Reyer Venezia defeated the Hamburg Towers 83-90 in Round 18 of the 2023-24 EuroCup Regular Season.

Reyer Venezia ends its EuroCup campaign on a high by winning in Hamburg, 83-90

Umana Reyer Venice ended its 2023-24 BKT EuroCup season with a win by beating Veolia Towers Hamburg 83-90 in Germany on Tuesday night. With this victory, Reyer improved its record to 8-10 while Hamburg finished the campaign with a 2-15 mark, having gone 0-9 at home.

Marco Spissu led the way for Reyer on offense by scoring a game-high 25 points, while teammate Amedeo Tessitori contributed on both ends with 15 points, 5 rebounds, 1 assist and 2 steals. Rayjon Tucker was the other Reyer player to reach double figures in scoring as he netted 10. Hamburg’s William Christmas was the team’s leading scorer with 22, followed by Aleksander Dziewa with 15 and Mark Hughes and Seth Hinrichs with 11 apiece.

Game Videos

Although Dziewa got Hamburg going by scoring its first 4 points to make it 4-1, a Tessitori-inspired Reyer soon hit back to take a 4-8 lead thanks to 6 points and 1 assist by the Italian center. Hamburg would make it 8-8, but 5 straight points by Casarin put Reyer up 8-13 before Tucker and Alex O'Connell held off a response by Christmas, 12-18. With the quarter winding down, a Lukas Meisner triple cut the gap to 1 point, 20-21, after 10 minutes.

O'Connell and V.J. King exchanged threes at the start of the second, 23-24, but Hamburg was then dealt a blow as Aljami Durham had to leave the game with an injury. Reyer's second unit, led by Max Heidegger, Aamir Simms and Giga Janelidze, continued to make life difficult for Hamburg, before Spissu began to put his fingerprints on the game, 31-39. Christmas continued to try to turn things around for Hamburg, but a Janelidze corner three and a Spissu mid-range jumper made it 35-46 at halftime.

Game News

Hamburg came out for the second half with an improved mindset and went on an 8-3 run, featuring a three-pointer apiece by Hughes and Dziewa, to trim the deficit to 6 points, 43-49. The wind seemed to be in the hosts' sails and, as had been the case all night, Christmas was at the center of everything good for Hamburg. After he stole the ball under Hamburg's basket, Niklas Krause scored off the glass following a ball fake to make it 51-52. Reyer responded through Tucker and Kyle Wiltjer, 51-56, but 5 straight points by Christmas tied the game for the first time since the first quarter, 56-56. When Krause hit from mid-range, Hamburg led 63-61 and took that lead into the final period.

At the start of the fourth, Tessitori and Camron Reece exchanged baskets, then the Reyer big man went 2-for-2 from the line, 65-65. After that, 6 points in a row by Spissu saw the visitors open a 65-71 advantage, and O'Connell struck from deep to open a 9-point gap, 65-74. There was a Hamburg response, but Spissu showed no sign of slowing down and scored a further 7 points to all but wrap up the win, 75-87. A couple of Christmas threes came in the closing stages, but Reyer already had the victory in the bag as it walked away with an 83-90 triumph.

Max Heidegger of Umana Reyer Venice is pursued by Seth Hinrichs of Veolia Towers Hamburg in Round 18 of the 2023-24 BKT EuroCup Regular Season.

Both teams came into Round 18 knowing they had been eliminated from playoff contention.

Reyer ends its EuroCup campaign on a high by winning in Hamburg, 83-90

Veolia Towers Hamburg v Umana Reyer Venice (2024-02-06T18:30:00.000Z)

Aris Midea Thesaloniki is set to battle for a spot in the playoffs on Wednesday without Roberto Gallinat, who suffered a fractured thumb on his left hand. He "will be out of action for at least two months", Aris said in a short statement.

Aris loses Gallinat to thumb injury

Aris Midea Thesaloniki is set to battle for a spot in the playoffs on Wednesday without Roberto Gallinat, who suffered a fractured thumb on his left hand. He "will be out of action for at least two months", Aris said in a short statement.

It is a big blow for Aris as Gallinat is one of team's only two players scoring in double digits this season. Starting in all 16 games, and playing 25:42 minutes, Gallinat has been posting 12.7 points, 2.2 rebounds and 1.1 assists. His scoring average and minutes played are both second best on the team.

Aris still has to secure a place in the playoffs in Round 18, and it has a chance to do so on Wednesday when it hosts another Group B playoff hopeful, Dolomiti Energia Trento.

But Aris might enter the game as already qualified if Turk Telekom Ankara wins on Tuesday. In case Turk Telekom loses, Aris will need a win or a loss by 9 points in regulation to punch its playoff ticket.

Also, Aris will know ahead of its Round 18 clash if it has a chance to finish in fourth place, which will be true if ratiopharm Ulm loses on Tuesday.

If Aris does reach the playoffs, however, it will have to do without Gallinat who's estimated return is in early April. Aris would have to make at least EuroCup Semifinals to see Gallinat back in action.

The best-of-three semifinals are scheduled from Tuesday, March 26, until Wednesday, April 3. The BKT EuroCup Finals are to begin on Tuesday, April 9, and conclude with the crowning of a champion on Wednesday, April 17, if a third game is necessary.

 

 

Aris will be missing its second-best scorer in the regular season finale, and in the playoffs if Aris qualifies.

KK Buducnost VOLI Podgorica remains in the playoff hunt in Group B after a resounding 78-97 road victory last week at Dolomiti Energia Trento. It all comes down to Round 18, in which Buducnost has to hope for Turk Telekom Ankara to lose at Slask Wroclaw on Tuesday and then beat defending champion Dreamland Gran Canaria on Wednesday.

Yogi Ferrell, KK Buducnost: 'We have nothing to lose'

One of Buducnost's key players has been combo guard [Yogi Ferrell](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/players/yogi-ferrell/011281/), who has a fascinating story on and off the court. Born in Indiana, he was a Hoosiers star for four years and is in his third EuroCup season, averaging 15.6 points and 4.7 assists in 40 career games. Off the court, Yogi likes to play chess online and co-wrote a motivational book for children based on his journey. Ferrell is looking forward to the game against Gran Canaria, hoping Buducnost leaves it all on the floor. "We are going to go out there and give it 100% for 40 minutes, and we are just going to see what happens," Ferrell told Javier Gancedo of the official EuroCup website. "As long as we know that we went out there and we did our best, whatever the outcome will be, we will be happy with it."

**Hello, Yogi. Congratulations on beating Trento. How important was it not only to win this game, but to do it the way you did it, by a lot of points, to get advantages in possible ties?** 

"Thank you. It was very important for us to win that game to keep our playoff chances alive. It felt like we came out in the second half with a different mentality and that was just team defense. And we went out there and helped each other. And we know once we get our defense going, we know our offense is going to work out well for us."

**You started the season in China and stopped in Belgrade before joining Buducnost. Was it hard to adjust to a new situation?** 

"I wouldn't say it was too hard to come back over and play in the ABA \[Adriatic League\] and EuroCup. I had done it before for two seasons, so this is nothing new to me. They play a great way of basketball over here in Europe, so it's definitely fun to be back."

"Buducnost and those fans, they really care, and they have had a winning history."

**Like you said, this is your third season in the EuroCup. What do you like the most about the EuroCup? What's the best part about it?**

"The best part about EuroCup is really just traveling away and playing in different countries and just playing basketball. Playing against some of the best talents in Europe, so it's definitely just a lot of fun."

**You were born in Indiana. You were a Hoosier for four years. How do you compare the passion and the love for basketball in Indiana to what we have here in Europe?**

"Oh, I would say it's the same. I know my four years at Indiana, all of our games were almost sold out every single game. And my time in Indiana, those fans, they were amazing. They showed so much love and passion for the team. And that's really the same here in Europe. You go to a great organization like I am with now, Buducnost and those fans, they really care, and they have had a winning history. So they definitely want to come to all the games and cheer and try and keep on that winning mentality."

**Your last regular season game is against Gran Canaria. It is a must-win game for you. As a basketball player, you work all season for this type of game. Is it a challenge or extra pressure?** 

"I think all you can really do is embrace it. Whether it's a do or die, I feel like those opportunities, you have nothing to lose. So we are going to go out there and give it 100% for 40 minutes and we are just going to see what happens. As long as we know that we went out there and we did our best, whatever the outcome will be, we will be happy with it."

Yogi Ferrell joined Buducnost VOLI Podgorica midway through the 2023-24 season.

2023-24 EuroCup highlights: Yogi Ferrell, Buducnost VOLI Podgorica

**Do you still play chess online?**

"Oh, I do. I play chess pretty much every day on the [chess.com](http://chess.com) app, so I like to play it. Just ease my mind, you know? Good hobby. I got a couple of chess boards, just something fun to do. My nickname is [iBall11](https://www.chess.com/stats/overview/iball11), anyone who wants to play against me can send me a friend request."

**We saw your nickname is Yogi because of Yogi Bear, but what's the story behind it?**

"I used to eat a lot as a baby, so my mom named me Yogi, like Yogi Bear. So ever since I was three months old, I have been called Yogi. Pretty much everyone calls me Yogi. I'm known by Yogi everywhere, but my real name is actually Kevin and I'm a junior."

**You co-wrote a motivation book for children, Ten Toes Down. What did the idea come from and why did you choose that title?**

"The idea actually came from my father, and he thought it would be a great idea for us to write a children's book and just share my story. You know, share my story with growing up playing basketball, meeting friends along the way, and being a kid playing basketball so young. So it was actually his idea.

"You have to have fun with whatever you do, whether it's a downtime or a good time."

**I saw that in the book you talk about the sense of humor as being really important in basketball and in life, right?**

"Yeah, absolutely, man. You have to have fun with with whatever you do, whether it's a downtime or a good time. As long as you can find a way to have fun and still smile, I think that's the biggest thing."

**You have been in the EuroCup Playoffs before with Cedevita, in front of sellout crowds. Is that experience a motivation for you to make it back to the playoffs and try to go all the way?**

"Yeah, absolutely. I think that Stozice \[Arena\] was filled up like that. It hadn't been filled up like that in years. So being able to go there and play in front of that crowd was really, really cool. And it kind of reminded me of back in my days at Indiana, just how loud it was and how all the fans showed up. So I know the same thing will happen here at Buducnost. If we make the playoffs, I know the fans will definitely come. It would be the same environment."

Buducnost VOLI Podgorica remains in the playoff hunt in Group B after a resounding 78-97 road victory last week at Dolomiti Energia Trento. It all comes down to Round 18, in which Buducnost has to hope for Turk Telekom Ankara to lose at Slask Wroclaw on Tuesday and then beat defending champion Dreamland Gran Canaria on Wednesday.

Yogi Ferrell, Buducnost: 'We have nothing to lose'

The end of the regular season presents some challenges when forming EuroCup Fantasy Challenge teams and Javier Gancedo is here to guide you through them. 

EuroCup Fantasy tips: Round 18

It may be a tricky Round 18 in the [EuroCup Fantasy Challenge](https://eurocupfantasy.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/home). Some teams have already clinched a certain playoff spot, while others are already eliminated. Those teams may use different rotations in their games, so I recommend sticking to players from teams that are playing for goals, whether it is reaching the playoffs or finishing the regular season in the best spot possible. Here are some moves with my personal stamp of approval for Round 18, the last round with just three trades.

[Emanuel Cate, U-BT Cluj-Napoca (12.1 credits)](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/players/emanuel-cate/005373/)

Cate was chosen as the Round 17 MVP after leading Cluj to a fantastic 111-113 double-overtime victory against Gran Canaria. He had a career-best performance with 23 points, 10 rebounds, 3 assists, 3 steals, 2 blocks and a PIR of 38, missing just one free throw attempt. Cluj can clinch second place in Group B, too.

[Andres Feliz, Joventut Badalona (13.8 credits)](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/players/andres-feliz/011247/)

A victory over Prometey would allow Joventut to claim fourth place in Group A and take the home-court advantage in the eighthfinals. Feliz has been strong all season and excellent lately, averaging 19.5 points, 5.0 rebounds, 5.0 assists and a PIR of 26.0 in his team's last two games. Always a good choice!

Ondrej Balvin, L.J. Figueroa, Ronnie Harrell, Andres Feliz and Emanuel Cate are featured in this week's article.

[Ondrej Balvin, Prometey Slobozhanske (13.4 credits)](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/players/ondrej-balvin/002644/)

Prometey should claim that fourth spot in Group A if it beats Joventut in Riga, Latvia. Balvin has been one of its main pillars, averaging 15.5 points on 13-of-16 two-point shooting, 6.0 rebounds and a PIR of 23.0 in the last two games. Prometey needs his best version in this critical game.

[L.J. Figueroa, ratiopharm Ulm (12.1 credits)](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/players/lj-figueroa/012603/)

Ulm secures a fourth-place finish with a victory over Bourg and it should be ready for a big battle against the top-ranked team in Group A. Figueroa has improved as the season progressed, averaging 17.3 points on solid shooting (65.0% 2FG, 52.2% 3FG), 3.3 rebounds and a PIR of 16.0 in the last four games.

[Ronnie Harrell, Aris Midea Thessaloniki (9.4 credits)](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/players/ronnie-harrell/012716/)

Harrell comes off an overwhelming all-around performance in Round 17 against Ulm, getting 19 points on 5-of-8 three-point shooting, 8 rebounds, 7 assists, 6 steals and a PIR of 36. It looks like a stat out of your favorite video game, right? Let's see how Harrell follows it up in Round 18 against Trento.

The end of the regular season presents some challenges when forming EuroCup Fantasy Challenge teams and Javier Gancedo is here to guide you through them.  

Two teams heading for the playoffs meet as Bourg (14-3) welcomes Ulm (9-8).

Preview: JL Bourg-en-Bresse vs. ratiopharm Ulm

[Rosters](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/game-center/2023-24/mincidelice-jl-bourg-en-bresse-ratiopharm-ulm/U2023/176/#roster) | [Notes and Facts](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/news/ec2324-rs18-game-notes-facts-bou-ulm/) | Quotes |[ TV](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/tv-listings-ec/)

Bourg has already secured first place in the group, while Ulm could yet be overtaken by Aris Midea Thessaloniki for fourth place after suffering a 20-point defeat by the Greek team last week to prolong a worrying run of five losses in six games. Bourg took an exciting Round 9 meeting between the teams 84-89 powered by 19 points and 10 rebounds from Maksim Salash - his only double-double of the season. The game features a long-range shooting duel between two dangerous marksmen, Tomas Klepeisz (41.1% for threes) and Zaccharie Risacher (56.6%).

[Bourg Stats](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/teams/mincidelice-jl-bourg-en-bresse/statistics/bou/?season=2023-24&phase=All%20phases) | [Ulm Stats](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/teams/ratiopharm-ulm/statistics/ulm/?season=2023-24&phase=All%20phases)

Maksim Salash vs. Karim Jallow: Two key forwards for their teams will face off in Round 18.

Two direct rivals tied for second place in Group B collide as Ulm takes on Bourg. The German team's smooth offense is equipped with impressive youngster Juan Nuñez, who will oppose the talents of the French side's Canadian power forward Isaiha Mike and his proficiency for steals.

Last game: ratiopharm Ulm-Mincidelice JL Bourg en Bresse | Round 9 Highlights | 2023-24 BKT EuroCup  

Group A leader Bourg hosts top-four chasing Ulm 

Mincidelice JL Bourg en Bresse v ratiopharm Ulm (2024-02-06T18:30:00.000Z)

A pair of teams with only pride to play for will complete their seasons with Hamburg (2-15) hosting Reyer (7-10). 

Preview: Hamburg Towers vs. Reyer Venezia

[Rosters](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/game-center/2023-24/veolia-towers-hamburg-umana-reyer-venice/U2023/175/#roster) | [Notes and Facts](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/news/ec2324-rs18-game-notes-facts-ham-vnc/) | [Quotes](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/news/ec2324-rs18-prequotes-ham-vnc/) |[ TV](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/tv-listings-ec/)

The Italian team is finishing strong with three wins out of four, most recently thrashing Prometey Slobozhanske with 25 points from Kyle Wiltjer, and surpassing 100 points in each of those victories. Marco Spissu was the main man when Reyer beat Hamburg 94-77 in Round 9, combining 22 points and 9 assists, and he faces a good battle with opposing backcourt leader Aljami Durham, who averages 11.4 points per game.

[Hamburg Stats](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/teams/veolia-towers-hamburg/statistics/ham/?season=2023-24&phase=All%20phases) | [Reyer Stats](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/teams/umana-reyer-venice/statistics/vnc/?season=2023-24&phase=All%20phases)

Aljami Durham vs. Marco Spissu: A couple of long-range specialists go to battle in Germany.

After seeing a promising upturn halted by Prometey, Reyer strive to restore themselves to the playoff trail with a visit from Hamburg, whose hopes of challenging for the knockout stages are fast fading. The displays of Kyle Wiltjer and William Christmas may be key to their respective team's ambitions here.

Last game: Umana Reyer Venice-Veolia Towers Hamburg | Round 9 Highlights | 2023-24 BKT EuroCup  

Hamburg, Reyer playing for pride in Round 18

Group B's last-placed Slask (2-15) will look to ruin the playoff ambitions of Türk Telekom (7-10), which most likely needs a win to advance to the next stage.

Preview: Slask Wroclaw vs. Türk Telekom B.K.

[Rosters](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/game-center/2023-24/slask-wroclaw-turk-telekom-ankara/U2023/180/#roster) | [Notes and Facts](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/news/ec2324-rs18-game-notes-facts-wro-ttk/) | Quotes |[ TV](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/tv-listings-ec/)

Slask gained one of its two victories this season by triumphing in Ankara in November behind 25 points from Jakub Niziol, so the Turkish team knows it can't take anything for granted. A lot of responsibility will fall on the shoulders of James Palmer, who averages 13.4 points after netting double digits in eight consecutive games. Tyrone Wallace will also look for a return to form after going 0-of-7 from three-point range in last week's loss to Bourg.

[Slask Stats](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/teams/slask-wroclaw/statistics/wro/?season=2023-24&phase=All%20phases) | [Turk Telekom Stats](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/teams/turk-telekom-ankara/statistics/ttk/?season=2023-24&phase=All%20phases)

Jakub Niziol vs. James Palmer Jr.: These two talented forwards will be keen to end the regular season on a high.

Either Turk Telekom or Slask are to finally celebrate the end of a long losing run in a game that may be already destinated as a bid to avoid the wooden spoon in Group B.

Last game: Turk Telekom Ankara-Slask Wroclaw | Round 9 Highlights | 2023-24 BKT EuroCup   

Group B's last-placed Slask (2-15) will look to ruin the playoff ambitions of Turk Telekom (7-10), which most likely needs a win to advance to the next stage.

Turk Telekom eyes playoff basketball when it travels to Slask

Slask Wroclaw v Turk Telekom Ankara (2024-02-06T19:00:00.000Z)

Eliminated Lietkabelis (6-11) will try to complicate the progress of Cluj (13-4), which needs a victory to secure a second-place finish and a direct passage to the quarterfinals. 

Preview: BC Lietkabelis vs. U-BT Cluj-Napoca

[Rosters](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/game-center/2023-24/7bet-lietkabelis-panevezys-u-bt-cluj-napoca/U2023/179/#roster) | [Notes and Facts](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/news/ec2324-rs18-game-notes-facts-lkb-clu/) | [Quotes](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/news/ec2324-rs18-prequotes-lkb-clu/) |[ TV](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/tv-listings-ec/)

The Lithuanian team snapped a four-game losing streak last week, downing Slask behind 21 points from the consistent Deividas Sirvydis. November's meeting was one of the games of the season, taken 120-111 by Cluj after overtime with 25 points from DJ Seeley on 5-of-6 three-point shooting. Cluj also enjoyed an overtime triumph last week, downing Gran Canaria to keep control of second place.

[Lietkabelis Stats](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/teams/7bet-lietkabelis-panevezys/statistics/lkb/?season=2023-24&phase=All%20phases) | [Cluj-Napoca Stats](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/teams/u-bt-cluj-napoca/statistics/clu/?season=2023-24&phase=All%20phases)

Paulius Valinskas vs. D.J. Seeley: These two guards are ready to show their talent once again in Round 18.

Following defeat to Gran Canaria, Cluj endeavour to restore winning-ways and regain ground when they entertain a flourishing Lietkabelis roster, which have won three European outings in succession. Can the Romanians get closer to the summit or will the visitors resume their rise?

Last game: U-BT Cluj-Napoca-7bet-Lietkabelis Panevezys | Round 9 Highlights | 2023-24 BKT EuroCup

Cluj has one target in mind when it visits Lietkabelis

7bet-Lietkabelis Panevezys v U-BT Cluj-Napoca (2024-02-07T17:00:00.000Z)

Playoff-bound Prometey (9-8) and Joventut (10-7) are playing for final group position as they go head-to-head separated by just one win.

Preview: BC Prometey vs. Joventut Badalona

[Rosters](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/game-center/2023-24/prometey-slobozhanske-joventut-badalona/U2023/171/#roster) | [Notes and Facts](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/news/ec2324-rs18-game-notes-facts-pmt-jov/) | [Quotes](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/news/ec2324-rs18-prequotes-pmt-jov/) |[ TV](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/tv-listings-ec/)

Joventut, which has lost two in a row, grabbed a narrow 79-76 victory when the teams met in November, with Andrew Andrews netting 15 points, so Prometey needs to win by 4 or more to claim the head-to-head advantage. A key matchup will take place in the paint between veteran big men Ante Tomic and Ondrey Balvin, who had 12 points and 12 rebounds in November's meeting.

[Prometey Stats](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/teams/prometey-slobozhanske/statistics/pmt/?season=2023-24&phase=All%20phases) | [Joventut Stats](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/teams/joventut-badalona/statistics/jov/?season=2023-24&phase=All%20phases)

Ondrej Balvin vs. Ante Tomic: Two veteran centers are ready to put on a show in Latvia.

Joventut seek to conclude a three-game slide against Prometey, who are progressing in the opposite direction via two W's in a row. The Ukrainians are top rebounders and may try to dominate physically, whereas the Spaniards wish to control the tempo in what could be a speed versus power encounter.

Last game: Joventut Badalona-Prometey Slobozhanske | Round 9 Highlights | 2023-24 BKT EuroCup

Playoff positioning at stake when Prometey, Joventut face off

Prometey Slobozhanske v Joventut Badalona (2024-02-07T17:00:00.000Z)