All eyes will be on Vilnius on Tuesday, March 4 when the BKT EuroCup postseason with BC Wolves hosting U-BT Cluj-Napoca.

Wolves, Cluj to share the spotlight in eighthfinals opener

All eyes will be on Vilnius on Tuesday, March 4 when the BKT EuroCup postseason tips off. [Wolves Twinsbet Vilnius](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/teams/wolves-twinsbet-vilnius/wol/) will host [U-BT Cluj-Napoca](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/teams/u-bt-cluj-napoca/clu/) in the first of four single-game eighthfinal matchups. The remaining three will be played on Wednesday, leaving Wolves and Cluj alone to bask in the glory of being the only high-level playoff game of note anywhere in the world that day.

Both Wolves and Cluj are teams with lofty goals who are more than capable of shining in the spotlight. Wolves was, quite literally, built for it. Founded in 2022 when it took over the license of Dzukija Alytus, from the start the plan was to create a top-tier European club in the capital of Lithuania. Former EuroLeague stars Darjus and Ksistof Lavrinovic joined as ambassadors and in the first season, former EuroLeague champ [Jeffery Taylor](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/jeffery-taylor/006546/) joined the project.

Wolves, which played its debut season in Alytus, made waves in its debut season and joined the EuroCup last season, the club's second campaign. Only one win separated Wolves from a spot in the 2024 postseason. This season, Wolves not only qualified but earned the home-court advantage for its first game.

<center>
<blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/DGfhV6YMwAj/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14" style=" background:#FFF; border:0; border-radius:3px; box-shadow:0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width:540px; min-width:326px; padding:0; width:99.375%; width:-webkit-calc(100% - 2px); width:calc(100% - 2px);"><div style="padding:16px;"> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/DGfhV6YMwAj/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" style=" background:#FFFFFF; line-height:0; padding:0 0; text-align:center; text-decoration:none; width:100%;" target="_blank"> <div style=" display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"></div> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"></div></div></div><div style="padding: 19% 0;"></div> <div style="display:block; height:50px; margin:0 auto 12px; width:50px;"><svg width="50px" height="50px" viewBox="0 0 60 60" version="1.1" xmlns="https://www.w3.org/2000/svg" xmlns:xlink="https://www.w3.org/1999/xlink"><g stroke="none" stroke-width="1" fill="none" fill-rule="evenodd"><g transform="translate(-511.000000, -20.000000)" fill="#000000"><g><path d="M556.869,30.41 C554.814,30.41 553.148,32.076 553.148,34.131 C553.148,36.186 554.814,37.852 556.869,37.852 C558.924,37.852 560.59,36.186 560.59,34.131 C560.59,32.076 558.924,30.41 556.869,30.41 M541,60.657 C535.114,60.657 530.342,55.887 530.342,50 C530.342,44.114 535.114,39.342 541,39.342 C546.887,39.342 551.658,44.114 551.658,50 C551.658,55.887 546.887,60.657 541,60.657 M541,33.886 C532.1,33.886 524.886,41.1 524.886,50 C524.886,58.899 532.1,66.113 541,66.113 C549.9,66.113 557.115,58.899 557.115,50 C557.115,41.1 549.9,33.886 541,33.886 M565.378,62.101 C565.244,65.022 564.756,66.606 564.346,67.663 C563.803,69.06 563.154,70.057 562.106,71.106 C561.058,72.155 560.06,72.803 558.662,73.347 C557.607,73.757 556.021,74.244 553.102,74.378 C549.944,74.521 548.997,74.552 541,74.552 C533.003,74.552 532.056,74.521 528.898,74.378 C525.979,74.244 524.393,73.757 523.338,73.347 C521.94,72.803 520.942,72.155 519.894,71.106 C518.846,70.057 518.197,69.06 517.654,67.663 C517.244,66.606 516.755,65.022 516.623,62.101 C516.479,58.943 516.448,57.996 516.448,50 C516.448,42.003 516.479,41.056 516.623,37.899 C516.755,34.978 517.244,33.391 517.654,32.338 C518.197,30.938 518.846,29.942 519.894,28.894 C520.942,27.846 521.94,27.196 523.338,26.654 C524.393,26.244 525.979,25.756 528.898,25.623 C532.057,25.479 533.004,25.448 541,25.448 C548.997,25.448 549.943,25.479 553.102,25.623 C556.021,25.756 557.607,26.244 558.662,26.654 C560.06,27.196 561.058,27.846 562.106,28.894 C563.154,29.942 563.803,30.938 564.346,32.338 C564.756,33.391 565.244,34.978 565.378,37.899 C565.522,41.056 565.552,42.003 565.552,50 C565.552,57.996 565.522,58.943 565.378,62.101 M570.82,37.631 C570.674,34.438 570.167,32.258 569.425,30.349 C568.659,28.377 567.633,26.702 565.965,25.035 C564.297,23.368 562.623,22.342 560.652,21.575 C558.743,20.834 556.562,20.326 553.369,20.18 C550.169,20.033 549.148,20 541,20 C532.853,20 531.831,20.033 528.631,20.18 C525.438,20.326 523.257,20.834 521.349,21.575 C519.376,22.342 517.703,23.368 516.035,25.035 C514.368,26.702 513.342,28.377 512.574,30.349 C511.834,32.258 511.326,34.438 511.181,37.631 C511.035,40.831 511,41.851 511,50 C511,58.147 511.035,59.17 511.181,62.369 C511.326,65.562 511.834,67.743 512.574,69.651 C513.342,71.625 514.368,73.296 516.035,74.965 C517.703,76.634 519.376,77.658 521.349,78.425 C523.257,79.167 525.438,79.673 528.631,79.82 C531.831,79.965 532.853,80.001 541,80.001 C549.148,80.001 550.169,79.965 553.369,79.82 C556.562,79.673 558.743,79.167 560.652,78.425 C562.623,77.658 564.297,76.634 565.965,74.965 C567.633,73.296 568.659,71.625 569.425,69.651 C570.167,67.743 570.674,65.562 570.82,62.369 C570.966,59.17 571,58.147 571,50 C571,41.851 570.966,40.831 570.82,37.631"></path></g></g></g></svg></div><div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style=" color:#3897f0; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:550; line-height:18px;">View this post on Instagram</div></div><div style="padding: 12.5% 0;"></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px; align-items: center;"><div> <div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(0px) translateY(7px);"></div> <div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; height: 12.5px; transform: rotate(-45deg) translateX(3px) translateY(1px); width: 12.5px; flex-grow: 0; margin-right: 14px; margin-left: 2px;"></div> <div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(9px) translateY(-18px);"></div></div><div style="margin-left: 8px;"> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 20px; width: 20px;"></div> <div style=" width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 2px solid transparent; border-left: 6px solid #f4f4f4; border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg)"></div></div><div style="margin-left: auto;"> <div style=" width: 0px; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-right: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(16px);"></div> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; width: 16px; transform: translateY(-4px);"></div> <div style=" width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-left: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px);"></div></div></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center; margin-bottom: 24px;"> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 224px;"></div> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 144px;"></div></div></a><p style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px; margin-bottom:0; margin-top:8px; overflow:hidden; padding:8px 0 7px; text-align:center; text-overflow:ellipsis; white-space:nowrap;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/DGfhV6YMwAj/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none;" target="_blank">A post shared by BC Wolves (@bcwolves.official)</a></p></div></blockquote>
<script async src="//www.instagram.com/embed.js"></script>

The opponent will be the Romanian champion, Cluj, whose history dates back to 1947. Only in recent years has it started to stand out. The first of Cluj's nine league championships came in 1992, and it has now won four in a row. Before debuting in the EuroCup in 2022, Cluj had reached the Champions League quarterfinals in four of the previous six seasons, while starting to bring massive crowds to its games at Bt-Arena.

After finishing second-to-last in its regular-season group in its first EuroCup run, Cluj turned heads last season when it went 13-5 to finish second in its group and earn an automatic big for the quarterfinals, where it ran out of steam against the London Lions. On Tuesday, it will play a EuroCup postseason game on the road for the first time.

The make-up of the team's rosters has some similarities, too. They are led by their playmakers, who have been among the best in the league this season. Cluj's [Zavier Simpson](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/zavier-simpson/013302/) was the regular-season leader in assists (7.5 apg.) and ranked third in both scoring (17.7 ppg.) and PIR (21.0). His counterpart, [Anthony Cowan](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/players/anthony-cowan-jr/012003/), ranked third in assists (5.7 apg.), fifth in PIR (19.1) and sixth in scoring (15.9 ppg.).

<center>
<blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/DGXojGIq2gh/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14" style=" background:#FFF; border:0; border-radius:3px; box-shadow:0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width:540px; min-width:326px; padding:0; width:99.375%; width:-webkit-calc(100% - 2px); width:calc(100% - 2px);"><div style="padding:16px;"> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/DGXojGIq2gh/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" style=" background:#FFFFFF; line-height:0; padding:0 0; text-align:center; text-decoration:none; width:100%;" target="_blank"> <div style=" display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"></div> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"></div></div></div><div style="padding: 19% 0;"></div> <div style="display:block; height:50px; margin:0 auto 12px; width:50px;"><svg width="50px" height="50px" viewBox="0 0 60 60" version="1.1" xmlns="https://www.w3.org/2000/svg" xmlns:xlink="https://www.w3.org/1999/xlink"><g stroke="none" stroke-width="1" fill="none" fill-rule="evenodd"><g transform="translate(-511.000000, -20.000000)" fill="#000000"><g><path d="M556.869,30.41 C554.814,30.41 553.148,32.076 553.148,34.131 C553.148,36.186 554.814,37.852 556.869,37.852 C558.924,37.852 560.59,36.186 560.59,34.131 C560.59,32.076 558.924,30.41 556.869,30.41 M541,60.657 C535.114,60.657 530.342,55.887 530.342,50 C530.342,44.114 535.114,39.342 541,39.342 C546.887,39.342 551.658,44.114 551.658,50 C551.658,55.887 546.887,60.657 541,60.657 M541,33.886 C532.1,33.886 524.886,41.1 524.886,50 C524.886,58.899 532.1,66.113 541,66.113 C549.9,66.113 557.115,58.899 557.115,50 C557.115,41.1 549.9,33.886 541,33.886 M565.378,62.101 C565.244,65.022 564.756,66.606 564.346,67.663 C563.803,69.06 563.154,70.057 562.106,71.106 C561.058,72.155 560.06,72.803 558.662,73.347 C557.607,73.757 556.021,74.244 553.102,74.378 C549.944,74.521 548.997,74.552 541,74.552 C533.003,74.552 532.056,74.521 528.898,74.378 C525.979,74.244 524.393,73.757 523.338,73.347 C521.94,72.803 520.942,72.155 519.894,71.106 C518.846,70.057 518.197,69.06 517.654,67.663 C517.244,66.606 516.755,65.022 516.623,62.101 C516.479,58.943 516.448,57.996 516.448,50 C516.448,42.003 516.479,41.056 516.623,37.899 C516.755,34.978 517.244,33.391 517.654,32.338 C518.197,30.938 518.846,29.942 519.894,28.894 C520.942,27.846 521.94,27.196 523.338,26.654 C524.393,26.244 525.979,25.756 528.898,25.623 C532.057,25.479 533.004,25.448 541,25.448 C548.997,25.448 549.943,25.479 553.102,25.623 C556.021,25.756 557.607,26.244 558.662,26.654 C560.06,27.196 561.058,27.846 562.106,28.894 C563.154,29.942 563.803,30.938 564.346,32.338 C564.756,33.391 565.244,34.978 565.378,37.899 C565.522,41.056 565.552,42.003 565.552,50 C565.552,57.996 565.522,58.943 565.378,62.101 M570.82,37.631 C570.674,34.438 570.167,32.258 569.425,30.349 C568.659,28.377 567.633,26.702 565.965,25.035 C564.297,23.368 562.623,22.342 560.652,21.575 C558.743,20.834 556.562,20.326 553.369,20.18 C550.169,20.033 549.148,20 541,20 C532.853,20 531.831,20.033 528.631,20.18 C525.438,20.326 523.257,20.834 521.349,21.575 C519.376,22.342 517.703,23.368 516.035,25.035 C514.368,26.702 513.342,28.377 512.574,30.349 C511.834,32.258 511.326,34.438 511.181,37.631 C511.035,40.831 511,41.851 511,50 C511,58.147 511.035,59.17 511.181,62.369 C511.326,65.562 511.834,67.743 512.574,69.651 C513.342,71.625 514.368,73.296 516.035,74.965 C517.703,76.634 519.376,77.658 521.349,78.425 C523.257,79.167 525.438,79.673 528.631,79.82 C531.831,79.965 532.853,80.001 541,80.001 C549.148,80.001 550.169,79.965 553.369,79.82 C556.562,79.673 558.743,79.167 560.652,78.425 C562.623,77.658 564.297,76.634 565.965,74.965 C567.633,73.296 568.659,71.625 569.425,69.651 C570.167,67.743 570.674,65.562 570.82,62.369 C570.966,59.17 571,58.147 571,50 C571,41.851 570.966,40.831 570.82,37.631"></path></g></g></g></svg></div><div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style=" color:#3897f0; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:550; line-height:18px;">View this post on Instagram</div></div><div style="padding: 12.5% 0;"></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px; align-items: center;"><div> <div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(0px) translateY(7px);"></div> <div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; height: 12.5px; transform: rotate(-45deg) translateX(3px) translateY(1px); width: 12.5px; flex-grow: 0; margin-right: 14px; margin-left: 2px;"></div> <div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(9px) translateY(-18px);"></div></div><div style="margin-left: 8px;"> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 20px; width: 20px;"></div> <div style=" width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 2px solid transparent; border-left: 6px solid #f4f4f4; border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg)"></div></div><div style="margin-left: auto;"> <div style=" width: 0px; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-right: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(16px);"></div> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; width: 16px; transform: translateY(-4px);"></div> <div style=" width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-left: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px);"></div></div></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center; margin-bottom: 24px;"> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 224px;"></div> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 144px;"></div></div></a><p style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px; margin-bottom:0; margin-top:8px; overflow:hidden; padding:8px 0 7px; text-align:center; text-overflow:ellipsis; white-space:nowrap;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/DGXojGIq2gh/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none;" target="_blank">A post shared by U-BT Cluj-Napoca (@ubancatransilvania)</a></p></div></blockquote>
<script async src="//www.instagram.com/embed.js"></script>

Alongside Cowan is [Andrew Andrews](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/andrew-andrews/011248/), who carried Frutti Extra Bursaspor to the 2022 EuroCup Finals. Simpson's passes can tee up [D.J. Seeley](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/dennis-seeley/004862/), who has been to the EuroCup Quarterfinals three times.

Both teams have wily veterans on the wings; Wolves' 35-year-old Taylor spent seven EuroLeague seasons with Real Madrid. Cluj's 34-year-old Lithuanian forward [Gediminas Orelik](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/gediminas-orelik/002012/) is in his 10th EuroCup season and played for the last team from Vilnius to reach the postseason, Rytas Vilnius.

The numbers can be twisted to tell many stories about this game. Cluj plays at a faster pace, is the more accurate shooting team and has better offensive rebounding numbers. Wolves takes better care of the ball, locks down its defensive glass and led the EuroCup in free-throw accuracy (80.3%). It almost doesn't matter.

This game could very well end up being decided by things that stats cannot always measure or predict. Like who wants the 50/50 balls more. Or as cliché as it sounds, by who plays with more heart. Because after all, it's the start of the postseason and the dream for EuroCup glory starts here.

Game News

The teams have much different histories and similar builds, but only one will advance to the quarterfinals

Wolves Twinsbet Vilnius v U-BT Cluj-Napoca (2025-03-04T17:00:00.000Z)

As the 2024-25 EuroCup heads into the knockout rounds, we reflect on what happened in the past in single-elimination contests.

A history of single-game elimination ties in the EuroCup

Just 66 of the 4,602 games in BKT EuroCup history (1.43%) have been single-game elimination showdowns, and some of them provided some of the most thrilling moments in competition history. We are taking advantage of the long break to look back at some of them. 

As many as 13 finals were played in a single-game format. Four others were played in a two-way format in 2003, 2014, 2015 and 2016, and the rest were best-of-three playoff series in 2017, 2018, 2019, 2021 and 2024. In five of those 13 seasons, the final was the only single-game elimination round showdown. All of those five championship games were played at the same arena: the Spiroudome in Charleroi, Belgium. 

The first-ever single-game final took place on April 13, 2004, and it was one for the ages. Hapoel Bank Yahav Jerusalem topped heavy favorite Real Madrid 73-82 behind 22 points from Kelly McCarty in the first of four consecutive championship games played at the Spiroudome. In 2005, Lietuvos Rytas Vilnius held off Alfa Makedonikos's comeback to grab a 78-74 win. Dynamo Moscow bested Aris Midea Thessaloniki 60-73 in 2006, and Real lifted the trophy in 2007 after downing Rytas 75-87 behind an unstoppable Charles Smith. 

The EuroCup Final returned to the Spiroudome in 2013 as Lokomotiv Kuban Krasnodar and Bilbao Basket battled for the title. Lokomotiv prevailed, beating Bilbao 64-75. Richard Hendrix led five Lokomotiv players in double digits with 14 points, earning final MVP honors. 

From 2008 to 2012, the EuroCup tried a bigger format with more drama. A Final Eight format was chosen in 2008 and 2009, played in Turin, Italy. Joventut Badalona won the 2007-08 EuroCup, downing Valencia Basket, Galatasaray Istanbul and Akasvayu Girona in knockout games. Rudy Fernandez earned Final Eight MVP honors. A year later, Rytas went all the way, topping Benneton Treviso, Hemofarm Vrsac and a star-studded Khimki Moscow Region to lift the trophy for the second time. Marijonas Petravicius earned Final Eight MVP honors, scoring 20 points on 8-of-9 two-pointers.

The competition scaled down to a Final Four format from 2010 to 2012. Valencia conquered its second title in 2010, downing Panellinios Athens 92-80 in the semifinals and thrashing ALBA Berlin 44-67 in the final, smashing all sort of records. UNICS Kazan went all the way in 2011, defeating Cedevita Zagreb (87-66) and Cajasol Sevilla (92-77). Khimki won the trophy in 2013, becoming the first team in EuroCup history to win a single-game final on its home court. It beat Spartak St Petersburg 77-73 in the semifinal and Valencia 77-68 in the final. 

After nine years without single-game elimination showdowns, they returned in style in the 2021-22 season. A change to the EuroCup format saw all playoff games become do-or-die showdowns in 2022 and 2023. Virtus Segafredo Bologna and Frutti Extra Bursaspor made it to the 2022 final. Virtus beat 7Bet-Lietkabelis Panevezys and ratiopharm Ulm at home before downing Valencia on the road. Bursaspor grabbed road wins against Partizan Mozzart Bet Belgrade, Cedevita Olimpija Ljubljana and MoraBanc Andorra to storm into the final. Virtus prevailed at home in the title decider, 80-67, and Milos Teodosic earned Finals MVP honors. 

In 2023, Dreamland Gran Canaria had home-court advantage in all potential series and made the most of it. The Spanish side turned Gran Canaria Arena into a fortress, consecutively beating Bursaspor, Paris Basketball, Joventut and Turk Telekom Ankara to lift the trophy for the first time. 

Starting last season, best-of-three series were introduced for the semifinals and finals, reducing single-game elimination showdowns from 15 to eight. Two teams managed to win two of these games in both the eighthfinals and quarterfinals: the London Lions and Besiktas Emlakjet Istanbul. 

Some 38 single-game elimination showdowns have taken place in the last three seasons, with the home team winning 26 times (68.4%). Remarkably enough, teams coached by Dusan Alimpijevic stole five of those 12 road wins: Bursaspor won three times in 2022, and Besiktas prevailed against Gran Canaria and Hapoel Shlomo Tel Aviv last season. 

Coach Alimpijevic has the chance to make more history in the coming weeks as his Besiktas squad takes on Cedevita in the Slovenian capital in one of the last-16 games. Elsewhere, Gran Canaria takes on Umana Reyer Venice, Turk Telekom hosts Buducnost VOLI Podgorica, and Wolves Twinsbet Vilnius welcomes U-BT Cluj-Napoca. Bring on the excitement! 

As the 2024-25 EuroCup heads into the knockout rounds, we reflect on what happened in the past

Dreamland Gran Canaria v Umana Reyer Venice (2025-03-05T20:00:00.000Z)

Cedevita Olimpija Ljubljana v Besiktas Fibabanka Istanbul (2025-03-05T18:30:00.000Z)

Turk Telekom Ankara v Buducnost VOLI Podgorica (2025-03-05T16:30:00.000Z)

Dolomiti Energia Trento captured the Italian Cup for the first time in club history with a 63-79 victory over EA7 Emporio Armani Milan in Sunday's final at Inalpi Arena in Turin

Domestic cups: Trento wins Italian Cup for first time

Dolomiti Energia Trento captured the Italian Cup for the first time in club history with a 63-79 victory over EA7 Emporio Armani Milan in Sunday's final at Inalpi Arena in Turin. Quinn Ellis was named Frecciarossa Final Eight MVP after scoring 14 points in the final. Jordan Ford scored 23 and Anthony Lamb added 12 for Trento. Nikola Mirotic led Milan with 20 points and Zach LeDay netted 12.

Eigirdas Zukauskas scored half the points in a 0-10 run to close the second quarter that gave Trento a 31-38 halftime lead. Milan closed to within 2 early in the third quarter, but Zukauskas, Ford and Ellis helped Trento a 48-59 lead entering the fourth. Ellis's next triple made it 50-67 and Milan never threatened again.


<center> <blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/DGJQZe2sZwC/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14" style=" background:#FFF; border:0; border-radius:3px; box-shadow:0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width:540px; min-width:326px; padding:0; width:99.375%; width:-webkit-calc(100% - 2px); width:calc(100% - 2px);"><div style="padding:16px;"> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/DGJQZe2sZwC/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" style=" background:#FFFFFF; line-height:0; padding:0 0; text-align:center; text-decoration:none; width:100%;" target="_blank"> <div style=" display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"></div> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"></div></div></div><div style="padding: 19% 0;"></div> <div style="display:block; height:50px; margin:0 auto 12px; width:50px;"><svg width="50px" height="50px" viewBox="0 0 60 60" version="1.1" xmlns="https://www.w3.org/2000/svg" xmlns:xlink="https://www.w3.org/1999/xlink"><g stroke="none" stroke-width="1" fill="none" fill-rule="evenodd"><g transform="translate(-511.000000, -20.000000)" fill="#000000"><g><path d="M556.869,30.41 C554.814,30.41 553.148,32.076 553.148,34.131 C553.148,36.186 554.814,37.852 556.869,37.852 C558.924,37.852 560.59,36.186 560.59,34.131 C560.59,32.076 558.924,30.41 556.869,30.41 M541,60.657 C535.114,60.657 530.342,55.887 530.342,50 C530.342,44.114 535.114,39.342 541,39.342 C546.887,39.342 551.658,44.114 551.658,50 C551.658,55.887 546.887,60.657 541,60.657 M541,33.886 C532.1,33.886 524.886,41.1 524.886,50 C524.886,58.899 532.1,66.113 541,66.113 C549.9,66.113 557.115,58.899 557.115,50 C557.115,41.1 549.9,33.886 541,33.886 M565.378,62.101 C565.244,65.022 564.756,66.606 564.346,67.663 C563.803,69.06 563.154,70.057 562.106,71.106 C561.058,72.155 560.06,72.803 558.662,73.347 C557.607,73.757 556.021,74.244 553.102,74.378 C549.944,74.521 548.997,74.552 541,74.552 C533.003,74.552 532.056,74.521 528.898,74.378 C525.979,74.244 524.393,73.757 523.338,73.347 C521.94,72.803 520.942,72.155 519.894,71.106 C518.846,70.057 518.197,69.06 517.654,67.663 C517.244,66.606 516.755,65.022 516.623,62.101 C516.479,58.943 516.448,57.996 516.448,50 C516.448,42.003 516.479,41.056 516.623,37.899 C516.755,34.978 517.244,33.391 517.654,32.338 C518.197,30.938 518.846,29.942 519.894,28.894 C520.942,27.846 521.94,27.196 523.338,26.654 C524.393,26.244 525.979,25.756 528.898,25.623 C532.057,25.479 533.004,25.448 541,25.448 C548.997,25.448 549.943,25.479 553.102,25.623 C556.021,25.756 557.607,26.244 558.662,26.654 C560.06,27.196 561.058,27.846 562.106,28.894 C563.154,29.942 563.803,30.938 564.346,32.338 C564.756,33.391 565.244,34.978 565.378,37.899 C565.522,41.056 565.552,42.003 565.552,50 C565.552,57.996 565.522,58.943 565.378,62.101 M570.82,37.631 C570.674,34.438 570.167,32.258 569.425,30.349 C568.659,28.377 567.633,26.702 565.965,25.035 C564.297,23.368 562.623,22.342 560.652,21.575 C558.743,20.834 556.562,20.326 553.369,20.18 C550.169,20.033 549.148,20 541,20 C532.853,20 531.831,20.033 528.631,20.18 C525.438,20.326 523.257,20.834 521.349,21.575 C519.376,22.342 517.703,23.368 516.035,25.035 C514.368,26.702 513.342,28.377 512.574,30.349 C511.834,32.258 511.326,34.438 511.181,37.631 C511.035,40.831 511,41.851 511,50 C511,58.147 511.035,59.17 511.181,62.369 C511.326,65.562 511.834,67.743 512.574,69.651 C513.342,71.625 514.368,73.296 516.035,74.965 C517.703,76.634 519.376,77.658 521.349,78.425 C523.257,79.167 525.438,79.673 528.631,79.82 C531.831,79.965 532.853,80.001 541,80.001 C549.148,80.001 550.169,79.965 553.369,79.82 C556.562,79.673 558.743,79.167 560.652,78.425 C562.623,77.658 564.297,76.634 565.965,74.965 C567.633,73.296 568.659,71.625 569.425,69.651 C570.167,67.743 570.674,65.562 570.82,62.369 C570.966,59.17 571,58.147 571,50 C571,41.851 570.966,40.831 570.82,37.631"></path></g></g></g></svg></div><div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style=" color:#3897f0; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:550; line-height:18px;">View this post on Instagram</div></div><div style="padding: 12.5% 0;"></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px; align-items: center;"><div> <div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(0px) translateY(7px);"></div> <div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; height: 12.5px; transform: rotate(-45deg) translateX(3px) translateY(1px); width: 12.5px; flex-grow: 0; margin-right: 14px; margin-left: 2px;"></div> <div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(9px) translateY(-18px);"></div></div><div style="margin-left: 8px;"> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 20px; width: 20px;"></div> <div style=" width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 2px solid transparent; border-left: 6px solid #f4f4f4; border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg)"></div></div><div style="margin-left: auto;"> <div style=" width: 0px; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-right: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(16px);"></div> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; width: 16px; transform: translateY(-4px);"></div> <div style=" width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-left: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px);"></div></div></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center; margin-bottom: 24px;"> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 224px;"></div> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 144px;"></div></div></a><p style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px; margin-bottom:0; margin-top:8px; overflow:hidden; padding:8px 0 7px; text-align:center; text-overflow:ellipsis; white-space:nowrap;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/DGJQZe2sZwC/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none;" target="_blank">A post shared by Aquila Basket Trento (@aquilabaskettrento)</a></p></div></blockquote>
<script async src="//www.instagram.com/embed.js"></script>


### Turkiye: Besiktas falls in cup final

Fenerbahce Beko Istanbul has successfully defended the Turkish Cup with a 104-81 victory over Besiktas Fibabanka Istanbul in the final on Sunday in Sanliurfa. Nigel Hayes-Davis was named MVP after posting 22 points and 9 rebounds for Fenerbahce, which won the cup for the ninth time.

Sertac Sanli and Devon Hall netted 14 points apiece, Errick McCollum contributed 13 and Tarik Biberovic 10 for the winners. Derek Needham led Besiktas with 20 points and 5 assists and Jonah Matthews and Berk Ugurlu scored 11 points each. Fenerbahce outrebounded Besiktas 33-22 and made 55.2% three-pointers (16 of 29) as two of the keys to the win.

<center> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="tr" dir="ltr">ING Türkiye Kupası Final Maçı<br><br>Beşiktaş Fibabanka 81-104 Fenerbahçe Beko | Maç Sonucu<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/bur8KL5e6v">pic.twitter.com/bur8KL5e6v</a></p>&mdash; Beşiktaş Fibabanka (@BJK_Basketbol) <a href="https://twitter.com/BJK_Basketbol/status/1891139824016351455?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 16, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Domestic Cups: Trento wins Italian Cup for first time

Domestic Cups: Trento reaches its first Cup final

Dolomiti Energia Trento has reach the Italian Cup finals for the first time in club history, and will be playing against EA7 Emporio Armani Milan in Sunday’s final. In Saturday’s semifinal drama, Trento edged Pallacanestro Trieste 82-79 to come one win away from its first major trophy. In a history win, Quinn Ellis starred with 11 points, 10 rebounds and 8 assists. Anthony Lamb netted 18 points, while Myles Cale, Andrea Pecchia and Saliou Niang scored 10 apiece, as Pecchia also had 7 rebounds. Triesto was led by 25 points from Michele Ruzzier, 21 points from Markel Brown and 19 points from Denzel Valentine.

Trento had a better start to the game, and had 29-15 early in the second quarter, but Trieste rallied back and cot within 38-33 at halftime. In the third quarter, Trieste took its first lead, 45-47, and proceeded to hold advantage in the fourth, and led 68-74. However, Niang had a three-point play, before Ellis and Lamb capped a 7-0 run. A triple from Cale put Trento up 78-77, and Niang’s fastbreak bucket made it 80-37 with 37 seconds left, as Trento prevailed.

### Spain: Real Madrid downs Gran Canaria 

Real Madrid is one step away from its Spanish Cup crown defense after downing tournament host Dreamland Gran Canaria 63-80 on Saturday night. In the final, Los Blancos will face Unicaja Malaga.

Gran Canaria had a better start to the semifinal, and held Real to just 10 first-quarter points. The margin grew to 26-12 after a 10-2 run, which included a triple from John Shurna, to open the second quarter. But Real answered with a 1-14 run, fueled by 8 points from Mario Hezonja and capped by a triple from Facundo Campazzo. Gran Canaria led 31-30 at the break, but Campazzo hit back-to-back triples to start Real’s 0-13 run to give it a 45-53 lead. Los Blancos never looked back, and Sergio Llull took over in the fourth as he fueled another spurt, increasing the margin to 54-73 midway through the fourth quarter, sealing the deal.

Hezonja had 14 points and 6 rebounds, Campazzo 13 points and 7 assists. Llull scored 10 of his 12 points in the fourth quarter, while Walter Tavares collected 7 points and 11 rebounds. Caleb Homesley was the only Gran Canaria scorer in double figures with 15 points.

### Lithuania: Wolves, Lietkabelis ousted in the semis

Zalgiris Kaunas is back to the Lithuanian Cup final and will be playing for sixth straight crown after a 79-56 semifinal win over 7Bet-Lietkabelis Panevezys on Saturday night. This is also the 11th consecutive time Zalgiris will play in the finals, where it will face Neptunas, which edged Wolves Twinsbet Vilnius 87-83 in the other semifinal. Lonnie Walker finished the game with 19 points, Ignas Brazdeikis had 16, Sylvain Francisco 14 points and Deividas Sirvydis 10 points and 7 rebounds. Mantas Rubstavicius scored 14 and Djordje Gagic 10 points for Lietkabelis.

Zalgiris went in front early, building a 14-4 lead with Brazdeikis, Francisco and Edgaras Ulanovas scoring all points. Zalgiris extended it to 23-10 before the end of the first quarter and kept the margin safe. Gagic helped Lietkabelis get the margin into single digit, but Zalgiris ended up holding a 38-27 halftime lead. In the third quarter, Brazdeikis scored the first 5 points, followed by back-to-back triples from Francisco. Ulanovas scored the next 5 points, including a three-pointer, extending the margin to 54-36. Rubstavicius and Oleksandr Kovliar got life back into Lietkabelis, and the margin was 58-48 early in the fourth, but Sirvydis scored 5 points, including a three-pointer and Zalgiris never looked back.

In the first semifinal, Wolves found themselves behind 33-25, but rallied behind Tre'Shawn Thurman's 9 consecutive points. Threes from Matas Jogela and Anthony Cowan put Wolves in front and they held 43-44 halftime lead. But Neptunas retook the lead early in the third, then used a 7-0 run to open a 65-58 margin after 30 minutes. In the fourth, first Kristupas Zemaitis, then Cowan, were leading Wolves' attempts to rally, but Desure Buie, Arnas Berucka and Myles Hesson hit key three-pointers as Neptunas held on. Cowan had 21 points and 8 assists, while Thurman posted 20 points and 8 rebounds in Wolves' loss, while Buie had 22 points, 7 assists and 6 rebounds for the winner, with Hesson netting 19 points.

BKT EuroCup side will face the Turkish Airlines EuroLeague giant EA7 Emporio Armani Milan in Sunday's final

Domestic Cups: Cedevita, Buducnost lift trophies, Besiktas ends 13-year wait

### Montenegro: Buducnost secures 17th Cup trophy

McKinley Wright scored 34 points to lead Buducnost VOLI Podgorica to a dramatic 105-104 win over a city rival Studentski Centar in the final of the Montenegrin Cup that took place in Bijelo Polje. This is 17th Cup title for Buducnost, which avenged its 1-point loss against the same rival last season.

In a high-scoring affair, teams traded leads for four quarters. Buducnost went in front 98-92, but the score was tied at 101-101 with 70 seconds left. In the remaining time, Kenan Kamenjas delivered a key block on the defensive end for Buducnost, while Wright made free throws that secured the team another trophy.

Wright made 10 of 12 two-point shots, and also dished 5 assists. Fletcher Magee netted 21 points on 5 of 9 three-point shooting, Kamenjas collected 19 points and 9 rebounds, and Aleksa Ilic scored 13 in a win. Bernard Neal netted 30 in a losing effort.

### Spain: Gran Canaria sinks Valencia

In the all-EuroCup quarterfinal in the Spanish Cup, tournament host Dreamland Gran Canaria downed Valencia Basket 79-65 to reach the semifinals where it will play against Real Madrid.  Mike Tobey scored 19 on 9 of 9 two-point shooting with 7 rebounds, Joe Thomasson scored 14 points, while Andrew Albicy had 11 points and 7 assists. Jean Montero scored 15 for Valencia.

Gran Canaria had a fast start, with Andrew Albicy scoring 9 points to open a 19-10 first-quarter lead. Valencia stepped up defensively, and used a three-pointer from Josep Puerto to close within 27-25, but Gran Canaria scored the next 6 points before opening an 11-point lead in the final minute of the second quarter after a three from Joe Thomasson. Valencia cut within 45-40 midway through the third quarter, but Mike Tobey and Pierre Pelos combined to score the first 9 points in an 12-1 run that extended the lead to 57-41. Valencia tried to get its offense going, but Thomasson’s triple with 5:53 minutes left made it 72-55, and Gran Canaria was on its way to victory.

<center><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="qme" dir="ltr">💛💛💛 <a href="https://t.co/wtLpq1rmNY">pic.twitter.com/wtLpq1rmNY</a></p>&mdash; Dreamland Gran Canaria (@GranCanariaCB) <a href="https://twitter.com/GranCanariaCB/status/1890527184940315020?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 14, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

### Slovenia: Cedevita wins fourth straight

Cedevita Olimpija Ljubljana has won its fourth consecutive Slovenian Cup trophy after blowing past Krka Novo Mesto 102-71 on Friday night in Ljubljana, Slovenia. Gregor Glas led Cedevita with 21 points. DeVante Jones scored 17, Aleksej Nikolic had 15 and Jaka Blazic 14 points in a win.

Krka was ahead 23-25 after 10 minutes, but it was all Cedevita after that. Glas and Blazic had 13 points each at halftime as Cedevita held 53-42 lead, only for the margin to keep growing after the break. Lead was at 80-58 after 30 minutes, and as big as 33 points in the fourth as Cedevita cruised to another domestic trophy.

<center><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="sl" dir="ltr">POKAL JE NAŠ!<br><br>✅ 24. pokalna lovorika za Zmaje<br>✅ 4. zaporedna pokalna lovorika <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ZmajevaDruzina?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ZmajevaDruzina</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/PokalSpar?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#PokalSpar</a> <a href="https://t.co/EqOY7aGi47">pic.twitter.com/EqOY7aGi47</a></p>&mdash; Cedevita Olimpija Ljubljana (@KKCedOL) <a href="https://twitter.com/KKCedOL/status/1890510353592639594?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 14, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

### Turkiye: Besiktas ends long wait

Besiktas Fibabanka Istanbul is the first finalist of the 2025 Turkish Cup after beating Mersin 83-63 on Friday night in Sanliurfa. It is the first time Besiktas is back to the Cup finals since 2012, which is the only time in club history it won this trophy. In Sunday’s final, Besiktas will face Fenerbahce Beko Istanbul.

In the semis against Mersin, Besiktas used a 15-2 run to open a 21-8 lead in the first quarter, which turned out to be the lead it never relinquished. Mersin did half the deficit in the second, and got within 3 points in the third quarter, but Besiktas put together a 0-14 fourth-quarter run, which included a four-point play from Dustin Sleva, to pull away to 76-57 and secure a victory.

Jonah Mathews paced Besiktas, the BKT EuroCup quarterfinalist, with 18 points. Dustin Sleva collected 15 and 6 rebounds, Berk Ugurlu had 11 points, and Kyle Allman scored 10 in a win.

<center><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="tr" dir="ltr">Şanlıurfa&#39;da final üçlüsü Dustin Sleva&#39;dan! 💫 <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/knGe83J5Gk">pic.twitter.com/knGe83J5Gk</a></p>&mdash; Beşiktaş Fibabanka (@BJK_Basketbol) <a href="https://twitter.com/BJK_Basketbol/status/1890448809852846094?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 14, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

### France: Bourg out of Leaders Cup

AS Monaco beat Cosea JL Bourg-en-Bresse 101-88 to book a place in the Leaders Cup semifinals. Mike James finished with 31 points, and Elie Okobo scored 18 in Monaco’s win. Joel Ayayi had 15 for Bourg, while Maksim Salash, Hugo Benitez and Jean-Marc Pensa scored 11 apiece in a loss.

James scored 16 points in the first two quarters, including 10 consecutive that helped Monaco turn a 19-28 deficit into a 35-30 lead. But Ayayi strung together 6 unanswered points for Bourg, starting a late second-quarter run that put Bourg up 46-51 at halftime. The teams kept trading blows throughout the second half before Strazel first set-up Petr Cornelie for an alley-oop dunk three-point play, then Strazel nailed a three-pointer to help open an 85-79 lead with 5 minutes to go. Okobo’s 5 points, including a three-pointer, and a James-to-Cornelie alley-oop opened a double-digit lead, 93-81, as Monaco booked its place in the semifinals.

### Poland: Trefl out in quarterfinals

Trefl Sopot was ousted in the quarterfinals by King Szczecin, 77-97, ending Trefl’s bid to win Polish Cup crown for the second time in three years. In this clash, Trefl was down by double digits already in the first quarter, and the deficit was as big as 21 points midway through the second, and 30-52 at halftime, as Szczecin was well on its way to the semifinals. Isaiah Whitehead led the winners with 21 points, and James Woodard scored 17. Meanwhile, Jakub Schenk had 14 points and 7 assists for Trefl, and Geoffrey Groselle also scored 14 in a loss.

On Friday night, EuroCup teams are competing for Cup trophies in Turkey, Spain, Poland, France, Slovenia and Montenegro.

### Slovenia: Cedevita can defend its trophy

Cedevita Olimpija Ljubljana leaned on a strong fourth quarter to beat Triglav 63-83 in the semifinals of the Slovenian Cup and reach the final. The winner of the last three editions of the Slovenian Cup, Cedevita held a 54-60 edge after 30 minutes but held Triglav to just 9 fourth-quarter points while scoring 23 itself.

The first two quarters were tight, too, with Cedevita leading 16-18 at the end of the first period and 37-44 at halftime, but Zvezdan Mitrovic's side pulled away in the fourth frame. Brynton Lemar was Cedevita's top scorer on the night with 14 points, followed by Gregor Glas and Bine Prepelic with 11 apiece.

<center>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="sl" dir="ltr">Polfinale: ✅<br><br>Čakamo tekmeca v finalu.<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ZmajevaDruzina?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ZmajevaDruzina</a> <a href="https://t.co/vSxZF4THCy">pic.twitter.com/vSxZF4THCy</a></p>&mdash; Cedevita Olimpija Ljubljana (@KKCedOL) <a href="https://twitter.com/KKCedOL/status/1890112174758195678?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 13, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

### Israel: Jerusalem loses in the final

Hapoel Bank Yahav Jerusalem had beaten Maccabi Playtika Tel Aviv in the last two Israeli Cup finals, but it suffered an 87-72 defeat in the final on Thursday night. Yonatan Alon's men were outscored by Maccabi in the first three quarters (20-15, 16-15, 30-14) and trailed 66-44 heading into the final frame. Despite Jerusalem winning the fourth period 21-28, it wasn't enough as Maccabi secured a well-earned win.

Maccabi's Rokas Jokubaitis starred with 20 points and 8 assists, Levi Randolph netted 19 points against his former team, and Jasiel Rivero paired 13 points with 8 rebounds. Jerusalem's Jared Harper had 23 points in defeat.

<center>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="iw" dir="rtl">תוצאת סיום <a href="https://t.co/c5EGHCbiQh">pic.twitter.com/c5EGHCbiQh</a></p>&mdash; Hapoel Jerusalem BC (@JerusalemBasket) <a href="https://twitter.com/JerusalemBasket/status/1890142111452000360?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 13, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

### Spain: Joventut's dream is over

Joventut Badalona came into the Spanish Cup hoping to lift the trophy for the first time since 2008, but it wasn't to be as Unicaja Malaga came away with a 100-83 quarterfinal win in Gran Canaria. 

Despite the two teams being deadlocked at 42-42 at halftime, Unicaja took control of the contest in the third period by outscoring Dani Miret's team 31-19 to make it 73-61 after 30 minutes. Joventut was unable to turn things around in the fourth as Unicaja won the quarter 27-22 to come away with the eventual 100-83 victory. Sam Dekker top scored with 23 points, with Devon Dotson adding 15 and Kassius Roberson and Ante Tomic both nettting 12.

<center>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="ca" dir="ltr">🔐 Final. Diem adeu a la Copa<a href="https://twitter.com/unicajaCB?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@unicajaCB</a> 100-83 <a href="https://twitter.com/Penya1930?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Penya1930</a><br><br>🎯 Sam Dekker: 23 punts<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/CityOfBadalona?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#CityOfBadalona</a> <a href="https://t.co/V7YXTtIpEq">pic.twitter.com/V7YXTtIpEq</a></p>&mdash; Club Joventut Badalona (@Penya1930) <a href="https://twitter.com/Penya1930/status/1890119605466853440?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 13, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Joventut and Hapoel Jerusalem both fell to defeat

Domestic Cups: Cedevita Olimpija advances to final

Hapoel Tel Aviv BC and Patrick Beverley have mutually reached an agreement to terminate the former NBA guard's contract.

Hapoel Tel Aviv, Patrick Beverley mutually terminate contract

[Hapoel Shlomo Tel Aviv](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/teams/hapoel-shlomo-tel-aviv/hta/) has reached an agreement with [Patrick Beverley](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/patrick-beverley/001927/) to mutually terminate the former NBA guard's contract, the club announced on Thursday.

Beverley averaged 10.7 points, 4.2 rebounds, 4.6 assists and 1.4 steals in 14 BKT EuroCup games for Hapoel as it secured second spot in Group A and thus a bye to the quarterfinals.

"The club and player Patrick Beverley reached an agreement this evening (Thursday) on the mutual termination of the contract, thus the player will leave the team," Hapoel said in a statement posted on Twitter. "We thank Patrick for his contribution to the club and wish him great success in his future endeavors."

<center>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="iw" dir="rtl">המועדון והשחקן פטריק בברלי הגיעו הערב (חמישי) להסכם על סיום הדדי של החוזה, ובכך השחקן יעזוב את הקבוצה. <br><br>אנו מודים לפטריק על תרומתו למועדון ומאחלים לו הצלחה רבה בהמשך דרכו.<br><br>ג&#39;ורג&#39; חינאס, המנהל המקצועי: &quot;אנו מודים לפטריק על התקופה שבה היה חלק מהמועדון.<br>המסירות והמחויבות שהפגין… <a href="https://t.co/scPB54ejyU">pic.twitter.com/scPB54ejyU</a></p>&mdash; Hapoel Tel Aviv BC (@HapoelTLVBC) <a href="https://twitter.com/HapoelTLVBC/status/1890125936269328891?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 13, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Hapoel's signing of Beverley last summer came amongst much fanfare, with the 36-year-old returning to play on the old continent for the first time since December 2012. 

He had spent 11 and a half years back in the United States prior to landing in Israel, making 737 appearances in the NBA for the Houston Rockets (2013-17), Los Angeles Clippers (2017-21), Minnesota Timberwolves (2021-22), Los Angeles Lakers (2022-23), Chicago Bulls (2022-23), Philadelphia 76ers (2023-24) and Milwaukee Bucks (2023-24).

Beverley previously played in the EuroCup for Spartak St. Petersburg (2011-13) and in the Turkish Airlines EuroLeague with Olympiacos Piraeus (2009-10), having helped the Reds reach the 2010 EuroLeague Championship Game.

More Hapoel Tel Aviv News

He made 14 appearances for the Israeli team in this season's EuroCup campaign

Besiktas Fibabanka Istanbul used finished the game on a 12-4 run to defeat Anadolu Efes Istanbul 85-80 in the quarterfinals of the Turkish Cup, while Hugo Benitez’s last second free throw lifted Cosea JL Bourg-en-Bresse into the French Cup semifinals with a 64-65 victory over AS Alcase

Domestic cups: Besiktas tops Efes in Turkish quarterfinals, Bourg advances in France

Besiktas Fibabanka Istanbul used finished the game on a 12-4 run to defeat Anadolu Efes Istanbul 85-80 in the quarterfinals of the Turkish Cup at Besiktas Akatlar Arena. Kyle Allman scored Besiktas final 8 points, including the free throws with 21 seconds remaining to ice the game. He led all scorers with 26 points, while Emanuel Terry posted 20 points and 12 rebounds and Dustin Sleva scored 10. Elijah Bryant paced Efes with 25 points and 8 assists, Jordan Nwora added 21 points and 7 rebounds and Erdan Osmani netted 12 points. In the semifinal on Friday, Besiktas will face Mersin, which eliminated Tofas 101-90 earlier Wednesday thanks to 27 points from Justin Cobbs.

Nwora scored 6 points in the first 3 minutes as Efes grabbed a 2-10 lead. Besiktas rallied behind Sleva and Allman to tie it at 19-19 before P:J. Dozier put Efes ahead 19-20 at the end of the first quarter. Yigit Arslan gave Besiktas its first lead early in the second quarter and it held on to a 43-41 halftime edge. Bryant helped Efes take control in the third quarter with the lead reaching 49-63 on an Osmani triple. The difference was still 9 several minutes into the fourth quarter when Besiktas scored 8 straight points to get back into the game and set up Allman’s strong finish.

<center><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="tr" dir="ltr">Muhteşem atmosfer, harika geri dönüş! 💪 ING Türkiye Kupası&#39;nda Yarı Finaldeyiz! 😎<br><br>Beşiktaş Fibabanka 85-80 Anadolu Efes | 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/g4SnmT7Cqw">pic.twitter.com/g4SnmT7Cqw</a></p>&mdash; Beşiktaş Fibabanka (@BJK_Basketbol) <a href="https://twitter.com/BJK_Basketbol/status/1889762476989841492?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 12, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

### French Cup: Benitez lifts Bourg in quarterfinal thriller

Hugo Benitez’s last second free throw lifted Cosea JL Bourg-en-Bresse into the French Cup semifinals with a 64-65 victory over AS Alcase. The contest appeared headed for overtime after the French second division side led for the majority of the game. With the score tied,  Djordje Milosevic was called for a foul on Benitez when the latter penetrated and he sank the game-winning foul shot.

Kevin Kokila led the winners with 15 points and 10 rebounds and Xavier Castaneda added 9 points and 7 assists for Bourg. Yvann Mbaya paced Alcase with 13 points and 13 boards.

<center><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="fr" dir="ltr">VICTOIRE ✅<a href="https://twitter.com/basket_asa?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@basket_asa</a> - 64 🆚 65 - JL Bourg<br><br>Sur le fil, l&#39;équipe se qualifie en demi-finale de Coupe de France 🏆<br><br>🙏 Félicitations à <a href="https://twitter.com/basket_asa?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@basket_asa</a> pour son parcours et son public chaud bouillant durant le match <a href="https://t.co/HwJdvO3C0E">pic.twitter.com/HwJdvO3C0E</a></p>&mdash; JL Bourg Basket (@JLBourgBasket) <a href="https://twitter.com/JLBourgBasket/status/1889781184067932300?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 12, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Efes will meet Mersin on Friday in the semifinals

Cedevita Olimpija Ljubljana glided into the semifinals of the Slovenian Cup on Monday night after coming out on top against Ilirija in their quarterfinal series. The BKT EuroCup side won 97-80 in Game 1 back on December 26, then secured an 86-68 victory in Game 2 on Monday.

One of the star men in Game 2 was DeVante Jones, who finished with 13 points, 8 assists and 5 steals. Ziga Daneu paired his 16 points with 8 rebounds, Rok Radovic and Jaka Blazic added 11 points apiece, Gregor Glas scored 9 points, and Joan Beringer finished with 9 points and 6 rebounds.

Blazic ended a fruitful first quarter in style for Cedevita with a buzzer-beating three-pointer to give his team a 32-19 lead after 10 minutes. From there, Cedevita remained in control. Ilirija did outscore Zvezdan Mitrovic’s troops in the second and fourth quarters (8-12, 21-25), but a convincing third quarter by Cedevita (25-12) all but put the win on ice at 76-55. Cedevita will face KK Triglav Kranj in the semifinals at the Slovenian Cup Final Four.

Zvezdan Mitrovic’s men downed Ilirija in Game 1 and Game 2