for a head coach in John Patrick whose whole philosophy is based on defense.

In his first season in Ludwigsburg, which was his first year in the German first division after two years with Heidelberg in the ProA, Smith had a very strong core of teammates including Nick Weiler-Babb, Khadeen Carrington, Marcos Knight and Tanner Leissner.

“John Patrick had a lot of rules. Even guys who didn't really play defense, he even made those guys play defense,” he said. “It was a crazy experience, but it helped me in the future. Now guys that come out of that system, everybody sees them as defensive players because that's how John Patrick is. And that's what he demands out of his players. I think that kind of helped me throughout these last couple of years, just realizing that I'm a defensive guy.”

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In his first season there, he was a glue guy who averaged 10.7 points, 3.6 rebounds, 2.4 assists and 1.6 steals. Then after many of the team’s top players left, Smith became the star of the team.

“I ended up showing what I could do without those guys being there, while also being the defensive guy that I am now. So that kind of helped me,” he said.

That offseason he went from Ludwigsburg to ALBA Berlin – the first season in which Israel Gonzalez had taken over for Aito Garcia Reneses.

“It was a complete contrast. ALBA’s offense: run and gun, different defensive rules. It was like night and day,” he remembered. “I think in ALBA, that's where I learned about team ball. Ludwigsburg is more one-on-one and defense, but in ALBA, it's fast-paced, quick shots – if you're open, shoot it. Spanish defense. It was so different, and it was basically like learning basketball all over again.”

Smith averaged 8.4 points, 1.9 rebounds, 2.1 assists and 0.8 steals for a PIR of 3.2 over the first 20 games in the EuroLeague in 2021-22, but he eventually turned things around and collected 11.2 points, 2.4 rebounds, 2.4 assists and 0.8 steals for a PIR of 10.6 in the final 14 games.

“They brought me in as a ‘1’, but then I started to show my versatility and I moved to the ‘2’. And that's where I really found my shooting stroke.”

The 2021-22 season also ended with Smith helping ALBA secure the German League and German Cup double – his first championships since high school.

“Man, that was awesome. I think that cements you in history that you're a part of a championship team,” he said “It’s an amazing accomplishment. And it's crazy to still think that we won it that year.”

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Smith followed that with averages of 11.6 points, 2.7 rebounds and 2.6 assists in the EuroLeague in 2022-23. And then, after six years in Germany, last season saw him move to Virtus. Three months into the season, Smith then upped sticks and joined Partizan.

Despite the move, Smith was one of four EuroLeague players last year to shoot 50% on two-pointers, 40% on three-pointers and 90% on free throws.

“It's great to have that, even through all the adversity and everything that happened: the midseason switch and me going from playing to not playing. It was tough,” he recalls. “I think it just goes to the confidence that I had in myself and the work that I put in just to get to that. I put a lot of time in just to get like numbers like that.”

Now, Smith is not worried at all about his numbers but only winning the EuroCup and using the lessons he learned in his first season in the EuroLeague to get his team to the best league in Europe.

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