When Karlo Matkovic rejoined Cedevita Olimpija Ljubljana during the off-season, it was more than just a talented big man preparing to make his 7DAYS EuroCup debut. It was also the story of a former Cedevita prospect coming home to where it all started.

Matkovic thrilled to be at back Cedevita, where it all started

When [Karlo Matkovic](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/players/karlo-matkovic/009395/) rejoined Cedevita Olimpija Ljubljana during the off-season, it was more than just a talented big man preparing to make his 7DAYS EuroCup debut. It was also the story of a former Cedevita prospect coming home to where it all started.

Matkovic had a big summer in 2022: He was selected by the New Orleans Pelicans in the second round of the NBA Draft; played at his first major international competition, EuroBasket 2022; and agreed to go back to the club that signed him to his first pro contract way back in April 2019.

The 21-year-old Matkovic penned a long-term deal with Cedevita almost four years ago and spent the last three seasons on loan - 2019-20 with Serbian side OKK Belgrade and the last two with Mega Belgrade.

"It feels great of course," Matkovic said about coming back to Cedevita, where he came up in the youth ranks. "When you start there as a kid, let’s say, you want to get to that big stage as soon as possible. And over the course of these three years I had with OKK Belgrade and Mega, it really paid off nicely.

"I moved on loan to develop myself as a player. I went to Belgrade to improve and after some time to be ready for the bigger stage and the next step in my career. And I think that was a great step for me to take."

Highlights from Karlo Matkovic's first EuroCup games

Last season Matkovic averaged 11.6 points, 6.1 rebounds and 1.1 blocks for Mega in the Adriatic League. That performance was enough for New Orleans to select the Livno, Bosnia and Herzegovina, native with the 52nd pick in the 2022 NBA Draft.

At last summer’s EuroBasket, Matkovic was worth 8.0 points and 3.5 rebounds in helping Croatia reach the Round of 16.

"Having NBA and EuroLeague players in the team and playing against some made me really feel I improved a lot in a short amount of time," the 2.07-meter Matkovic said. "Playing well over the summer was really a great feeling knowing I can do a lot, even on the big stage."

As happy as Matkovic has been back with Cedevita, he missed a bit of time. He dealt with a twisted ankle that lingered from EuroBasket and then pulled his medial collateral ligament and ended up missing six weeks of action until November 26.

He played in four EuroCup games and then got hit in the head and lost his center of balance and suffered from dizziness. That kept him out for more than two weeks before finally coming back against Umana Reyer Venice on February 1.

"It was frustrating not being able to help the team. Seeing them not doing well made me even more frustrated because I know I can help them in lots of ways," said Matkovic, who has averaged 7.7 points, 5.0 rebounds and 0.8 rebounds in six games in the EuroCup this season.

The young big man said he has really been helped by the veterans on Cedevita, especially fellow center Alen Omic.

"I think being with the experienced guys has helped me see some little details in every segment of the game. Having Omic at my position really helps a lot. He always talks to me at practice about how to defend some situations, how to put my body in some situations, how to create for others, and for myself at the end," Matkovic said.

All-in-all, Matkovic is just happy to be back home.

- Tyrique Jones, of Turk Telekom Ankara, has been sanctioned with a one-game suspension due to physical aggression towards another individual, on occasion of its team’s away game against Dolomiti Energia Trento under Article 27.1.a) of the Euroleague Basketball Disciplinary Code.
- Buducnost Voli Podgorica has been sanctioned with a fine of €30,001, and its two next away games to be played without visiting fans, for the incidents generated by its fans including physical aggression, on occasion of its team’s away game against Paris Basketball under Article 29.1.e) of the Euroleague Basketball Disciplinary Code. This decision may be appealed before the Appeals Panel.

Euroleague Basketball has announced the following disciplinary sanction pertaining to incidents that occurred in Round 14 of the 7DAYS EuroCup regular season.

Round 14 disciplinary sanction

Just like the races to reach the playoffs and secure home-court advantage in the 7DAYS EuroCup are heating up down the stretch, so is the competition to become the 2022-23 EuroCup Rising Star. This season could bring about one of the tightest votes ever thanks to the plethora of worthy candidates.

To be eligible for this award, players must have been 21 years of age or younger on July 1, 2000. The winner will be chosen through voting by the EuroCup's head coaches and the candidates are not limited to the players listed below. Here are the top candidates to date, listed in alphabetical order by surname.

[Olek Balcerowski](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/players/aleksander-balcerowski/007553/)**, Gran Canaria**

The winner of the 2020-21 EuroCup Rising Star Trophy, Balcerowski is a modern center who can pull the trigger from downtown, run the floor with great speed and rebound well at both ends. He has averaged 9.3 points, 3.9 rebounds and 0.9 blocks for a PIR of 11.9 in 14 EuroCup games this season, all while playing less than 17 minutes per game. Balcerowski ranks third in the competition in two-point shooting (79.3% 2FG) and is eighth overall in PIR (29.7) and blocks (2.2) per 40 minutes.

Aleksander Balcerowski of Gran Canaria is one of the eligible players for this season's Rising Star award.

EuroCup Rising Star candidate: Olek Balcerowski, Gran Canaria

[Juhann Begarin](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/players/juhann-begarin/008161/)**, Paris Basketball**

At age 20, Begarin has surprised experts and fans alike with his physicality and defensive skills. He ranks second in steals at 2.1 per night and leads all Rising Star candidates in scoring with 12.0 points per game. Begarin has also averaged 3.2 rebounds, 2.1 assists, 0.5 blocks and a PIR of 11.4. His energy and athleticism are a perfect fit for Paris's run-and-gun style. Begarin comes off his best game, too, with 22 points on 8-of-9 two-point shooting, 5 assists and 2 steals for a PIR of 29 against Buducnost.

Juhann Begarin of Paris Basketball is one of the eligible players for this season's Rising Star award.

EuroCup Rising Star candidate: Juhann Begarin, Paris

[George Conditt](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/players/george-conditt-iv/012016/)**, Promitheas Patras**

Born on August 22, 2000, Conditt is an unusual candidate for the award since few American-born players compete in Europe at this age. Conditt has been strong in the paint for Promitheas with averages of 7.6 points on 61.8% two-point shooting, 4.2 rebounds and 0.7 blocks for a PIR of 9.5. He had a double-double of 22 points and 10 rebounds against Hamburg in just his fourth game in the competition. An old-school center with good post moves, Conditt needs to improve his free throw percentage (59.5% FT) to become a bigger threat on offense.

Geroge Conditt of Promitheas Patras is one of the eligible players for this season's Rising Star award.

EuroCup Rising Star candidate: George Conditt, Promitheas

[Khalifa Diop](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/players/khalifa-diop/008072/)**, Gran Canaria**

Diop won the Rising Star award last season and has a chance to repeat which is something that only EuroCup legend Bojan Dubljevic has done in the past. He is playing with more confidence this season, finishing a lot of plays under the rim and making the most of his extended playing time. Diop has averaged 9.8 points on 68.0% two-point shooting, 5.6 rebounds and 1.0 blocks. He leads Gran Canaria in PIR (12.7) and ranks second in the competition in offensive rebounds per 40 minutes (6.0).

Khalifa Diop of Gran Canaria is one of the eligible players for this season's Rising Star award.

EuroCup Rising Star candidate: Khalifa Diop, Gran Canaria

[Ismael Kamagate](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/players/ismael-kamagate/011926/)**, Paris Basketball**

Considered by many the frontrunner in the Rising Star race, Kamagate has been a dominant force in Group B. He has proved to be one of the biggest defensive walls in the competition; Kamagate leads the EuroCup with 1.7 blocks per game and is second in rebounds (9.6 rpg.). He has been an effective scorer, too, ranking fourth in two-point shooting (78.1%) and fifth in PIR (18.8). Kamagate earned Round 6 MVP honors after posting 12 points, a career-high 19 rebounds, 4 blocks and a personal-best PIR of 41 against Hamburg.

Ismael Kamagate of Paris Basketball is one of the eligible players for this season's Rising Star award.

EuroCup Rising Star candidate: Ismael Kamagate, Paris

[Juan Nunez](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/players/juan-nunez/010106/)**, ratiopharm Ulm**

Nunez entered the competition as a promising pass-first playmaker with a high basketball IQ and has done everything in his power to rise to the expectations. Nunez ranks sixth in the EuroCup in assists on a per-minute basis (9.1 prorated over 40 minutes) and 15th in steals per minute (2.5 over 40). He has averaged 6.3 points, 2.8 rebounds, 4.5 assists and 1.2 steals for a PIR of 8.4. Despite his energy and passing skills, Nunez has plenty of room for improvement, as his shooting has not been the best (45.8% 2FG, 26.1% 3FG, 57.1% FT) and he is second in turnovers per 40 minutes (5.7).

Juan Nunez of ratiopharm Ulm is one of the eligible players for this season's Rising Star award.

EuroCup Rising Star candidate: Juan Nunez, Ulm

[Ziga Samar](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/players/ziga-samar/007550/)**, Veolia Towers Hamburg**

In his first EuroCup season, Samar has adjusted well to the competition as his pass-first mentality fits perfectly into Hamburg's transition game. Samar is tied for fifth place in the competition in assists (5.6 apg.) and leads all Rising Star eligible players in that category. He is averaging 8.5 points, 2.3 rebounds and 1.1 steals for a PIR of 9.9 while making 85.7% of his free throw attempts. Samar had his first career double-double against Slask in Round 12 with career-highs of 17 points and 11 rebounds for a PIR of 25 in his team's win.

Ziga Samar of Veolia Towers Hamburg is one of the eligible players for this season's Rising Star award.

EuroCup Rising Star candidate: Ziga Samar, Hamburg

[Matteo Spagnolo](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/players/matteo-spagnolo/008173/)**, Dolomiti Energia Trento**

Spagnolo has helped Trento as a scorer, a passer and by playing with great energy. He has averaged 9.7 points, 3.4 rebounds, 4.4 assists and 1.0 steal for a PIR of 9.0 in 10 games this season. Spagnolo has scored in double digits in all but three games, including 15 points and 5 assists against Turk Telekom. Spagnolo has struggled with his field goal accuracy (39.4% 2FG, 26.7% 3FG), but ranks 10th overall in free throw shooting (89.5% FT). At age 20, Spagnolo has plenty of room for improvement and is showing he is much more than a scorer.

Matteo Spagnolo of Dolomiti Energia Trento is one of the eligible players for this season's Rising Star award.

EuroCup Rising Star candidate: Matteo Spagnolo, Trento

EuroCup Rising Star candidates

### Italy: Brescia wins its first cup

Germani Brescia conquered the Italian Cup for the first time on Sunday with a 76-84 victory over Virtus Segafredo Bologna. Amedeo Della Valle starred with 26 points and 6 assists, John Petrucelli scored 13 and Kenny Gabriel posted 9 points and 10 rebounds to lead the winners. Marco Belinelli scored 24 points to lead Virtus in defeat. Toko Shengelia added 12 points, Jordan Mickey 11 and Daniel Hackett 10.

Della Valle, Christian Burns and Petrucelli led a 5-16 run to close the second quarter that put Brescia up 30-40 at halftime. Brescia scored the first 5 points of the second half and the lead reached 42-59 on a Tai Odiase free throw. Virtus fought back to 51-61 at the end of the third quarter. Belinelli helped Virtus on a 9-0 spurt to get within 60-64 and Shengelia made it 71-72 with less than 4 minutes remaining. But Virtus was unable to score on its next four possessions as Della Valle stretched the lead to 7 from the foul line to all but put the game on ice.

<center><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="it" dir="ltr">NOI, VOI, CAMPIONI 🏀🏆🇮🇹<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/DreamBig?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#DreamBig</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Brescia?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Brescia</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TuttoUnAltroSport?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TuttoUnAltroSport</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/LBAF82023?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#LBAF82023</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Frecciarossa?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Frecciarossa</a> <a href="https://t.co/dIFLPDm793">pic.twitter.com/dIFLPDm793</a></p>&mdash; Pallacanestro Brescia (@LeonessaBrescia) <a href="https://twitter.com/LeonessaBrescia/status/1627385342645964800?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 19, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

### France: Bourg falls to ASVEL in final

LDLC ASVEL Villeurbanne captured the French Leaders Cup with a 74-83 triumph over Mincidelice JL Bourg en Bresse in St. Etienne. Nando De Colo scored 20 points to lead ASVEL. Retin Obasohan tallied 16 points and 7 rebounds, Charles Kahudi had 13 and 9 and Dee Bost added 12 points for the winners. Bourg's Jordan Floyd scored a game-high 23 and James Palmer had 20 in defeat.

ASVEL never trailed, but Bourg kept it close for much of the first quarter, which ended with the score 17-22. ASVEL took control with a 2-18 second-quarter charge, in which De Colo scored a third of his team’s points. It was 25-45 at halftime and 47-64 after three quarters. ASVEL’s lead peaked at 47-73 before Amida Brimah helped Bourg make a late run to cut the difference to single figures. But it was too little, too late, as ASVEL began to celebrate.

Domestic cups: Brescia wins its first cup

### Brescia into second-ever cup final

 

Germani Brescia came away with a 74-57 win against Pesaro to reach its second-ever Italian Cup final. Amedeo Della Valle was Brescia's leading scorer with a game-high 15 points, followed by CJ Massinburg with 13 and Nicola Akele with 10.

 

Although Pesaro was able to win the first quarter 14-16, Brescia elevated its play on defense and shined brighter on offense to outscore Pesaro 22-6, making it a 36-22 game at halftime. It was a tight game in the second half, but Brescia was able to come out on top in both the third and fourth quarters, winning 15-14 and 23-21, respectively, en route to its 74-57 victory.

<center>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="it" dir="ltr">SIAMO IN FINALEEEEEEEE 💪💪💪<br>SIAMO IN FINALEEEEEEEE 💪💪💪<br>SIAMO IN FINALEEEEEEEE 💪💪💪<br><br>La Germani Brescia supera la <a href="https://twitter.com/VLPesaro?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@VLPesaro</a> e affronterà la <a href="https://twitter.com/VirtusSegafredo?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@VirtusSegafredo</a> nella finalissima 🏀🏆🇮🇹<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/DreamBig?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#DreamBig</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Brescia?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Brescia</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/LBAF82023?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#LBAF82023</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Frecciarossa?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Frecciarossa</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/gruppo_a2a?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@gruppo_a2a</a> <a href="https://t.co/a83r803p5C">pic.twitter.com/a83r803p5C</a></p>&mdash; Pallacanestro Brescia (@LeonessaBrescia) <a href="https://twitter.com/LeonessaBrescia/status/1627060992902594560?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 18, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

### Bourg's fairy tale continues

Mincidelice JL Bourg en Bresse has reached the French League Cup final for the third time in its history after beating Dijon 77-94 at Arena Saint-Etienne Metropole. Following his 18-point game against AS Monaco in the quarterfinals, James Palmer was once again Bourg's hero, as this time he scored a game-high 25 points. Jordan Floyd finished with 17 points and Hugo Benitez had 10 in the win, too.

A well-fought first quarter resulted in Bourg ending the period 20-24 ahead. In the second quarter, Frederic Fauthoux's side improved their defense by holding Dijon to just 11 points, while Bourg put 20 points on the board to go into halftime with a 31-44 lead. Bourg extended its advantage after the third quarter to 51-69, before a fightback from Dijon saw it win the final quarter, 26-25. However, that wasn’t enough as Bourg reached the final with a 77-94 win. Now, the team will go in search of its first-ever French League Cup title.

<center>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="fr" dir="ltr"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/LeadersCup?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#LeadersCup</a>. LIVE ✨<br><br>🏆🏆🏆🏆<a href="https://twitter.com/jdadijonbasket?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@jdadijonbasket</a> 77 🆚 94 JL Bourg<br><br>Ladies &amp; gentlemen. Une chose à dire.<br>LA JL BOURG. EST EN FINALE !!!! 🔥🔥🔥 <a href="https://t.co/LXhLf6HaUn">pic.twitter.com/LXhLf6HaUn</a></p>&mdash; JL Bourg Basket (@JLBourgBasket) <a href="https://twitter.com/JLBourgBasket/status/1627028708107120641?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 18, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

### Joventut left heartbroken

Joventut Badalona has seen its journey in the Spanish Cup come to an end at the semifinal stage, as Lenovo Tenerife grabbed a 72-73 victory thanks to a made basket with three seconds to go. Joel Parra scored a game-high 26 points, while the only other Joventut player to reach double figures was Kyle Guy with 10 points.

<center>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="ca" dir="ltr">🟩⬛️ Final. Ens quedem les portes de la final<a href="https://twitter.com/Penya1930?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Penya1930</a> 72-73 <a href="https://twitter.com/CB1939Canarias?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@CB1939Canarias</a> <br><br>🎯 Joel Parra: 24 punts<br><br>GRÀCIES, OLÍMPIC, PEL VISCUT AQUESTS DOS PARTITS<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Badalona%C3%89sFutur?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#BadalonaÉsFutur</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/CopaACB?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#CopaACB</a> <a href="https://t.co/Qj1Nj7jFEv">pic.twitter.com/Qj1Nj7jFEv</a></p>&mdash; Club Joventut Badalona (@Penya1930) <a href="https://twitter.com/Penya1930/status/1627075354727948292?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 18, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

### Lietkabelis falls in the semis

 

7Bet-Lietkabelis Panevezys has been eliminated from the Lithuanian Cup at the semifinal stage after losing 67-77 to Zalgiris Kaunas. It was an incredibly even game for three of the four quarters, but a 12-21 second quarter in favor of Zalgiris is ultimately what decided it. Jamel Morris and Gyorgy Goloman scored 14 points apiece in the defeat.

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Domestic cups: Bourg, Brescia book places in finals

### Cedevita wins Slovenian Cup

Cedevita Olimpija Ljubljana has become Slovenian Cup champions for the 22nd time in its history following a 70-81 win against Helios Suns at Lukna Sports Hall. Yogi Ferrell finished with a team-high 18 points, followed by Zoran Dragic with 15 and Edo Muric with 10.

 

It was an even contest in the first half, with the score being 14-17 after the first quarter and 33-38 at halftime. Even entering the final quarter of play, Cedevita had done enough to keep its 6-point lead intact, 52-58. Then, in the last 10 minutes, Cedevita was able to outscore Helios Suns 18-23 en route to its 70-81 triumph.

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="und" dir="ltr">🏆 🏆<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ZmajevoSrce?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ZmajevoSrce</a> <a href="https://t.co/s6ahsSg3Ho">pic.twitter.com/s6ahsSg3Ho</a></p>&mdash; Cedevita Olimpija Ljubljana - English (@KKCedOL_EN) <a href="https://twitter.com/KKCedOL_EN/status/1626690094336815104?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 17, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

### Joventut reaches Spanish Cup semis

 

Joventut Badalona showed that home comforts matter as it beat Cazoo Baskonia Vitoria-Gasteiz 94-81 at Palau Olimpic de Badalona to secure its place in the Spanish Cup semifinals. Ante Tomic led the way for Joventut with 18 points. Joel Parra and Vladimir Brodziansky had 15 and 12 points, respectively, while Kyle Guy, Henry Ellenson and Andres Feliz scored 10 points apiece. Baskonia's leading scorer was Rokas Giedraitis with 13 points, with Tadas Sedekerskis adding 12 and guard duo Markus Howard and Darius Thompson scoring 11 each.

 

The game seemed to be swinging the way of Baskonia in the opening two quarters, as Joan Penarroya's team won the first two quarters 14-19 and 21-23 to head into the interval 35-42 ahead. However, a third-quarter explosion by Joventut saw it flip the game on its head by outscoring Baskonia 33-15 to make it 68-57. In the final quarter of play, Joventut once again put more points on the board than Baskonia, 26-24, as it celebrated a memorable night on its home floor with a 94-81 win.

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="ca" dir="ltr">💚🖤 FINAAAAL! VICTÒRIA I A SEMIFINALS DE LA COPA!<a href="https://twitter.com/Penya1930?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Penya1930</a> 94 - 81 <a href="https://twitter.com/Baskonia?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Baskonia</a> <br><br>🎯 Ante Tomic: 18 punts <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/CopaACB?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#CopaACB</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Badalona%C3%89sFutur?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#BadalonaÉsFutur</a> <a href="https://t.co/V7iwblipl2">pic.twitter.com/V7iwblipl2</a></p>&mdash; Club Joventut Badalona (@Penya1930) <a href="https://twitter.com/Penya1930/status/1626710813745754115?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 17, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

### Bourg causes a shock

Mincidelice JL Bourg en Bresse has reached the semifinals of the French Basketball League Cup after beating AS Monaco 92-102 at Arena Saint-Etienne Metropole. Following this win, Bourg will take on Dijon in the last four.

Bourg ended the first quarter with a narrow 18-22 lead, while a 25-28 second quarter saw Frederic Fauthoux's team go into the break with a 43-50 advantage. Monaco managed to outscore Bourg in the third quarter, 23-22, but a 26-30 finish saw Bourg break the 100-point barrier en route to an impressive 92-102 victory.

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="fr" dir="ltr"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/LeadersCup?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#LeadersCup</a>. LIVE ✨<br><br>🏆🏆🏆🏆<a href="https://twitter.com/ASMonaco_Basket?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ASMonaco_Basket</a> 92 ⚡️ 102 JL Bourg<br><br>Ils l&#39;ont faaaaaaait !!!! Avec une énorme prouesse, nos joueurs ont éliminé le grand favori. Place à la demiiii 🔥🔥 <a href="https://t.co/E41amVlaDg">pic.twitter.com/E41amVlaDg</a></p>&mdash; JL Bourg Basket (@JLBourgBasket) <a href="https://twitter.com/JLBourgBasket/status/1626627114525945856?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 17, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

### Gran Canaria eliminated in the quarters

 

Gran Canaria has been knocked out of the Spanish Cup at the quarterfinal stage following an 89-73 defeat to Tenerife. John Shurna scored a team-high 18 points for Gran Canaria, who also had Khalifa Diop reach double digits with 12 points. Gran Canaria lost the first two quarters and found itself down 55-38 at halftime. It outscored its opponents 34-35 in the second half, but it was still enough for Tenerife to come away with an 89-73 win.

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="es" dir="ltr">🏀Final:<br><br>⚫️ Lenovo Tenerife 89<br>🐥 Gran Canaria 73<br><br>🔥 <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/VamosGranca?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#VamosGranca</a> <a href="https://t.co/GEFkmAzHJT">pic.twitter.com/GEFkmAzHJT</a></p>&mdash; CB Gran Canaria (@GranCanariaCB) <a href="https://twitter.com/GranCanariaCB/status/1626660768119676930?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 17, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

### Slask comes up short

 

Slask Wroclaw has been eliminated from the Polish Cup in the quarterfinals after losing 70-79 to Trefl Sopot. It was a slow start to the game for Slask, who found itself trailing 15-24 after the first quarter. Slask cut the deficit at halftime, 38-39, but Trefl Sopot made it a 6-point game entering the fourth, 57-63, before eventually winning by 9 points, 70-79.

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="pl" dir="ltr">Udział w tej edycji <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SuzukiPucharPolski?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#SuzukiPucharPolski</a> kończymy na ćwierćfinale.<br><br>Gratulacje, <a href="https://twitter.com/treflsopot?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@treflsopot</a> 🤝<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/DumaMiasta?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#DumaMiasta</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/plkpl?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#plkpl</a> <a href="https://t.co/EhUlh9HzRa">pic.twitter.com/EhUlh9HzRa</a></p>&mdash; WKS Śląsk Wrocław - koszykówka (@WKS_SlaskBasket) <a href="https://twitter.com/WKS_SlaskBasket/status/1626691702122508288?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 17, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Domestic cups: Cedevita becomes champ; Joventut, Bourg into semis

Cedevita Olimpija Ljubljana marched to the Slovenian Cup final on Thursday by blasting GGD Sencur 69-90 in Maribor. Amar Alibegovic posted 17 points and 8 rebounds to pace Cedevita. Alen Omic added 15 points in 15 minutes, Matic Rebec tallied 11 points and 6 assists and Karlo Matkovic scored 10. Alen Malovcic and Gaber Ozegovic scored 12 each for Sencur.

Sencur jumped out to an 11-2 run led by Ozegovic. Cedevita trimmed the gap to 19-16 after 10 minutes and took its first lead on a Rebec triple midway through the second quarter. It was 34-39 at halftime before Cedevita put 29 points on the scoreboard in the third quarter in extending the lead to 18 to put the game on ice. Earlier, Helios Suns defeated Podcertek 82-87 behind 27 points from Blaz Mahkovic.

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Final ✅.<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ZmajevoSrce?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ZmajevoSrce</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/PokalSpar?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#PokalSpar</a> <a href="https://t.co/whiFviBt1s">pic.twitter.com/whiFviBt1s</a></p>&mdash; Cedevita Olimpija Ljubljana - English (@KKCedOL_EN) <a href="https://twitter.com/KKCedOL_EN/status/1626328888681934848?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 16, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

### Italy: Reyer, Trento fall in quarters

Virtus Segafredo Bologna dominated the second half to beat Umana Reyer Venice 82-68 in the quarterfinals of the Italian Cup in Turin. Marco Belinelli made 6 of 7 three-pointers en route to 21 points to lead the winners. Toko Shengelia added 19 points and Daniel Hackett 13. Jordan Parks produced 18 points and 10 rebounds for Reyer and Mitchell Watt added 13 points in defeat.

Threes by Kendrick Ray Derek Willis helped Reyer grab a 27-35 lead late in the second quarter, but Virtus closed the gap to 34-36 at the break. Virtus then scored the first 9 points of the second half to take the lead for good and pulled away even more in the fourth quarter.

Derthona Tortona edged Dolomiti Energia Trento 74-72 in Thursday’s second semifinal. Semaj Christon scored 19 points and Mike Daum added 12 for the victors. Andrejs Grazulis and Diego Flaccadori led Trento with 15 points apiece and Matteo Spagnolo contributed 10.

Derthona used an 11-2 run to close the first quarter with a 22-16 edge and never trailed again. The margin grew to double figures late in the third quarter, which ended at 59-48, before Trento rallied in the fourth. A triple by Drew Crawford made it a 2-point game with 20 seconds to go, but Ariel Filloy free throws helped Derthona seal the win.

Domestic cups: Cedevita charges into Slovenian final

Germani Brescia outlasted EA7 Emporio Armani Milan 72-75 in the first game played in this season’s Italian Cup Final Eight in Turin, Italy. There were four lead changes and three ties in the fourth quarter alone. John Petrucelli scored the game-tying and go-ahead free throws in the penultimate minute and C.J. Massinburg made 4 free throws in the final 10 seconds to seal the outcome.

Massinburg led the winning attack with 16 points, Kenny Gabriel added 13, Petrucelli 11 and Christian Burns and Amedeo Della Valle scored 10 each. Della Valle also dished 7 assists. Billy Baron was Milan’s top scorer with 18 points, Shabazz Napier and Timothe Luwawu-Cabarrot had 13 apiece and Luigi Datome 10.

Brescia dominated the second quarter, which it finished on a 2-11 tear, to lead 29-45 at halftime.  Milan stormed back with a 19-2 third-quarter run led by Datome and Napier. Baron completed the comeback with free throws in the final minute of the quarter, but Burns left Brescia 55-56 edge heading into the fourth quarter. Baron opened the fourth with a triple and the teams went back and forth until the closing minutes when Brescia finished stronger.

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="it" dir="ltr">Cosa diavolo è successo 🤯🤯🤯<br><br>La Germani Brescia, dopo aver sprecato il vantaggio del primo tempo, elimina Milano e vola in semifinale 🏀🏆🇮🇹<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/DreamBig?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#DreamBig</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Brescia?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Brescia</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TuttoUnAltroSport?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TuttoUnAltroSport</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/LBAF82023?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#LBAF82023</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Frecciarossa?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Frecciarossa</a> <a href="https://t.co/DBN9C7MVQz">pic.twitter.com/DBN9C7MVQz</a></p>&mdash; Pallacanestro Brescia (@LeonessaBrescia) <a href="https://twitter.com/LeonessaBrescia/status/1625934727642288138?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 15, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Domestic cups: Brescia KO's Milan in Italian quarters

U-BT Cluj-Napoca made it to the Linksoft Romanian Cup final by thrashing SCMU Craiova 88-64. Cedevita Olimpija Ljubljana advanced to the Slovenian Spar Cup semifinals by downing ECE Triglav Kranj 91-84

National cups: Cluj, Olimpija move on 

### Cluj makes it to Romanian final

U-BT Cluj-Napoca made it to the Linksoft Romanian Cup final by thrashing SCMU Craiova 88-64 in the first semifinal at Sporturilor Constanta on Monday. It will face CSU Oradea in the title game on Wednesday.

Patrick Richard led the winners with 18 points on 3-of-3 three-pointers. Karel Guzman added 13 points, Jalen Jones had 11 while David Lapuste and Kasey Shepherd each had 10 for Cluj, which hit 19-of-27 two-pointers (70.4% 2FG) and outrebounded Craiova by 45-24. Guzman capped a 9-2 opening run which allowed Cluj to get a 20-12 lead after 10 minutes. Cluj boosted its margin to 43-27 at halftime and then again to 68-50 at the end of the third quarter, enough to keep controlling the game until the final buzzer. Oradea topped Athletic Constanta 81-73 in the second semifinal later on today.

<center><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="und" dir="ltr">Z dvokorakom do F4 Pokala Spar.<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ZmajevoSrce?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ZmajevoSrce</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/PokalSpar?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#PokalSpar</a> <a href="https://t.co/IkurNCKOen">pic.twitter.com/IkurNCKOen</a></p>&mdash; Cedevita Olimpija Ljubljana (@KKCedOL) <a href="https://twitter.com/KKCedOL/status/1625201617703239682?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 13, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></center>

### Cedevita soars into Slovenian semis

Cedevita Olimpija Ljubljana advanced to the Slovenian Spar Cup semifinals by downing ECE Triglav Kranj 91-84 in the second leg of their two-way quarterfinals series at home on Monday. Cedevita had thrashed Triglav 55-90 in the first leg on February 7 and reached the semifinals with an aggregate score of 181-139. 

Amar Alibegovic led the winners with 21 points. Karlo Matkovic and Alen Omic each added 13, Rok Radovic had 12, Edo Muric 10 while Matic Rebec dished 10 assists for Cedevita. Triglav led 23-25 at the end of the first quarter and extended its margin to 35-40 soon after that. Alibegovic struck twice from beyond the arc and Matkovic added a couple of dunks to put Cedevita ahead, 46-45, at halftime. Alibegovic kept pacing Cedevita, getting help from Omic and Rebec to make it a double-digit lead, 61-50. The hosts kept a 69-65 edge after 30 minutes, extended it to 78-68 and never looked back. Cedevita is set to face Gorenjska gradbena druzba Sencur in one of the semifinals on Thursday. Helios Suns takes on Terme Olimia Podcetrtek in the other semifinal. 