Cosea JL Bourg-en-Bresse avoided a slip-up in the fight for the playoffs with a dominant 51-92 victory at Aris Midea Thessaloniki in Round 15 of the BKT EuroCup

Bourg blows by Aris 51-92 to stay in playoff zone 

Cosea JL Bourg-en-Bresse avoided a slip-up in the fight for the playoffs with a dominant 51-92 victory at Aris Midea Thessaloniki. Bourg gave up only 26 points in the first half to improve to 8-7, giving it two straight wins after a three-game losing skid.

Brandon Paul poured in 19 points and Xavier Castaneda had 14 points to pace Bourg. Aris was eliminated from playoff contention as it fell to 3-12 on the season and 1-6 at home. D’Moi Hodge had 11 points as Aris’s leading scorer.

Game Videos

Bourg got into the bonus early on and made 8 free throws in the first 4 minutes for a 7-10 lead. Castaneda buried a three-pointer for 9 points and a 7-13 advantage. The cushion grew to 9-17 and Paul’s triple had Bourg up 12-23 after 10 minutes. 

Bourg continued to roll in the second quarter with the first 7 points for a 12-30 margin as Aris needed nearly 3 minutes to get on the scoreboard. Aris could not come up with stops and Brandon Jefferson and Castaneda drilled triples as Bourg doubled up Aris 23-46. The score was 26-46 at the break.

Game News

Aris was able to score a bit more consistently in the early stages of the second half and was down 32-49. But Bourg scored the next 9 points and increased the lead to 32-58. The advantage grew to 27 points three times and it was 40-67 after three periods.

Hodge opened the final frame with a three-point play but Bourg ended any doubts with the next 15 points en route to a comfortable win.

The French side had little trouble on the road to eliminate Aris 

Aris Midea Thessaloniki v Cosea JL Bourg-en-Bresse (2025-01-15T18:00:00.000Z)

Bahcesehir College Istanbul came back from an 18-point deficit to beat Trefl Sopot 76-81 on Wednesday night. This win improved Bahcesehir to a 13-3 record, clinching the first place in Group A with three games to go, while already-eliminated Trefl dropped 1-14 on the season.

Bahcesehir rallies against Trefl to win Group A

Bahcesehir College Istanbul came back from an 18-point deficit to beat Trefl Sopot 76-81 on Wednesday night. This win improved Bahcesehir's record to a 13-3 and clinched first place in Group A with three games to go, while already-eliminated Trefl dropped 1-14 on the season.

Trefl made 7 of its first 11 three-point attempts to open a 43-25 lead, but Bahcesehir halved the deficit before halftime and then erased the rest in the third quarter, before pulling out the win in the final minutes. 

Jaleen Smith paced the winners with 25 points and 9 rebounds, Tai Odiase scored 20 points and Tyler Cavanaugh added 12 in the victory. Nick Johnson netted 18 points for the hosts, Aaron Best had 13 , Geoffrey Groselle 12 and Mikolaj Witlinski 11 in a losing effort.

Smith and Best opened the game trading triples, but then Nahiem Alleyne and Johnson hit back-to-back long-range shots for the hosts to open an 11-7 lead. Kenan Sipahi had a jumper and Odiase a put-back layup to keep the visitors close, but Alleyne knocked down another three. Then Johnson scored 4 more points as Trefl scored the last 9 points of the first quarter to take a 24-13 lead.

Groselle and Johnson made it 28-13 in the second before Cavanaugh snapped a 13-0 run, ending Bahcesehir’s scoring drought of almost 6 minutes. Smith’s driving layup cut it to 30-19, but Johnson and Jakub Schenk made a triple apiece, with Best hitting a short jumper in between to make it 38-21. A three-pointer from Jaroslaw Zyskowski, Trefl’s seventh of the night, increased the margin to 18 points. But Axel Bouteille drained a three and Odiase had a three-point play to spark a 0-7 run that Bahcesehir used to finish the first half and cut the deficit to 45-37.

Best opened the third quarter with a triple, but Sipahi and Smith scored the next 6 points to close the gap to 48-43 before back-to-back threes from Cavanaugh cut it to 50-49. Trefl struggled offensively, but Schenk scored inside to make it 54-49. However, Odiase’s three-point play tied it before a pair of baskets from Furkan Korkmaz gave the visitors a 54-58 lead. Schenk to finished the quarter by sinking 3 foul shots to make it a single-point affair going into the fourth quarter.

A triple from Best tied it at 60-60 and the teams traded blows with a Best-to-Johnson alley-oop dunk giving the hosts a 66-64 lead. But the visitors scored the next 8 points, with back-to-back triples from Sehmus Hazer and Smith giving Bahcesehir a 66-72 advantage. Johnson scored from the outside and Groselle twice from the inside to tie the game at 74-74 entering the final 2 minutes. Smith made a tough runner in a crowd in the final minute and Bouteille got a lucky bounce on a tough baseline jumper with 30 seconds left to make it 74-78. Groselle’s dunk gave the hosts hope, but Smith’s free throws sealed the outcome.

The Turkish side secured the top spot in the group

Trefl Sopot v Bahcesehir College Istanbul (2025-01-15T18:00:00.000Z)

Buducnost VOLI Podgorica outscored Hapoel Shlomo Tel Aviv 10-1 in the final minute to complete a comeback from a 13-point deficit to win 84-83 at Moraca

Buducnost rallies past Hapoel, 84-83

Buducnost VOLI Podgorica outscored Hapoel Shlomo Tel Aviv 10-1 in the final minute to complete a comeback from a 13-point deficit to win 84-83 at Moraca. The victory raised Buducnost’s record to 7-8 and put it in sixth place in Group A, while Hapoel fell to fourth place with a 9-6 record. Despite the loss, Hapoel clinched a ticket to the postseason.

Rasheed Sulaimon paced the winners with 19 points, Nikola Tanaskovic contributed 14 and McKinley Wright added 11 points and 6 assists. Alen Omic tallied 4 points and 9 rebounds and in doing so moved past Jamar Smith (1,396) and into fourth place on the EuroCup’s all-time scoring charts with 1,399 points.

Bruno Caboclo paced the Hapoel attack with 16 points, Tomer Ginat tallied 15 points and 7 rebounds, Johnathan Motley also scored 15 and Yam Madar had 11 points, 6 rebounds and 4 assists in defeat.

Hapoel started strong with a Madar jumper and a Ginat triple only to see Buducnost answer with a Sulaimon layup and a three by Wright. The visitors quickly regained the lead through Motley and Ish Wainright, whose second three of the game made it 9-13. Motley added to the lead with 5 straight points in the paint. Sulaimon scored twice in transition and Tanaskovic heated up with 5 points to trim the gap to 18-20. Dordije Jovanovic’s dunk briefly tied that game at 22-22, but Caboclo responded with a triple seconds later. Omic scored his historic basket and Joe Ragland’s layup made it 24-27 after 10 minutes.

Tanaskovic buried another three early in the second quarter and Fletcher Magee followed from deep to give Buducnost the lead. The Buducnost defense held Hapoel scoreless for more than three minutes and Omic’s tip-in made it 34-30. Caboclo ended the Hapoel drought and, after Tanaskovic free throws, Bar Timor made it a 1-point game with a triple. After a Buducnost timeout, threes by Jovanovic and Sulaimon made it 42-37. Marcus Foster and Oz Blayzer revived the visitors and Motley put Hapoel back on top with free throws. Tanaskovic scored on the offensive glass before Joe Ragland beat the halftime buzzer to give Hapoel a 49-50 advantage.

Caboclo and Wainright ignited a 0-11 run early in the second half. Ginat and Madar also contributed as Hapoel made it 51-61. Yogi Ferell tried to get Buducnost back on track and Juwan Morgan added free throws, but Madar and Ginat kept Hapoel on track. A floater by Ferrell drew Buducnost within 60-67 at the end of the third quarter.

Caboclo restored a double-digit lead to open the fourth quarter and restore a double-digit Hapoel lead. A minute later, Madar connected from deep to push the margin to 13. It took more than 3 minutes before Sulaimon scored Buducnost’s first points of the fourth quarter. A three by Morgan and floater by Wright gave Buducnost hope at 69-75 and prompted a Hapoel timeout. After sitting for the last quarter and a half, Motley returned to the game and sank a mid-range jumper. Ginat’s fourth three of the game made it 71-80. Sulaimon answered with a three, but he and Fletcher both missed on the ensuing possession as the clock started to play a factor. Madar added points from the line and Wainright denied Morgan at the rim, but Buducnost fought on. A three by Fletcher and basket by Wright made it 79-82 with 18.5 seconds left. After Madar split free throws, Sulaimon got Buducnost within 2. With 11.5 seconds to play, Wainright missed 2 free throws and Patrick Beverley then fouled Fletcher, who was shooting a three, with 4.4 seconds left. Fletcher made all 3 free throws and Marcus Foster missed for Hapoel at the buzzer.

Despite the loss, Hapoel clinched a postseason berth

Buducnost VOLI Podgorica v Hapoel Shlomo Tel Aviv (2025-01-15T18:00:00.000Z)

Turk Telekom Ankara remained firmly on course to reach the BTK EuroCup playoffs with a hard-fought 77-65 home win over Veolia Towers Hamburg in Group B, improving to 9-6 while the German side dropped to 3-12 

Turk Telekom retains playoff hopes with 77-65 win over Hamburg

Turk Telekom Ankara remained firmly on course to reach the BTK EuroCup playoffs with a hard-fought 77-65 home win over Veolia Towers Hamburg in Group B, improving to 9-6 while the German side dropped to 3-12 and lost all hopes of advancing into the business end of the competition.

Anthony Brown paced Turk Telekom with 18 points, Yoan Makoundou added 16 to go with 6 boards while Kenneth Smith racked up 10 points and 7 assists for the home team. At the other end, Jordan Barnett netted 18 points and Kur Kuath registered a double-double of 10 points and 11 rebounds.

Turk Telekom gained the upper hand from the start and soon carved out a 16-9 lead on the back of fast-paced offense, combined with strong defense which denied Hamburg open looks and forced the visitors out of the paint.

The Turkish side then raced clear, 28-13, as its big men Makoundou and Kyle Alexander dominated at both ends of the floor while the backcourt unit kept sinking shots from mid-range and downtown.

Hamburg was unable to cope with Turk Telekom’s torrid pace, which saw Smith and Alexander light up the contest with several spectacular alley-oops which had a vocal home crowd on its feet.

The hosts engineered a commanding 46-31 lead at halftime, with the versatile Makoundou leading the way on 12 points, while livewire Brown added 8. Alexander and Ismet Akpinar chipped in with 6 points apiece and Smith dished out as many assists to underline Turk Telekom’s smooth team effort which put the home side firmly in the driving seat. 

The Turkish team appeared to lose some of its momentum early in the third quarter and allowed Hamburg to conjure a 2-8 run which slashed the deficit to 48-39, as Jaizec Lottie hit a deep three for the visitors midway through the third quarter.

They closed the gap to 50-44 moments later and forced the home team’ head coach Erdem Can to call a timeout, with Turk Telekom’s offense grinding to a screeching halt. The Turkish side responded with a lightning 7-0 run as Brown sank one from downtown to stretch the lead back to double figures. Not for long though, as Hamburg then netted 6 unanswered points to reduce Turk Telekom’s lead to 57-50 heading into the final 10 minutes.

A corner three from Smith followed by Olivier Hanlan’s mid-range jumper made it 64-50 early in the fourth and although Hamburg fought hard to stay in touch, Smith drained another three from way downtown to keep the hosts in control, 69-55.

There was one last roar from Hamburg as it closed in to 70-65 with 1:28 minutes left on the clock before a pair of free throws by Makoundou followed by a spot-up three from Brown put the game beyond the German team’s reach.

“Hamburg was under no pressure and our biggest problem was the offensive rebounds, as we gave them too may,” Can said in his postgame comments. “We stayed together and were smart on offense, but our defense was the key.”

Hamburg won the battle of the boards 48-39 having collected a staggering 21 offensive rebounds but the visitors were ultimately undone by their own dreadful long-range shooting, having sank a mere 4 of 34 from deep while Turk Telekom made 8 of 25.

With three rounds to go in the regular season, the Turkish side stayed on course to advance 

Turk Telekom Ankara v Veolia Towers Hamburg (2025-01-15T16:30:00.000Z)

With four games remaining in the EuroCup Regular Season, Round 15 features a number of mouth-watering games.

Game Center: Round 15

## Wednesday, January 15

### [Turk Telekom Ankara 77-65 Veolia Towers Hamburg](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/game-center/2024-25/turk-telekom-ankara-veolia-towers-hamburg/U2024/149/)

Turk Telekom remained firmly on course to reach the playoffs with a hard-fought home win over Hamburg in Group B, improving to 9-6 while the German side dropped to 3-12. Anthony Brown paced Turk Telekom with 18 points and Yoan Makoundou added 16 to go with 6 boards. At the other end, Jordan Barnett netted 18 points and Kur Kuath registered a double-double of 10 points and 11 rebounds.

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="ht" dir="ltr">MVP Yoan Makoundou! 🌟💪<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AnkaraBasketbolu?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AnkaraBasketbolu</a><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Kaizen?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Kaizen</a><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WeAreHereForAReason?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WeAreHereForAReason</a><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/RoadToGreatness?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#RoadToGreatness</a> <a href="https://t.co/oNta2tHkWJ">pic.twitter.com/oNta2tHkWJ</a></p>&mdash; Türk Telekom Basketbol (@TT_Basketbol) <a href="https://twitter.com/TT_Basketbol/status/1879614281240793200?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 15, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

### [Aris Midea Thessaloniki 51-92 Cosea JL Bourg-en-Bresse](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/game-center/2024-25/aris-midea-thessaloniki-cosea-jl-bourg-en-bresse/U2024/147/)

Bourg avoided a slip-up in the fight for the playoffs with a dominant victory at Aris Midea Thessaloniki. Bourg gave up only 26 points in the first half to improve to 8-7, giving it two straight wins after a three-game losing skid. Brandon Paul poured in 19 points and Xavier Castaneda had 14 points to pace Bourg. Aris was eliminated from playoff contention as it fell to 3-12 on the season and 1-6 at home. D’Moi Hodge had 11 points as Aris’s leading scorer. 

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="fr" dir="ltr">VICTOIRE ✅<a href="https://twitter.com/ARISBCgr?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ARISBCgr</a> - 51 🆚 92 - COSEA JL Bourg<br><br>Victoire écrasante à Thessalonique où l&#39;équipe a pu dérouler son jeu. De quoi mettre en confiance pour la suite du roadtrip 👊<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WeRedy?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WeRedy</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/EuroCup?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#EuroCup</a> <a href="https://t.co/r7aShy8gQo">pic.twitter.com/r7aShy8gQo</a></p>&mdash; JL Bourg Basket (@JLBourgBasket) <a href="https://twitter.com/JLBourgBasket/status/1879619396831973621?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 15, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

### [Buducnost VOLI Podgorica 84-83 Hapoel Shlomo Tel Aviv](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/game-center/2024-25/buducnost-voli-podgorica-hapoel-shlomo-tel-aviv/U2024/142/)

Buducnost outscored Hapoel 10-1 in the final minute to complete a comeback from a 13-point deficit to win at Moraca. The victory raised Buducnost’s record to 7-8 and put it in sixth place in Group A, while Hapoel fell to fourth place with a 9-6 record. Despite the loss, Hapoel clinched a ticket to the postseason. Rasheed Sulaimon paced the winners with 19 points and Alen Omic tallied 4 points and 9 rebounds and in doing so moved past Jamar Smith (1,396) and into fourth place on the EuroCup’s all-time scoring charts with 1,399 points. Bruno Caboclo paced the Hapoel attack with 16 points.

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="it" dir="ltr">Whdhdhrhsjwskqkajaka#:2828×djdjsjsj......WE WIN!!!!!!!🔵⚪️<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/kkb?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#kkb</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/huknora%C4%8De?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#huknorače</a> <a href="https://t.co/WLYQ1hAZlr">pic.twitter.com/WLYQ1hAZlr</a></p>&mdash; KK Budućnost VOLI (@KKBuducnostVOLI) <a href="https://twitter.com/KKBuducnostVOLI/status/1879624055709696101?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 15, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

### [Trefl Sopot 78-81 Bahcesehir College Istanbul](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/game-center/2024-25/trefl-sopot-bahcesehir-college-istanbul/U2024/141/)

Bahcesehir came back from an 18-point deficit to beat Trefl, improve to 13-3 on the season and clinch first place in Group A with three games to go. Already-eliminated Trefl dropped 1-14. Trefl made 7 of its first 11 three-point attempts to open a 43-25 lead, but Bahcesehir halved the deficit before halftime and then erased the rest in the third quarter, before pulling out the win in the final minutes. Jaleen Smith paced the winners with 25 points and 9 rebounds and Tai Odiase scored 20 points in the victory. Nick Johnson netted 18 points for the hosts. 

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="tr" dir="ltr">📣 𝐂̧𝐄𝐘𝐑𝐄𝐊 𝐅𝐈̇𝐍𝐀𝐋𝐃𝐄𝐘𝐈̇𝐙! 🔥<br><br>💪 Trefl Sopot galibiyetiyle grubumuzu ilk 2 sırada bitirmeyi garantiliyor ve adımızı çeyrek finale yazdırıyoruz.<br><br>BKT EuroCup | Group A | Round 15 | Full Time | Trefl Sopot 76 – 81 Bahçeşehir Koleji<br><br>•⁠ ⁠Jaleen Smith: 25 sayı, 9… <a href="https://t.co/FcCrBnNalD">pic.twitter.com/FcCrBnNalD</a></p>&mdash; Bahçeşehir Koleji Spor Kulübü (@BKBasketbol) <a href="https://twitter.com/BKBasketbol/status/1879624874693726499?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 15, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

### [Umana Reyer Venice 77-88 U-BT Cluj-Napoca](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/game-center/2024-25/umana-reyer-venice-u-bt-cluj-napoca/U2024/150/)

Cluj bounced back in style from last week's loss by pulling off a hard-fought win in Venice against Reyer. Despite being ahead for 29 minutes, Cluj saw Venice tie the game entering the last period but managed to hold on and punished its opponent with a 0-10 run late in the game after the home team came within 77-78. Zavier Simpson led all scorers with 25 points and also contributed 6 rebounds and 7 assists for a career-high PIR of 36. DJ Seeley followed with 16 points. Tyler Ennis paced Reyer with 19 points of which 15 came in the first half, and Mfiondu Kabengele recorded a double-double of 17 points and 10 boards in the losing effort.

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">A win for <a href="https://twitter.com/UBTCluj?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@UBTCluj</a> in Round 15!<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/RoadToGreatness?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#RoadToGreatness</a> <a href="https://t.co/Ll1EyrbPor">pic.twitter.com/Ll1EyrbPor</a></p>&mdash; BKT EuroCup (@EuroCup) <a href="https://twitter.com/EuroCup/status/1879637808220107197?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 15, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

### [Dreamland Gran Canaria 77-83 Joventut Badalona](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/game-center/2024-25/dreamland-gran-canaria-joventut-badalona/U2024/144/)

Joventut downed Gran Canaria on the road to continue its great run of play. Joventut took control of the game with a 0-13 third-quarter run for its third win in the last four games in the EuroCup. That takes its record to 6-9 in Group A. Joventut improved to 2-6 on the road as it collected its ninth victory in the last 10 games in the Spanish League and EuroCup combined. Kassius Robertson and Sam Dekker led the way with 13 points each. Gran Canaria has now lost three of its last four EuroCup games for a 10-5 record. John Shurna finished with 14 points in the loss.

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="ca" dir="ltr">🔐 FINAL a Gran Canària. SEGUIM MOOOOOOLT VIUS!! 💚🖤<a href="https://twitter.com/GranCanariaCB?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@GranCanariaCB</a> 77-83 <a href="https://twitter.com/Penya1930?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Penya1930</a><br><br>🎯 Sam Dekker i Kassius Robertson: 13 punts<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/CityOfBadalona?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#CityOfBadalona</a> <a href="https://t.co/kSYPd2Neqe">pic.twitter.com/kSYPd2Neqe</a></p>&mdash; Club Joventut Badalona (@Penya1930) <a href="https://twitter.com/Penya1930/status/1879649723654803889?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 15, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

## Tuesday, January 14

### [7Bet-Lietkabelis Panevezys 91-96 Valencia Basket](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/news/semi-ojeleye-leads-valencia-past-lietkabelis-91-96/)

Valencia became the first team to qualify to the EuroCup Quarterfinals after downing Lietkabelis 91-96 on the road. Valencia improved to 13-2 in Group B and locked at least second place at the end of the regular season, enough to skip the eighthfinals and play the single-game quarterfinals at La Fonteta. Lietkabelis dropped to 4-10 and could be mathematically out of the playoff race at the end of this round. Semi Ojeleye led the winners with 20 points. Jaime Pradilla, Chris Jones and Jean Montero each added 14, Xabi Lopez-Arostegui had 13 and Nate Reuvers got 11 for Valencia. Martynas Varnas led Lietkabelis with 19 points. Paulius Danusevicius added 14, Georgios Kalaitzakis 13, Djordje Gagic 11 and Dovis Bickauskis 10.

<center><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="es" dir="ltr">VAMOOOOOOOOOOOS 🧡<br><br>¡Ganamos en Lituania y certificamos una de las dos primeras plazas del grupo B! 💪<br><br>🔴 Lietkabelis Panevezys 91<br>🟠 <a href="https://twitter.com/valenciabasket?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@valenciabasket</a> 96<br><br>🏆 J15 <a href="https://twitter.com/EuroCup?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@EuroCup</a><br>🤝 <a href="https://twitter.com/movistar_es?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@movistar_es</a> <a href="https://t.co/rOm8PPFcgl">pic.twitter.com/rOm8PPFcgl</a></p>&mdash; Valencia Basket Club (@valenciabasket) <a href="https://twitter.com/valenciabasket/status/1879240322963664937?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 14, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

### [Besiktas Fibabanka Istanbul 79-77 Wolves Twinsbet Vilnius](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/game-center/2024-25/besiktas-fibabanka-istanbul-wolves-twinsbet-vilnius/U2024/145/)

Besiktas picked up a massively important victory in the fight for the playoffs as it defeated Wolves 79-77 at home after a nightmare start to the second half. Besiktas survived going scoreless for more than 7 minutes in the third quarter and falling behind by 11 points to win down the stretch and snap a three-game losing streak for an 8-7 record. Jonah Mathews poured in 27 points for the hosts, Berk Ugurlu added 20 points and Kelan Martin and Dustin Sleva both chipped in 10 points. Wolves have now dropped five of the last seven games for a 7-8 record. The one good thing for the Lithuanian side is they still own the tiebreaker over Besiktas thanks to its 93-78 home win in Round 6. Anthony Cowan scored 22 points in the loss. 

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="tr" dir="ltr">𝑬𝒗𝒆𝒏 𝒊𝒇 𝒕𝒉𝒆𝒓𝒆 𝒊𝒔 𝒂 𝒇𝒖𝒍𝒍 𝒎𝒐𝒐𝒏 𝑬𝒂𝒈𝒍𝒆𝒔 𝒓𝒊𝒔𝒆 𝒂𝒕 𝑨𝒌𝒂𝒕𝒍𝒂𝒓, 𝒏𝒐𝒕 𝑾𝒐𝒍𝒗𝒆𝒔... 🌕<br><br>Beşiktaş Fibabanka 79-77 Wolves Vilnius | Maç Sonucu <br><br>🦅 <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Be%C5%9Fikta%C5%9FFibabanka?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#BeşiktaşFibabanka</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Potan%C4%B1nKartallar%C4%B1?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#PotanınKartalları</a> <a href="https://t.co/giJNNewgN1">pic.twitter.com/giJNNewgN1</a></p>&mdash; Beşiktaş Fibabanka (@BJK_Basketbol) <a href="https://twitter.com/BJK_Basketbol/status/1879245927090913558?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 14, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

### [Hapoel Bank Yahav Jerusalem 70-74 Cedevita Olimpija Ljubljana](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/game-center/2024-25/hapoel-bank-yahav-jerusalem-cedevita-olimpija-ljubljana/U2024/146/)

Cedevita outscored Jerusalem 7-15 over the game's last 4 minutes to claim victory at Samokov Arena in Bulgaria. The victory sent Cedevita into second place in Group B with a 9-5 record, while Jerusalem is right behind at 9-6. Brynton Lemar led the Cedevita attack with 17 points against his former team and Aleksej Nikolic added 16 – including 6 free throws down the stretch to help seal the win. Justin Smith and Jared Harper scored 16 each for Jerusalem, with the latter also dishing 8 assists.

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">DRAGONS WIN! A big road win over <a href="https://twitter.com/JerusalemBasket?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@JerusalemBasket</a> in the battle for the 2nd place in <a href="https://twitter.com/EuroCup?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@EuroCup</a> Group B!<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ZmajevaDruzina?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ZmajevaDruzina</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/DragonFamily?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#DragonFamily</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/BKTEuroCup?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#BKTEuroCup</a> <a href="https://t.co/t18vUwb87P">pic.twitter.com/t18vUwb87P</a></p>&mdash; Cedevita Olimpija Ljubljana - English (@KKCedOL_EN) <a href="https://twitter.com/KKCedOL_EN/status/1879255813539405904?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 14, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

### [Dolomiti Energia Trento 86-71 ratiopharm Ulm](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/game-center/2024-25/dolomiti-energia-trento-ratiopharm-ulm/U2024/143/)

Trento kept alive its slim chances to reach the postseason by blowing out Ulm at home. Trento scored the first 15 points of the game and never looked back in snapping a three-game losing streak to move to 5-10 in Group A. Anthony Lamb led the way for Trento with 21 points and Jordan Ford picked up 20 points on a night when Trento’s veteran Toto Forray became the EuroCup’s all-time leader in games played with 145. In addition, Mario Machetti played the final 74 seconds at age 15 years, 9 months and 1 day to become the third-youngest player in EuroCup history. Ulm has lost back-to-back games after winning five straight games for a 9-6 record. Noa Essengue was Ulm’s top scorer with 18 points and 8 rebounds.

<center>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Trento defend their home court!<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/RoadToGreatness?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#RoadToGreatness</a> <a href="https://t.co/HTeTTfPWp7">pic.twitter.com/HTeTTfPWp7</a></p>&mdash; BKT EuroCup (@EuroCup) <a href="https://twitter.com/EuroCup/status/1879272352397307915?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 14, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Game Center: Roads wins for Bahcesehir, Bourg, Cluj, Joventut

7Bet-Lietkabelis Panevezys v Cedevita Olimpija Ljubljana (2025-01-16T17:30:00.000Z)

Besiktas Fibabanka Istanbul v Wolves Twinsbet Vilnius (2025-01-14T17:00:00.000Z)

7Bet-Lietkabelis Panevezys v Valencia Basket (2025-01-14T17:00:00.000Z)

Hapoel Bank Yahav Jerusalem v Cedevita Olimpija Ljubljana (2025-01-14T18:00:00.000Z)

Dolomiti Energia Trento v ratiopharm Ulm (2025-01-14T19:00:00.000Z)

Umana Reyer Venice v U-BT Cluj-Napoca (2025-01-15T19:00:00.000Z)

Dreamland Gran Canaria v Joventut Badalona (2025-01-15T20:00:00.000Z)

There’s probably nothing better than a statement win on the road for a team to react and recover after hitting a couple of bumps. For CB Gran Canaria, that game arrived at ratiopharm Ulm last week.

Gran Canaria’s smothering defense is paying dividends

There’s probably nothing better than a statement win on the road for a team to react and recover after hitting a couple of bumps.

For [Dreamland Gran Canaria](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/teams/dreamland-gran-canaria/can/), that game [arrived at ratiopharm Ulm last week](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/news/strong-fourth-quarter-carries-gran-canaria-past-ulm-76-83/).

Against one of the hottest BKT EuroCup teams at that moment, which was in the middle of a four-game winning run, the Spanish side got a 76-83 road win to bounce back in style after two straight losses and improve to 10-4, retaining the advantageous second seed in Group A.

The way Gran Canaria achieved the result included several aspects that have been a trademark for the 2023 champions this season: tough defensive attitude, superior energy down the stretch and fighting mentality, all of them leading to a 16-0 run over seven minutes in the fourth period for the comeback victory.

“We wanted to control their transition defense because they are running and are very vertical to the basket,” said Gran Canaria coach [Jaka Lakovic](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/teams/dreamland-gran-canaria/can/lakovic-jaka/). “We also wanted to protect the defensive rebounds and, for sure, make a good job defending on three-pointers.”

Ulm was held to 76 points after averaging 106.6 points over its three previous games. Once again, it was mainly the defense of Gran Canaria that showed the way, as has been the case several times this season.

Read more [HERE](https://www.eurohoops.net/en/eurocup/1771380/gran-canarias-smothering-defense-is-paying-dividends/).

The 2023 EuroCup champions sit second in Group A with four games to play in the regular season

On a special night for Toto Forray, Aquila Basket Trento beat ratiopharm Ulm 86-71 with Anthony Lamb and Jordan Ford starring.

Lamb, Ford helped Forray celebrate history, keep Trento in playoff hunt

[Anthony Lamb](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/anthony-lamb/013272/) and [Jordan Ford](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/jordan-ford/013270/) carried the offense for [Dolomiti Energia Trento](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/teams/dolomiti-energia-trento/trn/) in a [big victory over ratiopharm Ulm](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/news/trento-rolls-past-ulm-86-71-to-keep-playoff-hopes-alive/) to keep the team’s playoff hopes alive on a historic night for [Toto Forray](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/toto-forray/006382/).

The veteran [Forray became the BKT EuroCup’s all-time leader in games played](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/news/toto-forray-becomes-eurocup-career-leader-with-145th-appearance/) with 145 appearances in Trento’s 86-71 win at home. The 38-year-old surpassed the Valencia Basket great [Rafa Martinez](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/players/rafa-martinez/001351/) in his ninth season in the competition.

“I’m really grateful we got this win for Toto. It’s an amazing accomplish to play in this many EuroCup games. Hopefully nobody ever breaks it so Toto has it forever,” said Lamb, who led Trento with 21 points, including three big jumpers in the final 4 minutes as Ulm had made a final comeback attempt.

Ford was hot all game with 20 points on 8-of-11 shooting, which featured 4 three-pointers made for the home side. [Myles Cale](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/myles-cale/013269/) added 14 points and [Saliou Niang](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/saliou-niang/012687/) chipped in 8 points and 12 rebounds.

"It was a good win for us. We are still in a tough moment because we are missing players. We are overusing some players but it’s a great group. I’m happy because it’s a nice win after some tough losses. It was a great reaction as a group,” said Trento coach [Paolo Galbiati](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/teams/dolomiti-energia-trento/trn/galbiati-paolo/).

The victory snaps a three-game losing streak for Trento, which improved to 5-10 in Group A but is still two wins off sixth place, the final spot for the postseason.

Trento came into the game struggling to stop opposing offenses, ranking 17th in the opposing team’s PIR at 98.6 and last in the EuroCup in the opposing team’s three-point percentage at 39.7%.

Ulm was actually the second-best long-range shooting team at 38.0% coming into the game but converted just 7-of-29 three-point attempts for 24.1%. And the German side’s PIR was just 72.

“We had a lot of stretches where we played really good defense. We talked really well. Our bigs came in big protecting the rim. It showed growth and that is the area where we need to grow the most,” added Lamb.

<center>
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Forray's historic night of longevity was joined by more history at the other end of the spectrum in the closing stages of the game. [Mario Machetti](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/mario-machetti/013520/) was subbed into the game with 74 seconds to play to become the third-youngest player in EuroCup history at the age of 15 years, 9 months and 1 day. The only two players who were younger were Stefan Petkovic of Benetton Freibourg (15y 0m 10d on December 4, 2007) and Nikolaos Vasileiou of Promitheas Patras (15y 6m 4d on November 4, 2020).

Slotted right behind Machetti is a pretty famous name as the fourth-youngest player in EuroCup history is Victor Wembanyama, who was 15 years 9 months and 25 days when he played for Nanterre 92 on October 29, 2019.

Coach Galbiati also gave a pair of teenage brothers the chance to debut in the end as [Tobia Triggiani](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/tobia-triggiani/013521/) (born March 9, 2007) and [Vittorio Triggiani](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/vittorio-triggiani/013523/) (August 3, 2008) entered the game with 53 seconds remaining.

It seemed fitting that the young trio made their debuts on a night when the club’s veteran legend Forray was being honored.

The duo combined for 41 points as the Argentine became the all-time leader in EuroCup games played

Check out what the protagonists are saying ahead of Round 15 of the BKT EuroCup, and who might be missing in action.

Round 15: Pregame quotes and injury reports

## Wednesday, January 15

### Turk Telekom Ankara vs. Veolia Towers Hamburg (17:30 CET)

**Benka Barloschky, Veolia Towers Hamburg head coach**

"Turk Telekom Ankara is an absolute top team that has strengthened its guard positions compared to the first leg. Speedy Smith is strong, can create his own shot and set players up. It's almost a bit crazy how much quality they have in their team. The team really is incredibly deep. They've already had their difficulties this season, so perhaps that's why they're not quite as solid yet. But it's a very ambitious program. And when they click, they are simply really good."

### Aris Midea Thessaloniki vs. Cosea JL Bourg-en-Bresse (19:00 CET)

**Ioannis Kastritis, Aris Midea Thessaloniki head coach**

"We have to face a team with great athleticism and quality. After some losses in a row, JL Bourg returned to positive results and they have a big motive to win tomorrow, as they are trying to qualify to the next round of BKT EuroCup. From our side, we have to be ready and give our best in both ends of the court, to chase the positive result, in front of our fans."

**Lefteris Bochoridis, Aris Midea Thessaloniki guard**

"We have a difficult game ahead, against a very good team. JL Bourg is last season’s finalist and has a very deep roster, with a lot of quality. We have to be determined and focused for the whole game, especially in the defensive end, in order to get the result we want. We may not have chances to qualify, but we will fight till the last game, that’s what Aris stands for."

**Frederic Fauthoux, Cosea JL Bourg-en-Bresse head coach**

"Aris is a team that plays hard. From now on, every game is important, it will not be easy, and we will have to be ready to take up the challenge by also imposing our game."

**Brandon Jefferson, Cosea JL Bourg-en-Bresse guard**

"It’s an important game for us. We need to be locked on this team of Aris both offensively and defensively. Every game will be a war. We need to stay together and play with confidence and our basketball! We know the rankings and this is a crucial game for us."

### Buducnost VOLI Podgorica vs. Hapoel Shlomo Tel Aviv (19:00 CET)

**Dimitris Itoudis, Hapoel Shlomo Tel Aviv head coach**

"We’re playing against the team currently leading the ABA League alongside Red Star, and they’re at the top for a reason – they have quality, a well-structured game, and an excellent coaching staff. They have at least two players in every position who can provide the same outcome without the team losing control. Their guards are highly creative, and they receive great support from their bigs and forwards. This team has it all. On the other hand, we’re coming after a very poor performance against Hapoel Jerusalem, and we’re determined to bounce back immediately. We’ve worked hard in practice and put significant effort into ensuring we don’t lose games like that again. Performances like that won’t happen again. We’re motivated to bounce back – for ourselves, for the effort we’ve invested, and for the hours we’ve spent watching film and working on the court."

**Marcus Foster, Hapoel Shlomo Tel Aviv guard**

"With the EuroCup season come to an end it is very important to continue to improve and be at our best against a very good team that is fighting for playoff position. We must bounce back after the weekend game against Hapoel Jerusalem."

### Trefl Sopot vs. Bahcesehir College Istanbul (19:00 CET)

**Darious Moten, Trefl Sopot forward**

"Our ability to win this game has more to do with us coming together and developing the chemistry that we've been trying to build over these couple of weeks, how well we execute, and how well we play our game."

### Umana Reyer Venice vs. U-BT Cluj-Napoca (20:00 CET)

**Neven Spahija, Umana Reyer Venice head coach**

"We want to win, as always. Facing Cluj won’t be easy at all because they are a good team, competitive and with offensive talent. We are eager to continue on our path. We are a completely different team from the first-leg match, where we performed very well for 70% of the game but lost it in the remaining 30%. There were many aspects of that game I didn’t like, and we want to do better. We need to keep up everything we’ve been doing lately. We draw a lot from our defense, and the recovery of our players gives us versatility."

**Amedeo Tessitori, Umana Reyer Venice center**

"We need to give continuity to the work of these past weeks to maintain our positive streak. Each of us has to give our best for the team by bringing solidity, teamwork, and defense to the court, everything that defines us. We are working very well, everyone is in good spirits, but our focus is always on the next game."

**Reyer injury report:** Rodney McGruder (adductor) is out.

**Mihai Silvasan, U-BT Cluj-Napoca head coach** 

"We will play against a really strong team. They are in good shape, winning the last five games. Venice is a strong team, especially in the paint. They are really good doing the isolation, so they know how to benefit from every situation. We want to play well and win! We need to be aggressive, especially defending their bigs and then score easy baskets in transition."

**Adam Mokoka, U-BT Cluj-Napoca guard**

"It is going to be a tough game, especially at their crib. We know they are a physical team, they got more weapons compared to the first game. We need to be consistent for 40 minutes and not give them any chances to believe they can win."

### Dreamland Gran Canaria vs. Joventut Badalona (21:00 CET)

**Dani Miret, Joventut Badalona head coach**

"Now we have a difficult competitive situation because we have no margin to make a mistake. We must come into the game with a very good mentality because we can only think about that game, we cannot think beyond that. We know that we will have to do very well because \[Gran Canaria\] are a team that has shown their character many times. They are coming off playing a very good game against Barça and from beating Ulm in the EuroCup. They are a very prestigious opponent."

**Joventut injury report:** Michael Ruzic and Miguel Allen are both out.

## Tuesday, January 14

### 7Bet-Lietkabelis Panevezys vs. Valencia Basket (18:00 CET)

**Matt Costello, Valencia Basket center**

"We lost to them the first time. They're really physical, they play every possession super hard and super confidently, so we need to come tomorrow and keep playing how we've been playing: fast, keep trying to make shots, and try to shut them down on defense the best we can. We haven't that lost much this year, so to be able to play the team again after we lost to them, you want to prove yourself again. We've got an opportunity tomorrow and we've got to be ready for it. We've had a lot of 5s going down this year, but as far as 4s, this is the first time. Being able to fill those positions, I think Semi may play a little bit more of a 4 for us with the system we've got going on. It's a little bit different of a look, but I think we'll be able to figure it out."

### Besiktas Fibabanka Istanbul vs. Wolves Twinsbet Vilnius (18:00 CET)

**Alessandro Magro, Wolves Twinsbet Vilnius head coach**

"It's a very important game. We have the same record, and we won at home. They are a completely different team when they play in their loud and crowded arena. They are coming from three defeats on the road. We are coming from a bad game at home. We must try to prove ourselves, try to overcome the group and go into the playoffs. So it will be a crucial game."

**Matas Jogela, Wolves Twinsbet Vilnius forward**

"Playing in Istanbul is difficult for everyone because they have very good fans who create a strong atmosphere, so they play much better at home. We need to stay focused and united. It will be a tough game. We must withstand their physicality and execute our game plan."

### Hapoel Bank Yahav Jerusalem vs. Cedevita Olimpija Ljubljana (19:00 CET)

**Zvezdan Mitrovic, Cedevita Olimpija Ljubljana head coach**

"Hapoel Jerusalem is undoubtedly one of the best teams in our group. With the return of Smith, they are even stronger. Our opponents are playing very well again, as they demonstrated in their last game when they defeated Hapoel Tel Aviv, one of the strongest teams in the EuroCup. They are an experienced team that has been playing together for several years, which we could see and feel in our first encounter when they convincingly beat us on their home court. We’ve just come back from a challenging trip to Bulgaria, and on Tuesday, we will step on the court and try to give it our all."

**Devin Robinson, Cedevita Olimpija Ljubljana forward**

"A real battle awaits us in a game we must win. We have to give it everything we've got because our opponents defeated us on our home court, so we need to do everything we can to settle the score."

### Dolomiti Energia Trento vs. ratiopharm Ulm (20:00 CET)

**Paolo Galbiati, Dolomiti Energia Trento head coach**

"When I found out that Toto \[Forray\] would become the player with the most EuroCup appearances, several things came to mind. The first is definitely the memory of the amazing EuroCup season that Trento had in 2015-2016. The second is a thought about who Toto is and how I would like everyone to have the same mentality as him. I remember his beginnings when so many thought he would not make it, first in A2 then in the LBA and EuroCup. This record is one more medal that enriches an incredible career and shows how he has been able to exceed all expectations and how he has an incredible mentality. As for Ulm, they are an interesting team, with a well-defined playing philosophy, very talented youngsters and a lot of athletes around. I expect a great game, because they also play with a high tempo and love to run."

**Toto Forray, Dolomiti Energia Trento guard**

"To become the player with the most appearances in the EuroCup is an incredible achievement. Thinking back, I remember the first game, in Slovenia against Ljubljana: entering that arena was a unique feeling. I also remember the series against Milan, a team coming down from the EuroLeague, a very special moment. Over the years, the EuroCup has grown a lot, going up a level. We faced teams of the highest caliber like Paris, Bologna, Partizan, Lokomotiv Kuban, Valencia and many others. It has been a journey full of challenges and great emotions. Looking ahead to tomorrow's game, we have to do everything we can to win, not only to change our momentum, but also because we still have hopes of making it through the round, although we know it will not be easy. Playing at home will give us an extra factor in our favor, and we definitely want to bring home these two points."

Tuesday's game in Bulgaria may prove to be a watershed moment in Cedevita Olimpija Ljubljana's season as it climbed into second place in Group B with a 70-74 victory over Hapoel Bank Yahav Jerusalem. The win came with a few key stats and teenage center Joan Beringer had his hands all over them.

Teenager Joan Beringer set the tone for Cedevita

Tuesday's game in Bulgaria may prove to be a watershed moment in [Cedevita Olimpija Ljubljana](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/teams/cedevita-olimpija-ljubljana/roster/lju/?season=2024-25)'s season as it climbed into second place in Group B with [a 70-74 victory](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/news/cedevita-holds-off-jerusalem-70-74-to-rise-into-second-place/) over [Hapoel Bank Yahav Jerusalem](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/teams/hapoel-jerusalem/roster/jer/?season=2024-25). The win came with a few key stats and teenage center [Joan Beringer](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/joan-beringer/012996/) had his hands all over them.

Cedevita dominated the paint in outrebounding Jerusalem 36-50. And it scored a whopping 19 second-chance points to just 3 for Jerusalem. The 50 rebounds were the third-most in club history and Cedevita's 16 offensive rebounds were a season high.

Beringer, who celebrated his 18th birthday just two months ago, led the charge with 5 offensive boards and 11 total rebounds, both of which marked career highs. He scored 8 points and posted a personal-best PIR of 18.

He set the tone from the very beginning with a put-back on the game’s opening possession. All told, he scored or assisted on 7 of Cedevita's second-chance points. This less than a year removed from competing at the [Adidas NextGen EuroLeague](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/ngt/) tournament.

This game was tailor-made for Beringer to leave his fingerprints, and he did not disappoint. Short-handed Jerusalem suited up just 10 players and used just nine. Since both [Austin Wiley](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/austin-wiley/013278/) and [Gabi Chachashvili](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/gabriel-chachashvili/013279/) are out injured, Jerusalem started a frontline of 2.01-meter [Justin Smith](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/justin-smith/013276/) and 1.98-meter [Chris Johnson](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/chris-johnson/013277/), with its only natural center, [Derek Ogbeide](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/derek-ogbeide/013263/), coming off the bench. When Johnson fell into early foul trouble, that created even more problems and Beringer, who at 2.07 meters was often the tallest player on the floor, was there to take advantage.

Jerusalem head coach Yonatan Alon did not speak specifically about Beringer after the game, but he summed up his team’s weaknesses, which were exactly what the young big man exploited.

"We have won games before because of our offensive rebounding. Today we lost because of our defensive rebounding," Alon said in the post-game press conference.

"We are tired because we don’t have a full roster… We don’t have 12 players and the load is coming on the players and that is what you see at the end of the game. Good shots are not falling in, some decisions we need to make better. You don’t box out, you don’t focus enough. That is exactly the situation we are dealing with."

<center>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="cs" dir="ltr">🔥 Z 🔥 M 🔥 A 🔥 G 🔥 A 🔥 <a href="https://t.co/tYZstws2g2">pic.twitter.com/tYZstws2g2</a></p>&mdash; Cedevita Olimpija Ljubljana (@KKCedOL) <a href="https://twitter.com/KKCedOL/status/1879267884108779822?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 14, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Beringer was, of course, one of many key figures in Cedevita’s win. [Brynton Lemar](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/brynton-lemar/013261/) scored 17 against his former team. [Aleksej Nikolic](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/aleksej-nikolic/003703/) made 6 free throws in the final minute to help seal the win and finished with 16 points. And, after dealing with foul trouble for much of the game, [Devin Robinson](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/devin-robinson/012042/) scored 12 of his 15 points in the fourth quarter.

For Robinson, "defense was the key."

"We knew they were going to bring energy tonight so we had to match their energy tonight," the Cedevita forward summed up after the game. 

And no player brought the energy quite like Beringer in his 19:25 minutes on the floor.  

The big man's activity helped wear Jerusalem down