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

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

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

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

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

Game Videos

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

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

Game News

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

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

The 2023 runner-up is back in the top eight

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

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

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

EuroCup Eighthfinals pregame quotes

### Wednesday, March 5, 2025

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

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

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

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

**Jaka Blazic, Cedevita Olimpija Ljubljana guard**

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

**Tyler Ennis, Umana Reyer Venice guard**

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

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

### Tuesday, March 4, 2025

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

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

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

**Kristupas Zemaitis, Wolves Twinsbet Vilnius guard**

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

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

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

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

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

Eighthfinals pregame quotes: 'A big game awaits'

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

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

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

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

Zavier Simpson and Cluj made history on Tuesday

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

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

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

Simpson sets playoff record in iconic win

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Gamecenter: EuroCup Eighthfinals 

### Wednesday, March 5

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

### Tuesday, March 4

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

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

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

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

Game center: Gran Canaria, Cedevita, Turk Telekom, Cluj are through to quarters

It was one of the longest post-season games in BKT EuroCup history


Cluj eliminates Wolves in 2OT, 99-100! 

U-BT Cluj-Napoca advanced to the BKT EuroCup Quarterfinals for the second time in club history by edging Wolves Twinsbet Vilnius 99-100 in double overtime in the Lithuanian capital on Tuesday. It was the first of four single-game eighthfinal showdowns this week.

Cluj will face Valencia Basket in the single-game quarterfinals next week. Zavier Simpson paced the winners with 26 points and a club-record 14 assists. De'Shawn Stephens added 17 points and 10 rebounds while Karel Guzman and Zach Hankins each scored 15 points for Cluj. Anthony Cowan led Wolves with 23 points, 7 rebounds and 12 assists. Andrew Andrews added 15 points, Garrison Brooks had 13, Jeffery Taylor and Arnoldas Kulboka each scored 12 and Kristupas Zemaitis contributed 10 for the hosts.

It was all offense early as the teams combined to make 7 of their first 8 shots. Cluj cooled off first as Wolves went up 11-6 on a layup by Zemaitis. Meanwhile, Cluj center Hankins, who scored his team's first 4 points, took a seat with 2 fouls. Wolves continued to pad its lead, going up 20-11 after a floater off the glass and a triple by Zemaitis, which gave him half of his team's points. After a timeout, Kulboka added a three-pointer for the hosts. Adam Mokoka and Stephens tried to get Cluj back on track, but to no avail. Regimantas Miniotas and Andrews helped Wolves end the first quarter up 33-20. 

Stephens sank a turnaround jumper early in the second quarter and Mareks Mejeris's reverse layup prompted Wolves to call a timeout at 33-24. Stephens kept pacing Cluj with a power layup before Patrick Richards's backdoor basket made it a 5-point game. Sasu Salin capped a 0-10 run with a layup before Thurman struck from downtown for a 36-30 Wolves lead. After Mokoka and Brooks traded layups, Thurman dunked and D.J. Seeley's three-pointer brought Cluj within 40-35. Andrews answered from beyond the arc and Cowan and Guzman exchanged baskets before Simpson got Cluj within 6. Brooks boosted the hosts' lead to 48-39 at the break.


Stephens took over with a fastbreak layup soon after the break and Simpson's floater gave Cluj hope at 48-43. Taylor rescued the Wolves with a backdoor slam, which Simpson bettered with a shot from downtown. Brooks stopped the show with a one-handed alley-oop slam and matched Guzman's put-back basket with another slam for a 54-48 Wolves lead. Kulboka and a red-hot Simpson traded three-pointers and Guzman also struck from beyond the arc to bring Cluj within striking distance, 57-54. Andrews swished a jumper and found Thurman for a triple. Mokoka scored in penetration before Miniotas answered with a layup for a 64-57 Cluj lead at the end of the third quarter.

Simpson kept pushing the visitors early in the fourth quarter and he got help from Richards to make it a two-point game. Cowan stepped up for Wolves and Andrews's three-pointer gave the hosts fresh air, 69-62. Salin answered from downtown, igniting an 0-8 run that he capped with free throws to complete Cluj's comeback, 69-70, with less than 6 minutes left. Cowan scored in penetration, but Stephens erased that with a tip-in. Andrews restored a 73-72 Wolves lead with more than 3 minutes remaining. Stephens took over with a wild alley-oop slam and Guzman erased Taylor's layup with a highly-contested basket. Simpson followed a floater with a driving layup that caused Wolves to call timeout at 75-80 with 1:55 left. Taylor sank his trademark corner triple and Cowan beat the shot clock with a bomb from downtown that tied it at 81-81. Thurman missed from downtown at the end of regulation.

Cowan stepped up with a driving layup early in overtime. Hankins scored down low and matched Cowan's layup with a dunk that tied it at 85-85. Hankins made free throws but Cowan buried a step-back three-pointer for a 88-87 score in the next-to-last minute. Simpson answered from beyond the arc before Andrews drew a foul with 0.6 seconds left. He made both attempts, sending the game to a second overtime. 

Simpson fed Hankins for a jump hook early in the second extra period. Guzman added a fastbreak slam that made it a two-possession game, 90-94. Cowan drew a couple of fouls to tie the game from the free throw line, 94-94. Taylor took over with a fastbreak slam that Hankins bettered with a three-point play. Richards buried a critical three-pointer for a 96-100 score. Kulboka got a three-point play at the other end and Wolves got the ball back with a chance to win the game but Cowan turned the ball over with 1.3 seconds left, allowing Cluj to celebrate a historical win! 

Euroleague Basketball and PPC Group, the leading energy group in Southeastern Europe, have announced the launch of their multi-year partnership. PPC becomes the official partner for the Turkish Airlines EuroLeague and BKT EuroCup competitions in Greece until 2027.

PPC and Euroleague Basketball announce multi-year partnership

Euroleague Basketball and PPC Group, the leading energy group in Southeastern Europe, have announced the launch of their multi-year partnership. PPC becomes the official partner for the Turkish Airlines EuroLeague and BKT EuroCup competitions in Greece until 2027.

As part of this agreement, PPC will have a prominent presence during Greek teams´ games in the EuroLeague and EuroCup, both through in-arena and television broadcasts. Additionally, the partnership will leverage Euroleague Basketball's expansive digital ecosystem, offering PPC with unparalleled visibility and engagement opportunities across multiple digital platforms. The partnership will also focus on sustainability initiatives, fully aligned with PPC's mission to promote clean energy solutions and energy efficiency.

"We are delighted to welcome PPC to the Euroleague Basketball partners family. Having a leading energy group join our sponsorship portfolio strengthens our commitment to working with top-tier brands in key industries," said Gawain Davies, Euroleague Basketball Chief Commercial Officer. "Greece is one of our core markets, and partnering with PPC is a perfect fit for our aspirations to continue growing the Euroleague brand in this territory, enhancing the sport’s reach while delivering an electric experience for our passionate basketball community."

Sofia Dimtsa, Chief Corporate Affairs & Communications Officer at PPC Group, stated: "It is a great honor for us at PPC to collaborate with a top-tier sports organization that highlights talent, passion, and fair play. The launch of our partnership with Euroleague Basketball marks a new chapter in our already strong relationship with the sport, strengthening our presence in basketball in all its forms. We actively support sports, sustainability, and the values that bring our communities together. We look forward to experiencing powerful moments on the court alongside fans and teams that inspire us."

As part of its strategic energy transformation, PPC Group is reinforcing its commitment to basketball by supporting the sport across all its forms—from elite Euroleague competitions to 3x3 basketball. This collaboration aligns with PPC’s dedication to promoting sports and sustainable development, emphasizing the core values of teamwork, passion, and sportsmanship. With sustainability at the heart of its mission, PPC invests in initiatives that inspire positive social impact, contributing to a better and more sustainable future for all.

This partnership reinforces Euroleague Basketball’s commitment to sustainability and innovation, ensuring that Europe’s top basketball competitions continue to engage fans while promoting responsible and sustainable energy solutions.

Zvezdan Mitrovic: 'My players will be ready'

The initial goal that Cedevita Olimpija Ljubljana head coach Zvezdan Mitrovic set for the team in his return to the BKT EuroCup after three years away was unlocked when the team made it out of the regular season.

Now the former EuroCup champion and Coach of the Year would hate to miss an appointment with Dejan Radonjic of Bahcesehir College Istanbul down the road.

“I’m an ambitious coach and I’m ambitious as a person. As a team, our goal is always to take it to the next level. My goal right now is to move to the next stage and play against my best man Dejan Radonjic in the quarterfinals,” Mitrovic told Eurohoops.

Read more [HERE](https://www.eurohoops.net/en/trademarks/1792988/zvezdan-mitrovic-it-would-be-great-for-the-euroleague-to-have-another-balkan-team/)...

The Cedevita boss spoke to Eurohoops on the eve of the EuroCup Eightfinals

Devin Robinson, Cedevita: 'We are locked in'

After a tough season in which it won just a single game, Cedevita Olimpija Ljubljana turned things around and power forward Devin Robinson has been a big factor. The Slovenian side finished the regular season with a 10-8 record and earned the home-court advantage for its eighthfinals contest against Besiktas Emlakjet Istanbul. Robinson has averaged 14.8 points, 5.3 rebounds and 1.2 steals for a PIR of 14.6 in 18 games. He believes his team is ready to challenge for big goals and this is a great opportunity to show it, as he told Javier Gancedo in this [EuroCupBasketball.com](http://EuroCupBasketball.com) interview. 

"These past couple of years, especially the last one, it was a rough year for the club in the EuroCup and everyone took us as a joke. We came back this year with new additions to the team and a new coach, and we tried to turn it around, and that's what we did," Robinson said. "I think we need to continue to push forward and continue to go as far as possible to get Olimpija back on the map. It used to be top dogs back in the day and people have kind of written us off these past 10-15 years. So what we have in front of us is a good opportunity for us."

 

**Hello, Devin. Congratulations on a great season, individually and as a team. How is the team feeling before the big game against Besiktas?**

"Oh, we are ready. We have been preparing ourselves during the break and now we are getting back from the break and we are ready. We are locked in. This is a great opportunity for the club to do something special here. So yes, we are trying to really lock in and take care of business."

 

**You had a stint with ratiopharm Ulm and this is your second EuroCup season. Is the EuroCup what you expected?**

"The EuroCup competition is great. It's a lot of great talent. A lot of great players, some good basketball. You get to travel to these nice cities and compete at a high level. The game is very much different than maybe a domestic or a different league like ABA. It's more free-flowing and more up and down. It is a faster gameplay, so you have to adjust between your two leagues. And I think it's a great experience. I feel like a lot of guys can play at the next level as well in EuroLeague, so it's a really great competition."

Highlight plays like a big three, a dunk or a block are really essential for the game.

**Cedevita Olimpija had a major turnaround, from going 1-17 last season to being 10-8 and getting the home-court advantage in the first playoff game. How important was it to bounce back and be this competitive again?**

"We needed it. These past couple of years, especially the last one, it was a rough year for the club in the EuroCup and everyone took us as a joke. We came back this year with new additions to the team and a new coach, and we tried to turn it around, and that's what we did. I think we need to continue to push forward and continue to go as far as possible to get Olimpija back on the map. It used to be top dogs back in the day and people have kind of written us off these past 10-15 years. So what we have in front of us is a good opportunity for us, get a win for the club and continue to let people know that we belong in this league."

**You will play against Besiktas, which made it to the semifinals last season, with very experienced players and a coach used to winning these types of games. What are the keys to this game?**

"They play super, super aggressive on defense. They play with high energy and they run and gun. They shoot any shot that they see open, crash the boards and play aggressive. They are going to try to break up our schemes on offense and just be a disruption. It's going to be a game of havoc. It's going to be a game of hustle plays, rebounding, and just the little plays to help us get the win. They have great talent. They got great guys and great camaraderie over there, so we've got to put together a solid 40 minutes of just playing a hard-nosed, real physical game of basketball and the best team who comes out and does that will win."

Devin Robinson averages 14.8 points, 5.3 rebounds, 1.2 steals and a PIR of 14.6 in 18 games

2024-25 EuroCup highlight reel: Devin Robinson, Cedevita Olimpija

**You are one of the most spectacular players in the competition in recent years. How important is a good dunk or a high-flying block to get your teammates and your home crowd involved?**

"Oh, yeah. Highlight plays are meant to bring energy to the whole arena: get a good block, get a good dunk, yell a little bit, scream... Get your teammates clapping. The other team maybe calls a timeout because the crowd is getting too loud. I think highlight plays like a big three, a dunk or a block are really essential for the game. It changes the energy and it shifts the momentum for the team that made the highlight, so I think it's really important. So yeah, I try to do as much as I can in that department to give us that extra edge."

**How about the environment? How do you enjoy playing in a basketball city like Ljubljana, for a EuroCup-winning coach like Mitrovic?**

"I like it. It's definitely different than what I am used to, but different isn't always a bad thing. I am playing with a different style of basketball than I am probably normally used to, but it helps me develop in different areas of my game, to be an overall better player. Playing with great guys and great vets like Stipanovic and Blazic and Ali \[Nikolic\] makes the game a lot easier. They know what to expect. They know how to play in these types of situations and scenarios and I am learning a lot from those guys. just being around them and watching how hard they work, the passion that they play with and understanding the wants and needs of the coaches and the different styles of play. So it has been great just playing with all those guys."

More on Cedevita Olimpija

**In previous seasons, Stozice Arena was packed for do-or-die games. How important will the home-court advantage be and what kind of atmosphere can we expect on Wednesday?**

"It's very important. It's been a lot of games this season where it's been quiet in the gym and we just needed a little bit of a push. But since the fans started coming out and showing some support, they've been giving us that extra boost and that extra kick to perform. We know how easy it is to essentially lose the fan base when we lose games, so we want to bring our best foot forward and bring some good energy and some good wins together to fill up the gym. I hope everyone comes out and tries to support us to give us that extra push that we need."

**Let's talk about you a little bit. You played in Taiwan for a full season three years ago. How was the experience, on and off the court?**

"Taiwan was great. It was my first time leaving home to play overseas. I was playing in the G League and two-way and all that stuff in the United States, and I took it upon myself to finally try to make that jump to go overseas. And Taiwan was essentially the only opportunity I had, so I went there with a chip on my shoulder to go and show what I can do. And it was a great overall experience. Basketball-wise. They let me be me. They saw what I had and saw what I could bring to the table and just let me play freely and try to win games for the team. It's a very entertainment business out there in the Asian market where highlight plays are what they love to see. The fans are crazy! And then off the court, it's just a beautiful place. It's pretty much warm all year round. The food is amazing. Different but amazing. I always want to, everywhere I go, to engulf myself in the culture and try new things. I was trying chicken legs and goose liver and all these new things and my teammates there really appreciated that. And I really had a fun time trying new things and exposing them to what I'm used to and bringing my American swag over there as well., so it was an overall great experience. Everything was great: the temples, the night markets, shopping... it has everything you can ever ask for!"

Look good, feel good, play good, I really abide by that.

**I asked around and were told that you are into fashion, and you don't mind taking risks when it comes to buying clothes. How important is that for you?**

"I love fashion. I love what it's about. I love how you can put on something and express yourself, or how you feel or where you are mentally or where you are culturally. And I just love to put on nice clothes and you know the saying: look good, feel good, play good, I really abide by that. And yes, I just want to express myself without even having to talk. Even though I am an enrgy guy and you see me talking all the time, and I'm loud and bringing that positive vibe, my clothes can do it as well. So it's just a one-two punch."

 

**All of the qualified teams have been working hard to reach this time of the year, the most important games of the season. How much are you looking forward to it, to going out there and competing against the best?**

"Oh, man, I'm really looking forward to it. It is always a good opportunity to go play, and these games are fun. It is the opportunity to get to play this game at a high level, wherever you are. It's just a blessing and it's just fun to do. So I am always excited to play wherever we are. I just take every game, every opportunity, and at the end of the day, I love what I do."

The high-flying forward spoke to Javier Gancedo ahead of his team's eighthfinal showdown with Besiktas

Hapoel Bank Yahav Jerusalem announced on Monday that center Gabi Chachashvili has suffered a torn ACL

Jerusalem loses center Gabi Chachashvili to torn ACL

Hapoel Bank Yahav Jerusalem announced on Monday that center [Gabi Chachashvili](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/gabriel-chachashvili/013279/) has suffered a torn ACL. The big man was injured during his team’s Israeli league victory over Bnei Herzliya on Sunday night and the severity of it was diagnosed following an MRI on Monday. Chachashvili has been a valuable asset for Jerusalem this season. He started in 11 of his 17 appearances in the BKT EuroCup and in which he averaged 5.6 points and 4.1 rebounds per game. Jerusalem will face the winner of Wednesday's eighthfinals game between Dreamlife Gran Canaria and Umana Reyer Venice in the quarterfinals next week.

<center><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="iw" dir="rtl">בבדיקת MRI שנערכה אמש התברר כי גבי צ׳אצ׳שווילי סובל מקרע ברצועה הצולבת של הברך. גבי ייעדר מפעילות לתקופה ממושכת, הפועל מתייצבת לצידו ותספק לו את כל התנאים המיטביים עד לשיקום מלא וחזרה למגרשים. גבי, אנחנו איתך, החלמה מהירה! <a href="https://t.co/JmvoQmfiCJ">pic.twitter.com/JmvoQmfiCJ</a></p>&mdash; Hapoel Jerusalem BC (@JerusalemBasket) <a href="https://twitter.com/JerusalemBasket/status/1896497909547532322?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 3, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>