Turk Telekom Ankara fought off visiting, last-place Slask Wroclaw 76-63 on Tuesday night to book a place in the 7DAYS EuroCup Playoffs. A victory improved Turk Telekom's record to 9-4 to become the third team from Group B, after Gran Canaria and Paris Basketball, to punch a playoff ticket. Turk Telekom needed to fight hard for it, however, after it found itself trailing early in the fourth quarter before using a strong finish to register another victory.

Axel Bouteille led the way with 18 points and 6 rebounds. Tony Taylor scored 14, Jerian Grant had 11 points and 7 assists, while Berk Demir had 11 points and 7 rebounds in the win. Conor Morgan collected 17 points, 8 rebounds and 3 assists for Slask, and Jakub Niziol netted 12 in a losing effort.

Game Videos

The hosts scored the first 8 points of the game, with Bouteille and Demir each knocking down a triple. Slask replied with a 7-0 run, fueled by Jeremiah Martin, but Turk Telekom did not allow another point for almost 5 minutes as another three-pointer from Demir, and one apiece from Taylor and Nathan Sestina, opened 19-9 after 10 minutes. Niziol and Artsiom Parakhouski got Slask going in the second quarter, fueling a 2-10 run. Bouteille's jumpers helped Turk Telekom keep the lead, and go up 32-24, but the visitors had a strong defensive finish to the half, allowing them to close the gap to within 34-32.

Morgan single-handedly put Slask up 36-39 early in the third, but back-to-back threes from Grant and Bouteille restored the hosts' advantage. A triple from Sestina opened up a 51-44 advantage, but Niziol knocked it down twice from long range on the other end, getting the visitors within 53-51 late in the third. Grant opened the fourth with two buckets to open 59-51 lead. Another 5 points from Morgan, and 5 from Michal Mindowicz, including a triple from each, kept Slask within 64-61. But the hosts did not allow another point for more than 4 minutes, while Taylor, Bouteille and Tyrique Jones put the game away.

Game News

Turk Telekom holds off Slask, secures playoffs

Turk Telekom Ankara v Slask Wroclaw (2023-01-31T17:00:00.000Z)

Hapoel Vegan Friendly Tel Aviv is both the hottest team and the scoring leader in its first-ever season in the 7DAYS EuroCup. Shining brightest for Hapoel is point guard [J’Covan Brown](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/players/j-covan-brown/011991/). The 32-year-old, who is in his second season with the club, leads the EuroCup in assists with 7.5 per game and has already notched MVP of the Round honors twice. 

Hapoel has reeled off five consecutive wins, and a victory on Wednesday over Dolomiti Energia Trento would clinch its place in the playoffs, all of which made Brown an ideal subject as this week’s EuroCup interview. "When I’m on my A-Game, we're one hell of a team to beat. Even when I don’t have great nights, my energy will always be there and I can do other things to impact the game," he said. "I can’t let bad shooting nights interrupt what’s the most important thing, and that’s winning games."

**Congratulations on the win against Turk Telekom. When you were down by 9 points in the fourth quarter, and with all the momentum with them, where did you guys find the strength to turn the game around?**

"Thanks. We always knew that we would have the opportunity to make a run… the game of basketball is a game of runs. It’s about who has the last run. We knew that we had them. We just had to get the right stops and once we got the right stops, it was up from there. X \[Xavier Munford\] led the way. I think he scored all the points in the last three minutes if I’m not mistaken. It’s good to have him on our side. So, those last three minutes were all him on offense. On defense, you know they were making some tough shots. They were having a great night shooting the hell out of the basketball and they’re a great shooting team, but they missed at the wrong time; X was making them at the right time and that’s what we needed."

**What was the mindset going into the game, knowing that you were playing just 48 hours after beating Turkish Airlines EuroLeague side Maccabi Playtika Tel Aviv in the Israeli League and without three players out due to illness?** 

"Our mindset is the same for every game. It doesn’t matter who steps on the floor: 11 players, 12 players, eight, five players. We feel like we have enough in the locker room to get the job done once everybody is locked in. We knew that it was going to take a team effort from everybody, and Jaylen \[Hoard\] and X played unbelievably for us. That kept us in the game. Credit to them two for stepping up."

**You went viral with the traveling call in the game. What happened?** 

<center><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">J&#39;Covan Brown forgot something😂 <a href=https://t.co/vVQ8ThYbd8>pic.twitter.com/vVQ8ThYbd8</a></p>&mdash; 7DAYS EuroCup (@EuroCup) <a href=https://twitter.com/EuroCup/status/1617968111545905154?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw>January 24, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src=https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js charset="utf-8"></script>

"Hahaha. I had so many thoughts in my mind. I was trying to think of a play to call at the moment, the right play for X at the time. And I was looking at Coach thinking about something that Coach was telling me… I don’t know, I just had a bunch of things going through my mind. But it happened. I just laughed. And I knew when the ref called it, I just had to give him the ball because I knew I was in the wrong.

“When I got to my phone, all my boys back home, they were letting me have it. My former teammates were calling me, texting me, checking on me to make sure I’m all right. I enjoyed it. I didn’t take it the wrong way, because I knew I did something crazy and I knew that it was going to be viral."

**Let’s talk about the previous EuroCup game, a win over Paris Basketball. You were the MVP of the Round, tied the EuroCup assists record with 16 and were 2 rebounds shy of a triple-double. Did you know how close you were during the game?** 

"I knew about it for the last few minutes of the quarter."

**It looked like you were playing low on defense to grab those rebounds and looking to get that extra assist.** 

“I was, and that’s the bad thing about it, chasing stats, because once you start chasing it, I think it’s way more harder to get it. I was trying, but it seemed like they started taking the passes away from me. I couldn’t get any more rebounds. If they hadn’t told me anything and just left me in the game the whole fourth quarter, I would have 100% gotten it, easily. Once you start thinking about it, you stop being aggressive on offense. I feel like if I would have just continued to be aggressive, scoring the ball-wise, the passes would have been easier to get that next assist, or 2 or 3 more assists. My teammates knew that I needed 2 more rebounds, but you know, they’re gonna do their job by rebounding the basketball. So, you can’t really fault them."

<center><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">What a performance 🥶<br><br>J&#39;Covan Brown put up a crazy double-double effort last night for <a href=https://twitter.com/HapoelTLVBC?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw>@HapoelTLVBC</a> matching the all-time assists record! <br><br>&#39;MVP of the Round&#39; I <a href=https://twitter.com/hashtag/RoadToGreatness?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw>#RoadToGreatness</a> <a href=https://t.co/XWRajLBFWk>pic.twitter.com/XWRajLBFWk</a></p>&mdash; 7DAYS EuroCup (@EuroCup) <a href=https://twitter.com/EuroCup/status/1616071401793789952?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw>January 19, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src=https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js charset="utf-8"></script>

**Hapoel seems to have so many weapons. As the point guard, how do you adjust your game to make sure the offense flows with all the different threats?**

"Just picking and choosing who to get going. I always tell Jordan \[McRae\] and X, just be aggressive with your touches, even if it’s from me, or a rebound or another teammate, just be aggressive with your touches. My job is to make sure that we also get Chief \[Onuaku\] going. He’s a big factor in our team and once he gets going, it’s really difficult to scout us and plan for us. As a point guard, you need to know these things. When to get guys in position to score or who’s the hot man at the moment… and at the same time, I have to be available to take my shots and be aggressive on offense and to make sure that everyone is rolling.

"Everything starts with me with this team. I’m the engine that makes everything go. When I’m on my A-Game, we're one hell of a team to beat. Even when I don’t have great nights, my energy will always be there and I can do other things to impact the game, like rebounding, passing, doing whatever, diving on the floor, taking charges. I can’t let bad shooting nights interrupt what’s the most important thing, and that’s winning games. So, I have to do other things when my shot’s not falling. Everything starts with me and I know that. All the pressure is on me to lead the guys. And it’s a great challenge. So far, I’ve been doing my job."

**Next, you travel to Italy to play Trento, seeking a sixth straight win. A win would already clinch a playoff sport. What are the keys to that game?** 

"Just being ourselves. We know that they’re gonna be a tough team at home, very physical. We just have to stick to our game plan and continue to be who we are as a team, as a unit, and trust in our ability to play within each other and walk out of there with a great road win. I think most of the time, we play our best basketball away. So, I think we have the tools to do it and it’s just the mindset and the will to want to do it when we get there. 

"I just feel like when times are tough for us, that’s when we show our character more. The three games that we’ve lost on the road, we were right there. I missed a game-winner \[at Gran Canaria\]. I think we went to overtime in Hamburg; we missed a shot at the wrong time and they came back and made it. We were right there. At home, we’re gonna take care of home. That’s the No. 1 key. Away, we’re stronger when we’re away, when our backs are against the wall and we get a big win. We find ways to do it."

**Now that you’ve played every team in your group, which teams and players have impressed you the most?** 

"All of them in the EuroCup, you know what I mean? It’s totally different. Everybody in the EuroCup is hungry. I really like Turk Telekom and their guards, \[Tony\] Taylor and \[Jerian\] Grant. And I like the guards from Paris, \[Juhann\] Begarin and \[Kyle\] Allman. I like those guys." 

J'Covan Brown highlights with Hapoel Tel Aviv 2022-23

**You played in four different countries before you first came to Israel, and now this is now your sixth straight season in Israel. What do you enjoy about life and basketball in Israel?** 

“The weather. The weather is perfect out here! I feel like I’m still in Texas. And the people out here are great. By far, the most easiest outgoing people to be around. And I enjoy that. That’s why I’ve made it my home."

**Hapoel has some of the best traveling support that we’ve ever seen in the EuroCup. What do those fans mean to you and the team?** 

"We know that we have by far the best fan base. These fans are not just traveling to London or Paris or Italy, they do it even when we’re out here playing in the Israeli League. Those fans are out there supporting us in wins, losses. Don’t matter what. They’re here every step of the way and \[they are\] what gives us the motivation to go out there and fight for them the way we fight for ourselves. To give them something, for the way they’re spending their money traveling, to give something back to them, and that’s a win."

**Finally, what do you and the team need to accomplish for this season to be considered a success?**

“Championships. We gotta win the EuroCup and we gotta get the Israeli championship. We gotta get one of them at least. If not, I feel like we failed as a unit. Especially as a point guard, as a leader, I failed."

J’Covan Brown, Hapoel: 'I’m the engine that makes everything go'

Do you know the story of a Slovenian guard who came up with Olimpija Ljubljana, moved to Real Madrid, and was hailed as of the top prospects of his generation? No, this is not about Luka Doncic, even if the path of Ziga Samar is similar.

Hot on the heels of Doncic, another player from Slovenia, two years younger than him, moved to Spain. He won the 2019 Adidas Next Generation Tournament and he is the next big thing out of the Balkan country. And while it's unfair for anyone to be compared to a generational talent like Doncic, Samar is already leaving his mark on the 7DAYS EuroCup, where he plays with Veolia Towers Hamburg on loan after signing last summer with traditional German power ALBA Berlin.

[MORE...](https://www.eurohoops.net/en/trademarks/1456594/ziga-samar-emerging-as-the-next-big-guard-from-slovenia/)

Ziga Samar emerging as the next big guard from Slovenia

Fantasy tips for Round 13: Stars and newcomers! 

ratiopharm Ulm v Frutti Extra Bursaspor (2023-02-01T18:30:00.000Z)

Mincidelice JL Bourg en Bresse v Germani Brescia (2023-01-31T18:30:00.000Z)

U-BT Cluj-Napoca v 7Bet-Lietkabelis Panevezys (2023-01-31T17:30:00.000Z)

Cedevita Olimpija Ljubljana v Umana Reyer Venice (2023-02-01T19:00:00.000Z)

Dolomiti Energia Trento v Hapoel Vegan Friendly Tel Aviv (2023-02-01T19:00:00.000Z)

Gran Canaria v Paris Basketball (2023-02-01T20:00:00.000Z)

Buducnost VOLI Podgorica v London Lions (2023-02-01T18:00:00.000Z)

Veolia Towers Hamburg v Promitheas Patras (2023-01-31T18:30:00.000Z)

Prometey Slobozhanske v Joventut Badalona (2023-02-01T17:00:00.000Z)

Hello again! The good news is that we've made it to the EuroCup Playoffs already. Obviously, you want to make the playoffs, it is important, but I think in this format where 80% of the teams make the playoffs, we want to play at home. But the most important thing is to be playing our best basketball when it comes to playoff time. We clinched the playoff spot with a road win against London Lions. That was my first time in London, so that was a fun experience. And it seems like an organization that wants to and continues to grow, so I'm excited to see what direction they head in the next couple of years. I had some time to walk around, very briefly. I was able to see Buckingham Palace and Big Ben! 

"That was my first time in London, so that was a fun experience... I was able to see Buckingham Palace and Big Ben!"

Paris Basketball and London Lions were invited to play the EuroCup, and both teams have played better and better as the season has gone on, which I think is normal given that everything is new for them. I'm sure they have had to make adjustments. When it comes to London, I think adding Jordan Taylor and having a healthy Sam Dekker has helped that team and they have played better and better as of late. I think for organizations that are just starting, they are adjusting to everything and seem to be taking the right steps, but it is still very early for them as clubs, so I'm sure the more experience they gain, the more they will continue to learn and grow.

Of course, the goal is to finish first in our group. We have three more home games and play twice on the road. Obviously, it would be nice to be to finish first in our group but, I think it's most important is to be playing our best basketball during the playoffs. I think last year we were in a position where I believe we finished first in our group. We weren't playing our best basketball at that time and we lost. In this format, 80% of the teams make the playoffs and it's single elimination in the playoffs. So I think playing at home is nice, but it's most important to be playing your best basketball at the right time. 

2022-23 EuroCup highlights: John Shurna, Gran Canaria

At this point, we are just focusing on ourselves and trying to play, trying to improve as a team and play better basketball. We went through a tough point at the end of November and the month of December and we have played better the last couple of games, so hopefully, we can continue to build off that and continue to make steps in the right direction. Our next EuroCup game is against Hapoel in Tel Aviv. It should be fun. That's another team that's been playing really well as of late and has great fans traveling around with the team. I am looking forward to it. They seem to be getting more comfortable playing with each other and a lot of their players have stepped up and are playing well. 

I don't know if you know, but club legend Sitapha Savane is our new president. Taph is someone who you think of when you think of Gran Canaria, even prior to him becoming president of the club. You hear Taph's name and you have to admit, it's probably one of the first names, if not the first, you think of when you think of Gran Canaria basketball. So I think his passion and love for the club and the island has been great for us. He is someone who's always kept a close eye on Gran Canaria and really cares for this team, this club and this island. And he has been working very hard at his job, now as president of the club. Taph has been a leader most of his life, starting from going to the Naval Academy to all his teams. I think he's been one of the leaders on his team. Now, the role has changed from wearing a jersey to wearing a suit, but he's still a leader, and he's someone who cares a lot for this club. He wants to see it do well and works extremely hard to do what's best for the club. 

"It would be nice to be to finish first in our group but, I think it's most important is to be playing our best basketball during the playoffs."

So far, we've made it to the Copa del Rey tournament and are first in our EuroCup group. Every game is important in the Spanish league, too. If you are not playing your best basketball each night, it doesn't matter where you're standing. If you don't come out and play your best, you're going to lose. We have experienced it, so each game is important. And then in terms of the EuroCup, it does come down to playing good basketball come playoff time. We will play a derby against Tenerife in the Copa del Rey quarterfinals. It will be a tough test for us, but the Copa is a great event and it should be a great atmosphere, especially in a derby game. 

But first things first, we will try to beat Hapoel in Tel Aviv! Wish us luck!

John Shurna, Gran Canaria: 'Each game is important'

With just six games to go in the 7DAYS EuroCup Regular Season, the race to reach the playoffs is beginning to heat up. On Tuesday night, [U-BT Cluj-Napoca (4-8) takes on 7Bet-Lietkabelis Panevezys (5-7)](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/game-center/2022-23/u-bt-cluj-napoca-7bet-lietkabelis-panevezys/U2022/122/) in a battle between ninth and eighth in the playoffs. If the season was to end today, Lietkabelis would make the playoffs and Cluj would miss out.

Back in Round 4, Lietkabelis edged past Cluj 89-84 at Cido Arena, but it went right down the wire. Jamel Morris led the way for Lietkabelis that day, scoring 24 points, while he was helped by 16 points from Zeljko Sakic and 14 from Kristian Kullamae. Cluj had Leonardo Meindl (22) and Andrija Stipanovic (20) combine for 42 points, but it wasn’t enough.

7Bet-Lietkabelis Panevezys - U-BT Cluj-Napoca | Round 4 Highlights | 2022-23 7DAYS EuroCup

After that defeat, Cluj fell to 1-3, whereas Lietkabelis improved to 2-2. Since then, the picture has looked a little better for Cluj, going 3-5, while Lietkabelis has had the same record in that time. Last week, in Round 12, Lietkabelis was able to bring a four-game losing streak to an end by beating Mincidelice JL Bourg en Bresse 92-88. Cluj, however, lost 95-90 at Umana Reyer Venice after getting back on track in Round 11.

Coming into Tuesday's matchup, Lietkabelis forward Gediminas Orelik will be looking to carry over his form from Round 12, as he scored 27 points in his team's win against Bourg. He will need more assistance from his teammates, though, as only Morris (14) and Vytenis Lipkevicius (11) joined him in double figures.

From a Cluj perspective, Meindl and Stipanovic had 15 points apiece, while Stefan Bircevic and Kasey Shepherd each scored 13 points, Patrick Richard contributed 12 and Emanuel Cate finished with 10. Sharing the scoring load around again could be a key to Tuesday's meeting with Lietkabelis.

The best plays of U-BT Cluj-Napoca and 7Bet-Lietkabelis Panevezys in Round 12 of the 2022-23 7DAYS EuroCup Regular Season.

Cluj and Lietkabelis's best plays in Round 12

"Everybody knows this is an important game. We will play against a good team which is also fighting for a playoff spot," said Cluj head coach Mihai Silvasan in his pre-game press conference. "This is not a decisive game, because there are five games left. From our point of view, we need to focus on the small details. We cannot dream about a victory if we do not know what to do. So far, anybody can win against anybody in this group. We need to focus on our game and limits and not think about the results from the past."

Despite Coach Silvasan's comments to the contrary, this game could end up being decisive by the end of the season, as Cluj could either match Lietkabelis's record or find itself two games behind. What's more, with just five points deciding their first matchup, Cluj will have to bear that in mind if it comes down to the tiebreaker at the end of the season. It should be another great game, so make sure to tune in from 18:30 CET on Tuesday.

Playoff fight continues when Cluj, Lietkabelis face off

### [Turk Telekom Ankara vs. Slask Wroclaw](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/game-center/2022-23/turk-telekom-ankara-slask-wroclaw/U2022/126/)

Turk Telekom Ankara (8-4) will look to get back to its winning way when it welcomes last-place Slask Wroclaw (1-10) to the Turkish capital in Tuesday's Round 13 opener. A win would qualify Turk Telekom for the playoffs, but the team can also advance if Dolomiti Energia Trento loses a day later, too. Slask enters this game winless on the road this season. In their Round 4 clash, Turk Telekom registered a 71-75 win.

Slask Wroclaw - Turk Telekom Ankara | Round 4 Highlights | 2022-23 7DAYS EuroCup

### [U-BT Cluj-Napoca vs. 7Bet-Lietkabelis Paneveyzs](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/game-center/2022-23/u-bt-cluj-napoca-7bet-lietkabelis-panevezys/U2022/122/)

In a battle with major implications in the race for the playoffs, U-BT Cluj-Napoca (4-8) hosts 7Bet-Lietkabelis Paneveyzs (5-7) on Tuesday. Cluj is the first team outside the playoff zone in Group A and will be looking not only for a win, but to overcome the 5-point margin by which Lietkabelis won, 89-84, in their Round 4 meeting. The visitors arrived at this game having snapped a four-game losing streak last week, while Cluj will be in search of its first home win in nearly two months.

### [Mincidelice JL Bourg en Bresse vs. Germani Brescia](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/game-center/2022-23/mincidelice-jl-bourg-en-bresse-germani-brescia/U2022/123/)

Mincidelice JL Bourg en Bresse (8-4) will try to protect its home court when it takes on Germani Brescia (5-7) on Tuesday. Bourg has a chance to become the first Group A team to secure a playoff spot, but for that, it needs to beat Brescia and see U-BT Cluj-Napoca lose, too. Brescia enters this game on a two-game losing streak and will try to avoid getting swept in this series, as Bourg registered a 69-71 win in their game in Round 4.

Germani Brescia - Mincidelice JL Bourg en Bresse | Round 4 Highlights | 2022-23 7DAYS EuroCup

### [Veolia Towers Hamburg vs. Promitheas Patras](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/game-center/2022-23/veolia-towers-hamburg-promitheas-patras/U2022/127/)

Veolia Towers Hamburg (4-8) hosts Promitheas Patras (7-5) in a battle of two teams hoping to build on last week's success. Hamburg ended its four-game losing streak last week with a 36-point thrashing of Slask Wroclaw and will try to win its first home game in almost two months as it battles for a place in the playoffs in Group B. Promitheas qualifies for the playoffs if it wins on Tuesday or if Dolomiti Energia Trento loses on Wednesday. When Promitheas and Hamburg met in Round 4, Promitheas pulled out an 81-77 win.

Promitheas Patras - Veolia Towers Hamburg | Round 4 Highlights | 2022-23 7DAYS EuroCup

### [Prometey Slobozhanske vs. Joventut Badalona](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/game-center/2022-23/prometey-slobozhanske-joventut-badalona/U2022/125/)

In a clash of two of the top three teams in Group A, Prometey Slobozhanske (8-4) faces visiting Joventut Badalona (8-4) on Wednesday. It is a clash of two teams currently playing winning basketball, With Prometey and its second-best offense (86.3 ppg.) on a five-game winning streak, while Joventut has won four of its last five games. Joventut beat Prometey 82-77 in Round 4 and that margin is worth keeping in mind.

Joventut Badalona - Prometey Slobozhanske | Round 4 Highlights | 2022-23 7DAYS EuroCup

### [Buducnost VOLI Podgorica vs. London Lions](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/game-center/2022-23/buducnost-voli-podgorica-london-lions/U2022/128/)

Buducnost VOLI Podgorica (7-5) will try to get back to winning ways in front of its fans when it welcomes London Lions (5-7) to town. When they met in Round 4, Buducnost coasted to a 78-87 win and will aim for a season sweep. Buducnost, the EuroCup top offensive rebounding team (13.8 orpg.), can secure a playoff spot with a win and some help, either with a loss by Dolomiti Energia Trento or by Veolia Towers Hamburg. On the other hand, London has lost four of its last five games entering this Group B encounter.

London Lions - Buducnost VOLI Podgorica | Round 4 Highlights | 2022-23 7DAYS EuroCup

### [ratiopharm Ulm vs. Frutti Extra Bursaspor](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/game-center/2022-23/ratiopharm-ulm-frutti-extra-bursaspor/U2022/124/)

ratiopharm Ulm (7-5) will look to protect its home court when it matches up with Frutti Extra Bursaspor (6-6) on Wednesday night. Ulm has won four of its last five games and comes into this contest tied for the competition lead with 11.0 three-pointers made per game. Meanwhile, Bursaspor has lost three of its last four entering this round. When these two sides met In Round 4, Ulm stunned Bursaspor 86-90 and another win at home would give it a valuable sweep and keep it in the race for first place in Group A.

Frutti Extra Bursaspor - ratiopharm Ulm | Round 4 Highlights | 2022-23 7DAYS EuroCup

### [Cedevita Olimpija Ljubljana vs. Umana Reyer Venice](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/game-center/2022-23/cedevita-olimpija-ljubljana-umana-reyer-venice/U2022/121/)

Cedevita Olimpija Ljubljana (2-10) is in a must-win situation entering Round 13 as it welcomes Umana Reyer Venice (7-5) to the Slovenian capital on Wednesday. Another loss, a fourth straight, would all but eliminate Cedevita from playoff contention. Cedevita has the competition's worst scoring defense, allowing 91.3 points per game, while Reyer has allowed the second-fewest this season, 76.2 points on average. This is the fourth time in little over a year that these two teams will meet, and the home sides have won each of the previous meetings, including Reyer's 76-68 triumph in Round 4.

Umana Reyer Venice - Cedevita Olimpija Ljubljana | Round 4 Highlights | 2022-23 7DAYS EuroCup

### [Dolomiti Energia Trento vs. Hapoel Vegan Friendly Tel Aviv](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/game-center/2022-23/dolomiti-energia-trento-hapoel-vegan-friendly-tel-aviv/U2022/130/)

Hapoel Vegan Friendly Tel Aviv (8-4) will aim for its sixth consecutive victory when it visits Dolomiti Energia Trento (2-8). Hapoel, playing in its first season in the competition and tied for the second-best record in Group B, enters this game knowing that a victory would secure it a place in the EuroCup Playoffs. This is also a clash of EuroCup's best and worst scoring offenses, as Hapoel leads the competition with 88.4 points per game while Trento averages 71.4, the fewest of all teams this season.

Hapoel Vegan Friendly Tel Aviv - Dolomiti Energia Trento | Round 4 Highlights | 2022-23 7DAYS EuroCup

### [Gran Canaria vs. Paris Basketball](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/game-center/2022-23/gran-canaria-paris-basketball/U2022/129/)

In a clash between the only two already-qualified teams, Gran Canaria (10-2) welcomes Paris Basketball (8-4) in Group B on Wednesday night. Gran Canaria, having two wins more than any other team in the competition, will look to sweep Paris and take another step toward securing home-court advantage all the way through the playoffs. Paris, on the other hand, is the best road team in the EuroCup with a 5-1 record entering this game.

Paris Basketball -Gran Canaria | Round 4 Highlights | 2022-23 7DAYS EuroCup

Round 13 at a glance: 5 teams eye playoff tickets this week

Much is made of three-point shooting in basketball these days – and rightfully so. It's difficult to understate the influence spacing and jump-shooting has had on the global game over the last decade. Nonetheless, interior scoring remains an important aspect of winning basketball.

Around 39% of all shots in the 7DAYS EuroCup this season have been attempted from the basket area. Those shots have been converted an impressive 64% of the time. While not all attempts are created equal, with a layup in transition being far easier to make than a contested scoop in traffic, the players below have made the most of their opportunities this season.

A total of 63 players have attempted 36 or more shots inside so far this season. [Derek Willis](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/players/derek-willis/009664/) of Umana Reyer Venice has been the most consistent finisher in that group. Having earned a reputation as a jump shooter early in his career, Willis's ability to time his cuts and finish alley-oops has made him one of the most complete off-the-ball weapons the EuroCup has to offer. He has made a sensational 1.30 points per possession overall this year as a result.

[Gyorgy Goloman](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/players/gyorgy-goloman/011932/) of 7Bet-Lietkabelis Panevezys and [Aleksander Balcerowski](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/players/aleksander-balcerowski/007553/) of Gan Canaria both stand over 2.10 meters, present big targets around the rim for teammates, and have been brutally effective in close this year. While both do much of their scoring off cuts, rolls, and put-backs, Goloman has also grown into a capable shooter over the last several years and will take what opposing defenses give him, often driving to the rim after he slides out to the three-point line.

Young French frontcourt players [Jalen Hoard](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/players/jaylen-hoard/006835/) of Hapoel Vegan Friendly Tel Aviv and [Ismael Kamagate](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/players/ismael-kamagate/011926/) of Paris Basket have both been effective in close this season, with Kamagate leading the EuroCup in dunks and Hoard leading all players in overall scoring efficiency at 1.43 points per possession.

Derek Willis, Aleksander Balcerowski, Gyorgy Goloman, Ismaël Kamagate, Jaylen Hoard Top And Ones, Dunks from 12/30/2022 to 01/29/2023

The EuroCup's top finishers around the rim

U-BT Cluj-Napoca has three of the next five players in this ranking. While the Romanian club has had some ups and downs on the perimeter, they lead the EuroCup shooting a tremendous 72% around the rim as a team. [Karel Guzman](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/players/karel-guzman/011797/), [Andrija Stipanovic](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/players/andrija-stipanovic/005113/), and [Emanuel Cate](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/players/emanuel-cate/005373/) have all been very opportunistic in close, while Stipanovic currently leads all players in points scored inside as well. He is one of nine players who have scored more than 100 points around the rim through Round 12.

[Sam Dekker](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/players/sam-dekker/009672/) of the London Lions, [Zach Auguste](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/players/zach-auguste/007948/) of Frutti Extra Bursaspor, and [Tyrique Jones](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/players/tyrique-jones/011981/) of Turk Telekom Ankara just missed the cut for the list above despite being the only other three players who have scored over 110 points in close. There's no shortage of quality finishers in the EuroCup this season and the efficiency of some of the league's highest volume shooters reflects how much of an impact those players can make on the scoreboard for their respective teams.

Meet the EuroCup's top finishers

Sam Dekker leads London Lions to victory in BBL Cup Final

The [London Lions](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/teams/london-lions/roster/lli/?season=2022-23) have secured the first piece of silverware on offer in Britain this season after beating the Leicester Riders 71-79 in the BBL Cup Final at a sold-out Utilita Arena Birmingham on Sunday afternoon.

 

London star Sam Dekker was named BBL Cup Final MVP after scoring a game-high 22 points and finishing with 9 rebounds. Veteran center Kosta Koufos recorded a 14-point, 12-rebound double-double, while Luke Nelson had 11 points. Ovie Soko and Aaron Best contributed 10 points apiece, too.

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Your BBL Cup Final MVP is <a href="https://twitter.com/dekker?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Dekker</a> 🏆<br><br>22 points, 9 rebounds, 1 assist, 2 steals and 1 block 🤩<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/KnowOurName?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#KnowOurName</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/BritishBasketball?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#BritishBasketball</a> <a href="https://t.co/xPh8ns8xui">pic.twitter.com/xPh8ns8xui</a></p>&mdash; British Basketball League (@BBLofficial) <a href="https://twitter.com/BBLofficial/status/1619750756500000768?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 29, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

The Lions took the first lead of the game and never let up, sharing the offensive workload around as it opened a 16-21 advantage after the first 10 minutes of play. There was some concern for London as Dekker appeared to be limping in the first quarter, but he was able to continue. Dekker and Koufos ensured that London remained focused in the second quarter, with the former scoring 8 points and the latter adding 4 points and 4 rebounds in the period en route to a 32-41 halftime lead.

 

Leicester found a way to get back into the game after the break, cutting the gap to six points, 38-44, but Koufos and Nelson helped extend it back up to 12, 38-50, with 5:37 minutes remaining in the third quarter. Dekker had a chance to rest in the second half of the third, as Jordan Taylor, Best and Soko helped London enter the fourth quarter ahead 50-64.

 

The final period began with a 6-0 run for Leicester, while Soko fouled out of the game with 8:29 minutes left in the game. Leicester then put four more unanswered points on the board after a London timeout to get within touching distance, 60-64. But, Decker added 6 points to his tally to calm down any nerves in the London camp, 62-70. Soon after, it was the turn of Koufos to step up, as he scored four points in a row, 65-74, before Dekker scored again, 65-76, with 41 seconds left on the clock. Leicester kept fighting, but it was London who came out on top, winning 71-79.

After London's women's team was able to win the WBBL Cup Final earlier in the day at the same venue, the men's side also did enough to become champions. The Lions have a quick turnaround, though, as they travel to take on Buducnost VOLI Podgorica on Wednesday night in 7DAYS EuroCup action.

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">BBL CUP SWEEP COMPLETED 🏆🦁<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/wearelondon?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#wearelondon</a> <a href="https://t.co/cbhQ6XueNG">pic.twitter.com/cbhQ6XueNG</a></p>&mdash; London Lions (@LondonLions) <a href="https://twitter.com/LondonLions/status/1619751736952098817?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 29, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>