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>

Sam Dekker leads London to victory in BBL Cup Final

 Orelik's happy return for Lietkabelis 

A familiar face was back in Kalnapilio Arena for 7Bet-Lietkabelis Panevezys on Wednesday, none other than power forward [Gediminas Orelik](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/players/gediminas-orelik/002012/), who returned to the team earlier this month and made the difference in a crucial [92-88 home win](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/game-center/2022-23/7bet-lietkabelis-panevezys-mincidelice-jl-bourg-en-bresse/U2022/114/) against Mincidelice JL Bourg en Bresse. 

Orelik already played for Lietkabelis last season, averaging 15.4 points on 41.4% three-point shooting, 4.7 rebounds, 2.7 assists and a PIR of 16.5, helping his team reach the playoffs. Orelik continued his career in Turkey but returned to Lietkabelis in early 2023, getting 8 points and 6 rebounds against ratiopharm Ulm last week. 

In his first EuroCup game in Panevezys in many months, however, Orelik was ready: he knew the rims, the atmosphere and most of his teammates, so it was natural for him to stand out and play a leading role. 

"I think it is easier for me \[to adjust\] because I was here last year with the same coaching staff, same everything," Orelik said after the game. "So for me, it is easier to adapt."

Gediminas Orelik had 27 points in his first 7DAYS EuroCup home game this season, leadig 7Bet-Lietkabelis Panevezys to an important win against Mincidelice JL Bourg en Bresse.

Orelik leads Lietkabelis in Round 12

Once Bourg got off a good start and led 7-14, Orelik followed a layup with a triple in a 7-0 run that tied the game, 14-14. He went on fire in the second quarter, scoring 11 consecutive points on three bombs from beyond the arc and a pair of free throws. For almost 3 minutes, he was the only scorer in the game, leading Lietkabelis from a 22-22 tie to a 33-22 advantage. The hosts never trailed after that. 

Bourg rallied from a 27-point deficit in the final 9 minutes, using a mammoth 1-23 run to get within 75-69. When Lietkabelis needed answers, Orelik provided them with a critical three-pointer and a couple of foul shots. When the dust settled, Lietkabelis had won 92-88. Orelik finished the game with 27 points and a PIR of 29, matching the best mark by a Lietkabelis player this season. Gyorgy Goloman also had a PIR of 29 in a Round 6 victory against Cedevita Olimpija Ljubljana. 

By bringing back a player who knows the club and the competition so well, Lietkabelis has taken a step forward in its quest to return to the EuroCup Playoffs, adding much-needed leadership, shooting and experience. Lietkabelis fans knew what to expect from Orelik, and it didn't take him long to prove he is again the perfect fit for the team, helping it break a four-game losing streak against one of the best teams in Group A. 

Orelik's happy return for Lietkabelis

7Bet-Lietkabelis Panevezys v Mincidelice JL Bourg en Bresse (2023-01-25T17:00:00.000Z)

Look back at all the action in the Regular Season Round 12 by checking out the best photos of the week!

Photos of the week, Round 12

Frutti Extra Bursaspor has announced the signing of [Aubrey Dawkins](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/players/aubrey-dawkins/011241/), who has joined the team until the end of the season. Dawkins (2.01 meters, 27 years old) spent the first half of the 2022-23 campaign with the G League Ignite, averaging 8.4 points, 3.2 rebounds and 1.2 assists in 25 games. Last season, he made 16 appearances for Turk Telekom Ankara in his debut 7DAYS EuroCup campaign, posting averages of 9.8 points and 2.7 rebounds.

The best plays of Aubrey Dawkins during his time with Turk Telekom Ankara in the 2021-22 7DAYS EuroCup season.

Aubrey Dawkins's best plays in 2021-22

Dawkins is in his fourth season as a professional, having started out with the Erie BayHawks of the G League in 2019 before going on to play for Gottingen of Germany in the 2020-21 campaign. He spent the following season with Turk Telekom, and then he represented the G League Ignite in the first portion of this season. Dawkins now returns to Turkey with Bursaspor, who has aims of having another deep run in the playoffs.

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="tr" dir="ltr">WELCOME 🤝 AUBREY DAWKINS <br><br>Kulübümüz, 27 yaşındaki Amerikalı forvet Aubrey Dawkins ile anlaşma sağladı. ✅<br><br>Kendisine hoş geldin diyor, takımımızla birlikte başarılı bir sezon geçirmesini diliyoruz. 🐊 <a href="https://t.co/VGTmhXF70q">pic.twitter.com/VGTmhXF70q</a></p>&mdash; Frutti Extra Bursaspor (@BsBasketbol) <a href="https://twitter.com/BsBasketbol/status/1618648165166759938?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 26, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Bursaspor adds swingman Aubrey Dawkins

### Samar helped Hamburg soar

Young point guard [Ziga Samar](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/players/ziga-samar/007550/) shows his vast promise in Veolia Towers Hamburg's resounding [64-100](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/game-center/2022-23/slask-wroclaw-veolia-towers-hamburg/U2022/120/) road win against Slask Wroclaw, which matched the second-biggest blowout in the EuroCup this season. Samar was busy throughout, pouring in 17 points and dishing 11 assists in under 24 minutes. Both of those were personal bests for the 22-year-old, as was his PIR total of 25.

Ziga Samar (17 points) Highlights vs. Slask Wroclaw, 01/25/2023

Samar helped Hamburg soar

### Munford's career night saved Hapoel

In his 21st career EuroCup game, [Xavier Munford](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/players/xavier-munford/007759/) exploded for six different career highs and hit the game-winning three-pointer for Hapoel Vegan Friendly Tel Aviv in its [84-82](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/game-center/2022-23/hapoel-vegan-friendly-tel-aviv-turk-telekom-ankara/U2022/116/) home victory over Turk Telekom Ankara. His 33 points, 33 PIR, 6 rebounds, 3 steals, 5 two-pointers and 7 triples made, which matched the most in the EuroCup this season, were all personal bests. 

Xavier Munford (33 points) Highlights vs. TURK TELEKOM ANKARA, 01/24/2023

Munford's career night saved Hapoel

### Vives jump-started Joventut's offense

After his team fell behind at home 0-7, Joventut Badalona veteran [Guillem Vives](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/players/guillem-vives/002361/) took matters into his own hands by making 3 three-pointers in 3 minutes to forge a 12-12 tie in what eventually became a [96-91](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/game-center/2022-23/joventut-badalona-cedevita-olimpija-ljubljana/U2022/111/) home win over Cedevita Olimpija Ljubljana. The one-time EuroCup champion would finish the night with 15 points on 5 three-pointers made, his high-water mark from the arc in 72 career games.

Guillem Vives Top 3-pointers vs. Cedevita Olimpija Ljubljana, 01/25/2023

Vives jump-started Joventut's offense

### Wallace helped put Paris in the playoffs

Combo guard [Tyrone Wallace](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/players/tyrone-wallace/011925/) proved a big part of Paris Basketball being able to clinch a playoffs berth thanks to an [86-75](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/game-center/2022-23/paris-basketball-dolomiti-energia-trento/U2022/117/) win against visiting Dolomiti Energia Trento that meant a sweep of their season series. Wallace rose to the occasion with season highs of 25 points and 29 PIR in just his seventh EuroCup game after he missed rounds 3 through 7. He also matched his previous best with 6 assists.

Tyrone Wallace (25 points) Highlights vs. Dolomiti Energia Trento, 01/25/2023

Wallace helped put Paris in the playoffs

### Palmer nearly stole the show for Bourg

Thanks to [James Palmer](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/players/james-palmer-jr-/011834/)'s incredible fourth quarter, Mincidelice JL Bourg en Bresse came from 25 points behind to within 3 in the final minute before losing [92-88](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/game-center/2022-23/7bet-lietkabelis-panevezys-mincidelice-jl-bourg-en-bresse/U2022/114/) to 7Bet-Lietkabelis Panevezys. Palmer scored 17 of his 31 points and dished 4 of his 7 assists in that final quarter. Both totals, as well as his 5 triples made, marked season highs for the EuroCup rookie.

James Palmer Jr. (31 points) Highlights vs. Lietkabelis Panevezys, 01/25/2023

Palmer nearly stole the show for Bourg

### Dangubic added to key Promitheas win

While his teammate made off with the Round 12 MVP honor, veteran forward [Nemanja Dangubic](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/players/nemanja-dangubic/005942/) contributed his finest game in three EuroCup seasons to date as Promitheas Patras downed visiting Buducnost VOLI Podgorica [81-72](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/game-center/2022-23/promitheas-patras-buducnost-voli-podgorica/U2022/119/) and took the tie-break advantage between them. Every point counted as Dangubic hit for a career-high 15 points without missing in 4 tries each from two-point and free-throw distance. His 20 PIR was another personal best.

Nemanja Dangubic (15 points) Highlights vs. Buducnost VOLI Podgorica, 01/25/2023

Dangubic added to key Promitheas win

Round 12, roll call

Slask Wroclaw v Veolia Towers Hamburg (2023-01-25T19:00:00.000Z)

Promitheas Patras v Buducnost VOLI Podgorica (2023-01-25T17:30:00.000Z)

London Lions v Gran Canaria (2023-01-24T19:30:00.000Z)

Paris Basketball v Dolomiti Energia Trento (2023-01-25T19:00:00.000Z)

Hapoel Vegan Friendly Tel Aviv v Turk Telekom Ankara (2023-01-24T18:00:00.000Z)

Umana Reyer Venice v U-BT Cluj-Napoca (2023-01-24T19:00:00.000Z)

Germani Brescia v ratiopharm Ulm (2023-01-25T19:30:00.000Z)

Frutti Extra Bursaspor v Prometey Slobozhanske (2023-01-25T17:00:00.000Z)

Joventut Badalona v Cedevita Olimpija Ljubljana (2023-01-25T19:15:00.000Z)

Paris Basketball has brought in [Michael Roll](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/michael-roll/004974/) after leading scorer Kyle Allman suffered an injury. Roll (1.98 meters, 35 years old) most recently played for Pinar Karsiyaka of Turkey, as he averaged 11.6 points, 1.2 rebounds and 3.8 assists in 20 Turkish League games last season. The shooting guard is a veteran of the Turkish Airlines EuroLeague, where he has played a total of 122 games across four seasons, averaging 7.3 points, 2.0 rebounds and 2.1 assists. Roll has also enjoyed one campaign in the EuroCup, in which he averaged 9.8 points, 2.9 rebounds and 2.4 assists.

The best scoring plays of Michael Roll in the Turkish Airlines EuroLeague across his spells with Maccabi FOX Tel Aviv and EA7 Emporio Armani Milan.

Michael Roll's best scoring plays in the EuroLeague

Roll made his EuroCup debut in 2013-14 with CAI Zaragoza of Spain, but it wasn’t until the 2017-18 campaign that he made his first appearance in the EuroLeague, as he suited up for Maccabi Playtika Tel Aviv. After two seasons with Maccabi, he moved to EA7 Emporio Armani Milan, where he played for a couple of years. In his last season with Milan, Roll was part of the team that reached the EuroLeague Final Four. In his career, Roll has also played for Turkish quartet Bornova Belediye, Turk Telekom, Tuyap Buyukcekmece and Besiktas, Antwerp Giants of Belgium, and Spanish side Cazoo Baskonia Vitoria-Gasteiz. Now, he will play in France for the first time in his career as he looks to help Paris on its quest to reach the EuroLeague.

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="fr" dir="ltr">Welcome Michael Roll 👀👋☄️<br><br>Gâchette de calibre européen, Michael Roll renforce l’effectif du Paris Basketball pour palier l’absence de Kyle Allman Jr 🤜🤛<br><br>Un renfort de poids en vue des déplacements à Dijon, Gran Canaria et Monaco 💪 <a href="https://t.co/70cMliYiWK">pic.twitter.com/70cMliYiWK</a></p>&mdash; Paris Basketball (@ParisBasketball) <a href="https://twitter.com/ParisBasketball/status/1618587978535960576?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 26, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Paris signs veteran Michael Roll

Round 12 MVP: Arnoldas Kulboka, Promitheas Patras

[Arnoldas Kulboka](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/players/arnoldas-kulboka/006180/) had the best performance of his rookie 7DAYS EuroCup campaign in leading Promitheas Patras to an 81-72 win over visiting Buducnost VOLI Podgorica and in the process earned MVP of the Round honors. Kulboka shined with a personal-best 30 points on 5-for-8 three-point shooting. Kulboka was a perfect 5-of-5 on both two-pointers and free throws. The Promitheas forward also collected 4 rebounds, 3 assists and drew 5 fouls, earning a PIR of 36, the highest among players on winning teams in Round 12. 

Another player with PIR of 36, but in a losing effort, was [James Palmer](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/players/james-palmer-jr-/011834/) of Mincidelice JL Bourg en Bresse. In a road loss at 7Bet-Lietkabelis Panevezys, Palmer tallied 31 points, 7 assists, 4 steals and 2 rebounds. Three players had performance index ratings of 33 in Round 12: [Xavier Munford](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/players/xavier-munford/007759/) of Hapoel Vegan Friendly Tel Aviv had 33 points on 7-for-8 three-point shooting, including the game-winner, along with 6 rebounds, 3 steals and 2 assists against Turk Telekom Ankara. [Ismael Kamagate](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/players/ismael-kamagate/011926/) of Paris Basketball collected 16 points, 12 rebounds and 2 blocks in a win over Dolomiti Energia Trento. And [Yogi Ferrell](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/players/yogi-ferrell/011281/) had 25 points, 7 assists and 3 steals for Cedevita Olimpija Ljubljana in a loss against Joventut Badalona.

Arnoldas Kulboka had the best performance of his 7DAYS EuroCup rookie campaign when he led Promitheas Patras to an 81-72 win over the visiting Buducnost VOLI Podgorica, and in the process earned MVP of the Round honor.

Arnoldas Kulboka | Round 12 MVP | 2022-23 7DAYS EuroCup

### Individual highs: Ziga Samar, Veolia Hamburg Towers, 11 assists

Munford led all scorers in Round 12 with 33 points. Joe Young, formerly of Promitheas Patras, remains this season's top scorer with 23.4 points per game. Five players had 12 rebounds in Round 12: Kamagate, [Alen Omic](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/players/alen-omic/004222/) of Cedevita, [Ondrej Balvin](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/players/ondrej-balvin/002644/) of Prometey Slobozhanske, [Alpha Kaba](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/players/alpha-kaba/007855/) of Buducnost and Tyrique Jones of Turk Telekom. Kaba's average of 11.5 rebounds per game leads all players. 

[Ziga Samar](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/players/ziga-samar/007550/) had 11 assists, more than any other player this round. Hapoel's [J'Covan Brown](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/players/j-covan-brown/011991/) leads the EuroCup with 7.5 per game. [Caleb Agada](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/players/caleb-agada/011944/) of Prometey and Palmer had 4 steals each to lead all players this week. Slask Wroclaw guard [Jeremiah Martin](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/players/jeremiah-martin/011899/) tops the charts averaging 2.8 steals. Round 12 featured nine different players who had 2 blocks, one of them Kamagate who leads the EuroCup with 1.8 blocks per game. 

Eight players recorded double-doubles this round. Samar had 17 points and 11 assists, and ratiopharm Ulm's [Yago dos Santos](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/players/yago-dos-santos/012044/) had 18 points and 10 assists. The remaining double-doubles were of the points and rebounds variety: Kamagate (16 points and 12 rebounds), Omic (11 and 12), Balvin (12 and 12), Kaba (10 and 12), [Kosta Koufos](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/players/kosta-koufos/009766/) of London Lions (15 and 11) and Hamburg's [Yoeli Childs](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/players/yoeli-childs/012013/) (10 and 10).

Congratulations to Nikola Bjelic, who is the [EuroCup Fantasy Challenge](https://eurocupfantasy.euroleaguebasketball.net/es/home) winner for Round 12! His team Poland posted a score of 253.75

The team featured the following lineup: team captain Ismael Kamagate of Paris Basketball, Arnoldas Kulboka of Promitheas Patras, James Palmer of Mincidelice JL Bourg en Bresse, Yogi Ferrell of Cedevita Olimpija Ljubljana and Yago Dos Santos of ratiopharm Ulm as starters; Jeremiah Martin of Slask Wroclaw as the sixth man; Karim Jallow of Ulm, Melih Dogan of Turk Telekom Ankara, Kareem Queeley of London Lions and Albert Ventura of Joventut Badalona as bench players; and Anton Gavel also of Ulm as head coach. The prize for finishing first in Round 12 is a free subscription to Euroleague TV for the 2023-24 season!

Marisol R continues as leader atop the overall standings. Her team Zipper is ahead of everyone else with 2,090.15 fantasy points.

Trades are now open for Round 13. Remember, three trades are allowed before each round until the end of the regular season, and you can also trade your head coach.

The first game in Round 13, Turk Telekom vs, Slask, is scheduled to tip off on Tuesday, January 31 at 18:00 CET, and thus marks the next round's deadline.

Try to improve your teams and challenge for more prized at the EuroCup Fantasy Challenge, powered by Ardu Prime!

EuroCup Fantasy Challenge: Round 12 winner!

Prometey Slobozhanske got off to the worst possible start on the road at Frutti Extra Bursaspor, falling behind 8-0 inside the opening three and a half minutes. Head coach Ronen Ginzburg called a timeout, and soon after, Caleb Agada got to work.

 

The 7DAYS EuroCup rookie scored 10 points in a hurry to give Prometey the lead, 11-13, a couple of minutes later. Then, his three-pointer to end the first quarter saw him reach 18 points in the opening 10 minutes of play. Given that his triple saw Prometey retake the lead, 22-23, it meant that he had scored 78.3% of his team's points in the first quarter.

It had quickly become The Agada Show inside Tofas Spor Salonu, as the Nigeria international exploded for another 6 points in the opening five minutes of the second quarter. But, with Agada now up to a career-high 24 points in the game, he then began to cool off. Or, rather, Bursaspor began to pay far closer attention to him, particularly after the break.

The best plays of Caleb Agada in his career-high 24-point game, as Prometey Slobozhanske beat Frutti Extra Bursaspor 92-94 on the road.

Caleb Agada's best plays vs. Bursaspor

In the closing stages of the game, and with Agada having not scored since the midway point of the second quarter, he reappeared with a dagger three-pointer with 35 seconds left on the clock, which gave Prometey a 92-94 advantage.

 

No more points were scored in the game, thanks mostly to James Dickey's block on Zach Auguste in the final seconds. But it was thanks to Agada that Prometey was able to grab its fifth win in a row and become co-leader in Group A.

Sam Dekker leads London to victory in BBL Cup Final

Orelik's happy return for Lietkabelis

Photos of the week, Round 12

Bursaspor adds swingman Aubrey Dawkins

Round 12, roll call

Paris signs veteran Michael Roll

Round 12 MVP: Arnoldas Kulboka, Promitheas Patras

EuroCup Fantasy Challenge: Round 12 winner!

Caleb Agada caught fire in the first half as Prometey beat Bursaspor