Reigning champion Dreamland Gran Canaria (11-3) will look to maintain at least a share of the top position in Group B against a Turk Telekom Ankara (5-9) team that has kept alive its playoffs hopes with two straight wins based on excellent defense.

 2023 Final rematch as Turk Telekom visits Gran Canaria 

[Rosters](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/game-center/2023-24/dreamland-gran-canaria-turk-telekom-ankara/U2023/147/#roster) | [Notes and Facts](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/news/ec2324-rs15-game-notes-facts-can-ttk/) | Quotes |[ TV](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/tv-listings-ec/)

The Spanish team ended a three-game losing slide by overcoming Lietkabelis last week, with 23 points from Ethan Happ. He also shined in November's 69-82 win at Turk Telekom, which had Steven Enoch continue his magnificent form in the paint by contributing 16 points and 13 rebounds in last week's crucial triumph over Trento.

[Gran Canaria Stats](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/teams/dreamland-gran-canaria/statistics/can/?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)

Ethan Happ vs. Steven Enoch: A pair of heavy hitters in the frontcourt will be key to their teams' chances on Wednesday.

Following a third consecutive loss, Turk Telekom embark on another challenging assignment as they entertain reigning-champs Gran Canaria, who overcame Lietkabelis to maintain a perfect record. Jalen Adams has reached double digits every time this campaign and his duel with Andrew Albicy could be key.

Last game: Turk Telekom Ankara-Dreamland Gran Canaria | Round 6 Highlights | 2023-24 BKT EuroCup   

2023 Final rematch as Turk Telekom visits Gran Canaria

Dreamland Gran Canaria v Turk Telekom Ankara (2024-01-17T20:00:00.000Z)

Wolves Vilnius snapped a six-game losing streak last week by rallying to beat Cedevita Olimpija Ljubljana 91-89 in epic fashion. That win lifted Wolves' record to 5-9 and kept its playoff hopes alive. Swingman Jeffery Taylor, by far the most experienced player on the team, had a strong all-around performance in that game with 13 points, 6 rebounds, 6 assists and 2 steals. Taylor joined Wolves upon the club's creation in 2022 after seven seasons with Real Madrid, which he helped win the Turkish Airlines EuroLeague in 2018. 

Jeffery Taylor, Wolves Vilnius: 'It feels really good to be back'

Taylor has a very different role with Wolves as one its main pillars on offense and defense as well as a mentor for younger players who can profit from his great experience. [Jeffery Taylor](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/players/jeffery-taylor/006546/) had good teachers in the Spanish capital and the time has come for him to share his wisdom, as he told Javier Gancedo of the official EuroCup website in this interview. "It's a different position for me, but being in Madrid for all those years, I was able to learn and to watch other great leaders like Felipe Reyes, Sergio Llull, "Chapu" \[Andres Nocioni\] and "Chacho" \[Sergio Rodriguez\]," Taylor said. "Those guys always treated me with patience and with respect, and they always try to show you the right way to do things or point out things to you along the way. So learning from them, I just try to do the same way."

**Congratulations on beating Cedevita. What allowed you to come back and win this game?**

"Thanks. We got some defensive stops and then we were able to get some layups and just trying to keep fighting, keep playing until the last whistle."

**You missed most of the season until now due to injury. How does it feel to be back and ready to lead the Wolves?**

"That feels good. It feels really good to be back. It feels good to see that the body is feeling normal and then recovering after that surgery, so it's great. And hopefully, I can help us get some wins here in the last part of the regular season and then see if we can get lucky and get into these playoffs."

"It's been fun to be here from the start and be able to help it from the ground up."

**This is your second season with the team, a new project managed by former players. What's the best thing about Wolves Vilnius and how comfortable are you on this team?**

"It's a great place. Like you said, it's a new project, so they have goals and places where they want to end up and it's great to be able to be here and help them along the way and try to get us there. Like I said, they have a lot of ambition, so it's fun to be around. It's been fun to be here from the start and be able to help it from the ground up. I think it's going to be a team to look for in the coming years."

**After seven years in the EuroLeague with Real Madrid, this is your EuroCup debut. How challenging do you find this competition and in what ways is it similar to the EuroLeague?**

"I think it's a fun competition. There's a lot of good teams, and there's been high-quality competition. Like you said, I've never been in the EuroCup before, so it's been a fun challenge. Sadly, I missed a large part of the regular season, so it would have been fun to be in there competing from the beginning. But it's a fun concept. It's a little different with the group play and everything from the EuroLeague, so it's been fun to watch and to be a part of."

**Speaking of Real, are you following their amazing run in the competition? Are you in touch with your former teammates and the people at the club?**

"I talk to a bunch of guys on the team that I played with for those seven years, so I have great contact with them. I also talk to the physios, we write back and forth every now and again. So there's a bunch of people in the club that I still talk to if not daily, then we'll just check back with each other every once in a while. But that's family, it's always going to be that contact. And the communication with those guys over there in Madrid is always going to be there, for sure. The team has been unbelievable this season. They have such a deep, talented team. It's unreal, they always play together and find ways to win. It's incredible, honestly."

Jeffery Taylor is in his first BKT EuroCup season with Wolves Vilnius. He helped Real Madrid to win the 2017-18 Turkish Airlines EuroLeague title.

2023-24 EuroCup highlights: Jeffery Taylor, Wolves

**President Rimas Kaukenas, ambassador Darjus Lavrinovic and you played for Real in the past and are with Wolves now. Do you often talk about the good old days with Los Blancos?**

"Yes, we have discussed it before. It's always fun to have that connection and have other people around you that know what it's like to represent Madrid, so it's a cool thing to share with those guys, for sure."

**Vilnius is an important city in EuroCup history. How great is it to bring the EuroCup back to Vilnius and how are people responding to that?**

"It's been fun. Obviously, Rytas have deep roots here in Vilnius so for us, as a new team, I think it's been fun to to bring the EuroCup back as Rytas is now in the BCL. So I think it's fun to have more basketball competition, more high level basketball in Vilnius. I bet that's got to be something nice for people."

**We interviewed Kristupas Zemaitis earlier this season and said he was surprised about how humble and patient you are with younger players. How do you like to have this role, both as a leader and a mentor, on this team?**

"It's a different position for me, but being in Madrid for all those years, I was able to learn and to watch other great leaders like Felipe Reyes, Sergio Llull, "Chapu" \[Andres Nocioni\] and "Chacho" \[Sergio Rodriguez\]. Those guys always treated me with patience and with respect, and they always try to show you the right way to do things or point out things to you along the way. So learning from them, I just try to do the same way. If I see something, I'll try to point it out or maybe suggest something different or whatever. But I just try to help in every way and bring a little bit of that experience and just pass it along."

"The goal all season has been to make the playoffs."

**Your next game is in Riga against Prometey, the team ahead of you in the standings. Then you go play against Reyer in Venice. From your experience, how do you approach these critical games in which a playoff berth is on the line?**

"I think we just have to take it day by day... It's good to think about the big picture, but when you focus in and take it day by day, it makes it easier to really focus on what you have in front of you."

**How great would it be for this new, ambitious project to reach the EuroCup Playoffs and keep fighting for EuroCup glory?**

"That would be great. I mean, it would be a great success. And that's definitely the goal for us. The goal all season has been to make the playoffs. Obviously, we have had some bad luck with injuries and stuff like that, but we are still here. And as of right now, we still have a chance to make it. So we are going to make every push and use all the energy that we have, we are going to go towards that trying to complete that milestone, for sure."

Jeffery Taylor, Wolves: 'It feels really good to be back'

Up to three more playoff spots could be confirmed as Round 15 of the BKT EuroCup takes flight on Tuesday and Wednesday. Here's your guide to all the action.

This week: Three more teams eyeing the playoffs

### Tuesday, January 16

[Dolomiti Energia Trento vs. Slask Wroclaw](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/game-center/2023-24/dolomiti-energia-trento-slask-wroclaw/U2023/148/)

Tuesday's lone game will see Trento (6-8) attempt to get its playoff challenge back on track with a visit from last-placed Slask (2-12). In a meeting of two of the league's lowest-scoring teams, Trento will look to Kamar Baldwin to repeat the 17 points that led to a 75-84 road win at Slask in Round 4. Kendale McCullum paced Slask in that game with 19 points, and his return from injury played a part in last week's shock win over Ulm as the Polish side looks to finish the regular season on a high.

After winning two consecutive games for the first time in two years, Trento endeavour to bolster their postseason-push playoffs through rising star Quinn Ellis. Meanwhile, Slask remains at the foot of Group B but can take heart from a gutsy overtime loss at Ulm, where Lukasz Kolenda poured in 29 points.

Slask Wroclaw-Dolomiti Energia Trento | Round 6 Highlights | 2023-24 BKT EuroCup

### Wednesday, January 17

[Prometey Slobozhanske vs. Wolves Vilnius ](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/game-center/2023-24/prometey-slobozhanske-wolves-vilnius/U2023/141/)

Wednesday's opening tip-off will see Prometey (7-7) attempt to protect its place in the all-important top six with a visit from Wolves (5-9), which also has postseason hopes after ending a six-game losing streak last week. The power of Ondrey Balvin helps make Prometey the best rebounding and shot-blocking team in the competition (39.6 rpg., 3.9 bpg.) and Wolves will look to overcome that with the help of Rasheed Sulaimon, who scored 30 points in a Round 6 win over Prometey, 85-71, and made a welcome return from injury last week.

[Hapoel Shlomo Tel Aviv vs. Paris Basketball ](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/game-center/2023-24/hapoel-shlomo-tel-aviv-paris-basketball/U2023/145/)

In a big battle at the top of Group A, second-placed Hapoel (11-3) will attempt to challenge the group leadership of red-hot Paris (13-1). These are the top two scoring teams in the competition and a fascinating backcourt battle awaits between Xavier Munford (16.7 points and 4.2 assists per game) and TJ Shorts (17.7 ppg., 7.4 apg.). Paris forward Collin Malcolm will have fond memories of the Round 6 meeting between the teams as he poured in 23 points on 4-of-8 three-point shooting to help secure a crushing 114-87 victory.

[Cedevita Olimpija Ljubljana vs. Umana Reyer Venice ](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/game-center/2023-24/cedevita-olimpija-ljubljana-umana-reyer-venice/U2023/142/)

Cedevita's (0-14) quest for a first win of the season continues with a visit from Reyer (5-9), which boosted its hopes of catching up with the top six by ending a four-game losing streak last week. Kyle Wiltjer was the architect of that overtime win against Besiktas with 32 points and he'll look to continue his accuracy from long-range against the threat of Cedevita playmaker Justin Cobbs, who has averaged 19 points in the last three games. Reyer won 95-87 when the teams met in Round 6, led by 21 points from Barry Brown.

[Aris Midea Thessaloniki vs. Buducnost VOLI Podgorica ](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/game-center/2023-24/aris-midea-thessaloniki-buducnost-voli-podgorica/U2023/150/)

A key battle between direct rivals in Group B will see Aris (6-8) welcome Buducnost (6-8) for a game that could go a long way towards deciding playoff qualification. A home win would also give Aris a head-to-head advantage after grinding out a 63-65 road win at Buducnost in November. Yoan Moukoundou's 20 points weren't enough for victory that day as Aris big man Kris Bankston scored 14 points without a miss, and their battle for inside supremacy will again be crucial. Buducnost will again look for leadership from McKinley Wright after his 16 points helped beat Bourg last week. 

Two clubs keen to get back on the winning track go head-to-head. Buducnost seek a spark from from Mckinley Wright, who has averaged 13.8 ppg, while Aris are armed with three-point specialist Roberto Gallinat, who's consistently delivered with 16.8 ppg this term.

Buducnost VOLI Podgorica-Aris Medea Thessaloniki | Round 6 Highlights | 2023-24 BKT EuroCup

[ratiopharm Ulm vs. U-BT Cluj-Napoca ](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/game-center/2023-24/ratiopharm-ulm-u-bt-cluj-napoca/U2023/149/)

After seeing in-form Cluj (10-4) clinch a playoff berth last week, wobbling Ulm (8-6) will look to join them by ending a three-game losing streak. Cluj has already beaten the German champ this season, winning 86-75 in November thanks to 21 points from DJ Seeley. One of the league's rebounding and PIR leaders, Trevion Williams posted a double doubles that wasn't enough that night for Ulm, which desperately needs to improve its defense after allowing 94, 85 and 100 points in its recent three losses.

[JL Bourg en Bresse vs. 7bet-Lietkabelis Panevezys ](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/game-center/2023-24/mincidelice-jl-bourg-en-bresse-7bet-lietkabelis-panevezys/U2023/146/)

After ending a seven-game winning run with last week’s surprise defeat against Buducnost, playoff-bound Bourg (11-3) will look to recover its winning ways with a visit from Lietkabelis (5-9). The visiting team is currently one win outside the top six, but can take confidence from a thrilling 100-96 victory over Bourg in Round 6. Deividas Sirvydis was the inspiration for that win with 27 points and he is one of the competition's hottest players with at least 16 points in six straight games. The task of slowing him down falls to Jequan Lewis, who has at least one steal in seven out of eight games this season.

[Veolia Hamburg Towers vs. Besiktas Emlakjet Istanbul ](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/game-center/2023-24/veolia-towers-hamburg-besiktas-emlakjet-istanbul/U2023/143/)

Victory over lowly Hamburg (2-12) could be enough to secure a playoff place for Besiktas (8-6), which is looking to bounce straight back from last week's overtime loss to Reyer. The Turkish team will expect to recover its usual high defensive standards, as well as repeat the offensive execution that led to a 90-78 win over Hamburg earlier this season. Two big men played a prominent part in that game, with Besiktas center Angel Delgado grabbing 16 points and 10 rebounds, while Aleksander Dziewa had 21 points and 8 boards for Hamburg. Their tussle is sure to be crucial again this week.

High-flying Besiktas may be optimistic of a fifth win in six outings as it welcomes a Hamburg still awaiting their first success of 23/24. The power of William Christmas can help the Germans compete physically, yet the form of the Turks' Angel Delgado and his 7.8 boards might be cause for concern.

Besiktas Emlakjet Istanbul-Veolia Towers Hamburg | Round 6 Highlights | 2023-24 BKT EuroCup

[London Lions vs. Joventut Badalona ](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/game-center/2023-24/london-lions-joventut-badalona/U2023/144/)

Red-hot Joventut (9-5) will aim to secure a playoff berth by grabbing a seventh straight win with a tough trip to a London (10-4) team already inked into the postseason. The English team triumphed in Spain in November, 76-87, behind 21 points from Gabe Olaseni, who grabbed his fifth double-double of the season in last week's win over Hapoel. But Joventut has improved a lot since then, and veteran big man Ante Tomic is ready to challenge Olaseni after recording 21 points and 10 rebounds in last week's win over Hamburg. 

[Dreamland Gran Canaria vs. Turk Telekom Ankara ](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/game-center/2023-24/dreamland-gran-canaria-turk-telekom-ankara/U2023/147/)

Reigning champion Gran Canaria (11-3) will look to maintain at least a share of the top position in Group B against a Turk Telekom (5-9) team that has kept alive its playoffs hopes with two straight wins based on excellent defense. The Spanish team ended a three-game losing slide by overcoming Lietkabelis last week, with 23 points from Ethan Happ. He also shined in November's 69-82 win at Turk Telekom, which had Steven Enoch continue his magnificent form in the paint by contributing 16 points and 13 rebounds in last week's crucial triumph over Trento.

Aris Midea Thessaloniki v Buducnost VOLI Podgorica (2024-01-17T18:00:00.000Z)

ratiopharm Ulm v U-BT Cluj-Napoca (2024-01-17T18:30:00.000Z)

Dolomiti Energia Trento v Slask Wroclaw (2024-01-16T19:00:00.000Z)

Mincidelice JL Bourg en Bresse v 7bet-Lietkabelis Panevezys (2024-01-17T18:30:00.000Z)

Hapoel Shlomo Tel Aviv v Paris Basketball (2024-01-17T17:30:00.000Z)

London Lions v Joventut Badalona (2024-01-17T19:30:00.000Z)

Veolia Towers Hamburg v Besiktas Emlakjet Istanbul (2024-01-17T18:30:00.000Z)

Cedevita Olimpija Ljubljana v Umana Reyer Venice (2024-01-17T17:30:00.000Z)

Prometey Slobozhanske v Wolves Vilnius (2024-01-17T17:00:00.000Z)

The pair of Round 14 games that had the biggest impact on the BKT EuroCup standings both hinged on three-point shooting.

Stats review: A make-or-miss proposition

In Group A, Umana Reyer Venice kept their postseason hopes alive with an overtime home victory against Besiktas Emlakjet Istanbul. Reyer needed every one of the 16 three-pointers they made to overcome Besiktas's dominant margin in the possession battle. Their scorching-hot 62% shooting from beyond the arc helped Reyer escape with the win.

In Group B, Buducnost VOLI Podgorica overcame some poor shooting of their own by holding Mincidelice JL Bourg en Bresse to just 2-for-18 from beyond the arc over the last two quarters. That outcome allowed Dreamland Gran Canaria to slide back into first place after they snapped their three-game losing streak against 7bet-Lietkabelis Panevezys.

The bounces teams get from beyond the arc often tend to dictate the outcome of games, and, in the case of both key games last week, had a relevant impact [on the standings](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/standings/). 

Some teams get a lot more of those bounces than others. As the graph above suggests, what Buducnost accomplished in the second half of that game on the defensive end was really something, considering that Bourg is one of three teams that have shot the three-pointer nearly 5% better than average this season, both off the catch and off the dribble. That's no small difference, given that the average EuroCup team attempts over 25 three-pointers per game; a 5% difference in accuracy equates to just under 4 points per game. 

For their own part, Buducnost may be the most mismatched team in the EuroCup from beyond the arc. They rank second in pull-up three-point percentage but have struggled to knock down catch-and-shoot jump shots. It would not be especially surprising if a rise to the mean between those two types of shots propelled Buducnost into the playoff picture in tightly packed Group B. 

### Catch-and-shoot volume

That is especially true considering the role volume plays in this equation. While this graph is meant to focus on accuracy, it is worth noting that a team's vertical placement on this graph is dramatically more important than where they land horizontally as 68% of all three-point attempts in the EuroCup come in catch-and-shoot situations. 

With only four regular season games remaining, results are critical moving forward. With the top-three seeds in both groups having already clinched playoff berths, there's still a lot to settle towards the middle of the standings. 

The competition in Group B is going to be especially fierce, but there's still plenty of possibilities in Group A as well. Which teams are able to will in a few extra shots from beyond the arc may well be the story at the end of the regular season, just like it was in Round 14.

Hapoel Shlomo Tel Aviv released an update on Saturday on the status of four of its injured stars. 

Hapoel’s John Holland sidelined with torn hamstring 

Veteran swingman [John Holland](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/players/john-holland/004267/) will miss up to six weeks as he recovers from a torn hamstring suffered during last week’s loss at London Lions. Holland has averaged 7.3 points on 43.2% three-point shooting in 13 games this season. 

[Braian Angola](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/players/braian-angola/010465/), who was dealing with a groin strain, has returned to light practice and could be back to game action in the next week or two. In 11 games this season, Angola has averaged 13.5 points on 41.8% three-point shooting plus 4.0 rebounds, 3.8 assists and 1.5 steals.

Big man [Jaylen Hoard](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/players/jaylen-hoard/006835/), who tore his quadriceps muscle, is expected to return to light training next weekend and to full activity in about three weeks. Hoard is the team's top scorer this season with 17.3 points per game in addition to 5.2 rebounds on average.

[J'Covan Brown](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/players/j-covan-brown/011991/), who underwent surgery for a sports hernia, continues his recovery process and is expected to return to activity in a few weeks. Brown, out since mid-December, is second in the EuroCup in assists with 6.9 per game. 

Hapoel is second in Group A with an 11-3 record and has already clinched a playoff berth. It faces top-ranked Paris Basketball this week.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="iw" dir="rtl">עדכון על מצב הפצועים:<br><br>בראיין אנגולה שסבל ממתיחה במפשעה חזר בימים האחרונים לאימונים באופן חלקי והוא מתקדם בהליך השיקום שלו. הוא צפוי לחזור לפעילות בטווח זמן של בין שבוע לשבועיים.<br><br>ג&#39;ייקובן בראון שסובל מבקע ספורטאים ממשיך בתהליך ההחלמה מהניתוח אותו עבר בגרמניה. והוא צפוי לחזור… <a href="https://t.co/th3TtE1FMd">pic.twitter.com/th3TtE1FMd</a></p>&mdash; Hapoel Tel Aviv BC (@HapoelTLVBC) <a href="https://twitter.com/HapoelTLVBC/status/1746261155536949621?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 13, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Budućnost VOLI has a realistic shot at making the 2023-24 EuroCup Playoffs after notching an impressive win against JL Bourg-en-Bresse in Round 14.

Budućnost VOLI is alive and kicking after refusing to go down against Bourg

It might be a bit early to be talking about a make-or-break type of game, but that was the situation for Buducnost VOLI Podgorica entering Round 14 of the 2023-24 BKT EuroCup Regular Season.

With a 5-8 record in Group B and on the outside looking in regarding the playoffs, the visit of a Mincidelice JL Bourg en Bresse side that had won seven straight was hardly what the doctor had ordered. But, Andrej Zakelj’s side managed to [complete a comeback and emerge as the 78-74 winner](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/news/buducnost-voli-stuns-group-b-leader-jl-bourg-en-bresse-78-74/), improving to 6-8 in the process. Buducnost in seventh is now tied record-wise with Aris Midea Thessaloniki in fifth and Dolomiti Energia Trento in sixth.

<center>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Hard fought win 🔵⚪️<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/KKB?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#KKB</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/HukMora%C4%8De?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#HukMorače</a> <a href="https://t.co/Ojp5C1nAtc">pic.twitter.com/Ojp5C1nAtc</a></p>&mdash; KK Budućnost VOLI (@KKBuducnostVOLI) <a href="https://twitter.com/KKBuducnostVOLI/status/1745179281355845876?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 10, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

### Responding in fine fashion

Buducnost got off to a great start, but Bourg found its rhythm in the second quarter and took the lead before having a 30-39 advantage at the break. A couple of minutes into the third, Bourg was up by double digits, 35-46. It looked like back-to-back defeats were on the cards, which would have been a major blog to the club’s postseason hopes, yet the hosts would go on to outscore the French visitors 43-28 the rest of the way.

Even at the halftime interval, Buducnost center Nikola Tanaskovic knew that his team was capable of going to another level, having put up 30 points through the first 20 minutes: “Our team is capable of scoring much more than this.” It would turn out that Mr. Tanaskovic knew exactly what he was talking about, and the Montenegrin team’s defense also tightened things up, too.

“We were nervous in the first half, especially on offense; we didn’t score anything,” acknowledged Coach Zakelj in the post-game flash interview. “Then, with better defense in the third quarter, we came back. The players deserved to win.”

Isiaha Mike maintained his great form with 22 points and 8 rebounds when Bourg grabbed an important win over Gran Canaria. Buducnost are expected to counter through the skills and experience of Brandon Paul as they strive to reach the postseason and avoid a premature exit from the tournament.

Buducnost VOLI Podgorica-Mincidelice JL Bourg en Bresse| Round 14 Highlights | 2023-24 BKT EuroCup

### Makoundou stood out for Buducnost

One of the key contributors on both ends of the floor was Yoan Makoundou, a loanee from AS Monaco who is showing that he deserves a crack at the Turkish Airlines EuroLeague. The 23-year-old’s all-action play saw him finish with 12 points, 6 rebounds, 1 steal and 1 block, yet it was his intangibles that gave his side a shot in the arm: his hustle, his never-say-die attitude, and his desire to make winning plays, even if they don’t show up in the stats sheet.

“It was one hell of a game,” recognized Makoundou. “Both teams competed until the end. We really wanted this one, so I’m really glad that I’ve been able to help my teammates finally get this win. Now, we’re focusing on the next game, but it was a heck of a game.”

<center>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="fr" dir="ltr">l&#39;homme du match 🔵⚪️🏀<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/kkb?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#kkb</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/hukmora%C4%8De?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#hukmorače</a> <a href="https://t.co/BEh6XNUrbT">pic.twitter.com/BEh6XNUrbT</a></p>&mdash; KK Budućnost VOLI (@KKBuducnostVOLI) <a href="https://twitter.com/KKBuducnostVOLI/status/1745199137111298526?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 10, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

### The playoff battle

Every game for Buducnost is going to be like this at the moment, as it attempts to make up for a 2-5 start to the campaign. Coach Zakelj arrived just prior to Round 8 and has since guided his group to a 4-3 record, which has seen Buducnost begin to dream about a spot in the EuroCup Playoffs once again.

With the quality it has on its roster, postseason basketball should have been a given for this team, but a strong side on paper means nothing if the players can’t back it up on the court. Coach Zakelj is still putting his fingerprints on this group, and there have been positive signs, but he does need to find a way to stop his team’s habit of winning one before losing one week later. Should he do that, we should expect to see Buducnost in the postseason.

It seems the race for the EuroCup Playoffs is going right down to the wire, so Buducnost just needs to be within touching distance. As such, winning at Aris in Round 15 needs to be an imperative.

More Buducnost News

Yogi Ferrell of Buducnost VOLI Podgorica has possession against Mincidelice JL Bourg en Bresse in Round 14 of the 2023-24 BKT EuroCup Regular Season.

By winning in Round 14, Andrej Zakelj’s squad has a realistic shot at making the EuroCup Playoffs.

Buducnost is alive and kicking after refusing to go down against Bourg

Buducnost VOLI Podgorica v Mincidelice JL Bourg en Bresse (2024-01-10T18:00:00.000Z)

Look back at all the action in the Regular Season Round 14 by checking out the best photos of the week! 

Top 10 photos of Round 14

Look back at all the action in the Regular Season Round 14 by checking out the best photos of the week!

These five players impressed enough in Round 14 to earn their place in the roll call after the first week of BKT EuroCup games in 2024.

Round 14 roll call: Marek Klassen, Tarik Phillip, Emanuel Cate, Vaidas Kariniauskas, Yigitcan Saybir

### Klassen has strong Slask debut

Joining the EuroCup midway through the season is always tough, but that has not been the case for [Marek Klassen](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/players/marek-klassen/012094/), who had a stellar return to the competition with Slask Wroclaw. Klassen led Slask to its second victory in Group B, downing ratiopharm Ulm 100-88 at home. He posted a double-double of 13 points and 10 assists. Klassen made 3 of 5 shots from beyond the arc and added 2 rebounds, 1 steal and 2 fouls drawn for a PIR of 14. At age 31, Klassen is back in Poland after playing in Romania, England, Turkey, the United States, Ukraine, Sweden, Canada, the Czech Republic, France and Greece, so, of course, adjusting to the new team so quickly has been easy for him.

Marek Klassen led Slask Wroclaw to its second victory in Group B, downing ratiopharm Ulm 100-88 at home. He posted a double-double of 13 points and 10 assists, hitting 3 of 5 shots from beyond the arc.

Klassen has double-double in Slask debut

### Tarik Phillip sewed up London's big win

Six teammates may have scored more than him, but London Lions guard [Tarik Phillip](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/players/tarik-phillip/009649/) had everything to do with his team pulling out a crucial 96-100 road win over the team above it in the Group A standings, Hapoel Shlomo Tel Aviv. With Jordan Taylor out of the lineup, Phillip dedicated himself to defense and assist-making, pulling 6 rebounds and dishing 7 dimes to go with his 9 points, including 2 free throws to ice the outcome with 5 seconds left. While his teammates poured in the points, his plus/minus rating of +9 led London and his poise at the finish made sure to get the job done against a dangerous opponent.

Tarik Phillip (9 points) Highlights vs. Hapoel Tel Aviv, 01/09/2024

Tarik Phillip sewed up London's big win

### Cate helps Cluj punch playoff ticket

It was a historic night for U-BT Cluj-Napoca, which qualified for the EuroCup Playoffs for the first time in club history. Cluj downed Aris Midea Thessaloniki, taking off after the break and never looking back. [Emanuel Cate](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/players/emanuel-cate/005373/) needed less than 19 minutes to get 18 points on 8 of 10 two-point shooting and 2-of-2 on free throws off the bench. Cate also had time to grab 4 rebounds and get 1 steal, 1 block and 2 fouls drawn for a team-high PIR of 23. Cate has been highly effective all season, providing instant offense off the bench. He is averaging 8.6 points on 63.7% two-point shooting in just over 17 minutes. And his season has been extended as Cluj will keep fighting for EuroCup glory after the regular season!

Emanuel Cate needed less than 19 minutes to get 18 points on 8 of 10 two-pointers and 2 of 2 free throws off the bench, as U-BT Cluj-Napoca qualified to the playoffs!

Cate leads Cluj's bench

### Kariniauskas was key for Wolves

In his first EuroCup season at 30 years old, [Vaidas Kariniauskas](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/players/vaidas-kariniauskas/003212/) picked the right moment for his best game yet with Wolves Vilnius. The former Zalgiris product made his EuroLeague debut more than 10 years ago and since then has played in five other countries before returning again to Lithuania this summer. Wolves faced possible elimination as soon as next week, but might now live longer in the Group A race after Kariniauskas put up season highs of 15 points and 19 PIR on 6-for-7 two-point and 3-for-3 free throw shooting in a cliff-hanger 91-81 home win on Tuesday against Cedevita Olimpija Ljubljana that ended his team's eight-game losing streak.

Vaidas Kariniauskas (15 points) Highlights vs. Cedevita Olimpija Ljubljana, 01/09/2024

Kariniauskas was key for Wolves

### Saybir leads Turk Telekom to critical win

Turk Telekom Ankara increased its chances of reaching the playoffs from Group B by downing Dolomiti Energia Trento 78-70. Forward [Yigitcan Saybir](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/players/yigitcan-saybir/006693/) played a critical role in the win, amassing a personal-best PIR of 25. He led Turk Telekom with a career-high 21 points of 4-of-7 two-point shooting, 3-of-4 on three-pointers and 4-of-5 free throws, which was well over his season scoring average (6.8 ppg.). It was just his second double-digit scoring night this season and came at the right time. Saybir added 9 rebounds, 1 assist, 1 steal and 4 fouls drawn to lead Turk Telekom to its fifth victory. After a 1-8 start, Turk Telekom has won four of its last five games to get closer and closer to the playoff zone in Group B.

Yigitcan Saybir led Turk Telekom with a career-high 21 points of 4 of 7 two-pointers, 3 of 4 three-pointers and 4 of 5 free throws, way over his season average (6.8 ppg.)

Saybir leads Turk Telekom past Trento

These five players impressed enough in Round 14 to earn their place in the roll call after the first week of BKT EuroCup games in 2024.


Round 14 roll call: Klassen, Phillip, Cate, Kariniauskas, Saybir

A career-best and club-record performance in a must-win game propelled Kyle Wiltjer of Umana Reyer Venice to MVP honors for Round 14.

Round 14 MVP: Kyle Wiltjer, Umana Reyer Venice

[Kyle Wiltjer](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/players/kyle-wiltjer/008052/) led Reyer to [a 106-96 overtime home victory over Besiktas Emlakjet Istanbul](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/game-center/2023-24/umana-reyer-venice-besiktas-emlakjet-istanbul/U2023/134/). He set career highs with a club-record 32 points on 2-of-5 two-point shooting, 7-of-11 on three-pointers and 7-of-7 free throws. The 7 triples were also a club record. Wiltjer added 4 rebounds, 3 assists, 2 blocks and 9 fouls drawn for a PIR of 39, which led all players in Round 14. He earned MVP of the Round honors for the first time and became the fourth Reyer to ever do it after Mitchell Watt, Mike Bramos and Derek Willis. 

A career-high individual performance in a must-win game allowed Kyle Wiltjer of Umana Reyer Venice to earn Round 14 MVP honors with a PIR of 39.

Kyle Wiltjer | Round 14 MVP | 2023-24 BKT EuroCup

The next-highest PIR in the round was the 31 that [Ante Tomic](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/players/ante-tomic/002507/) of Joventut Badalona amassed in [his team's 90-96 road victory at Veolia Towers Hamburg](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/game-center/2023-24/veolia-towers-hamburg-joventut-badalona/U2023/133/). Tomic led Joventut with 21 points on 9-of-15 two-point shooting, 10 rebounds, 6 assists, 1 steal and 4 fouls drawn. 

[Ethan Happ](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/players/ethan-happ/009864/) posted a PIR of 30 in leading Dreamland Gran Canaria to [an 84-92 road victory against 7bet-Lietkabelis Panevezys](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/game-center/2023-24/7bet-lietkabelis-panevezys-dreamland-gran-canaria/U2023/140/). He posted 23 points on 10 of 13 two-point shooting, 7 rebounds, 5 assists, 2 steals and 5 fouls drawn. [Andrew Andrews](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/players/andrew-andrews/011248/) of Joventut, [Bar Timor](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/players/bar-timor/004846/) of Hapoel Shlomo Tel Aviv and [Trevion Williams](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/players/trevion-lamon-williams-/012604/) of ratiopharm Ulm, each with a PIR of 28, completed the top individual performances in Round 14.

Umana Reyer Venice v Besiktas Emlakjet Istanbul (2024-01-10T19:00:00.000Z)