Besiktas Fibabanka Istanbul blasted ratiopharm Ulm 107-74 in a rare Monday contest at Besiktas Fibabanka Sports Complex

Besiktas manhandles Ulm by 33

Besiktas Fibabanka Istanbul blasted ratiopharm Ulm 107-74 in a rare Monday contest at Besiktas Fibabanka Sports Complex. The winners led from tip to buzzer while establishing several club records, including most points scored and largest margin of victory. The result lifted Besiktas’s record to 2-2 in Group A and handed Ulm its first loss.

Kyle Allman led six Besiktas scorers in double figures with 16 points and Jonah Mathews and Dustin Sleva added 15 apiece. Kelan Martin had 12 points on 4-of-5 three-point shooting, Yigit Arslan had 12 on 4-of-8 shooting from deep, Conor Morgan netted 11 and Derek Needham dished 8 assists. Ulm’s top performers were its teenage stars as Noa Essengue scored a game-high 19 points and Ben Saraf tallied 16 points, 5 assists and 3 steals.

Besiktas's aggressiveness resulted in a forced turnover, an offensive rebound and a blocked shot all in the first minute. The hosts scored the game’s first 7 points before Phillipp Herkenhoff got Ulm on the scoreboard. Allman heated up with free throws and a contested three-pointer to keep Besiktas cruising at 12-5. Allman made it a double-digit lead with a three-point play and Sleva continued his stellar defense by drawing an offensive foul. Mathews’s jumper that made it 19-7 midway through the opening quarter and prompted an Ulm timeout. Berk Ugurlu, Sleva and Martin kept pouring it on as Besiktas scored 19 straight points for a commanding 31-7 lead. Herkenhoff had the last word in the quarter with a bucket for Ulm.

Besiktas added to the lead as another three by Martin made it 39-12. Layups by Thomas Klepeisz and Saraf gave Ulm some hope. The margin continued to grow as free throws by Mathews and Needham put the hosts up by 30. It was 58-22 after triples by Mathews, Morgan and Ugurlu. Threes by Nelson Weidemann and Justinian Jessup only narrowed the gap to 61-28 at the break.

Game News

Little changed after the break with threes by Needham and Allman making it 69-32. Sleva pushed the difference to 39. Essengue had a few strong minutes for Ulm and Saraf continued to leave a mark, but there were no signs of an Ulm comeback. Threes by Yigit Arslan and Martin saw the lead swell again. Steals and slams by Ugurlu and Morgan made it a 42-point difference. Klepeisz had the final basket of the third quarter to make it 89-49.

The lead peaked on a basket by Sleva that made it 96-52 in the third minute of the fourth quarter. Mathews had the honor of scoring Besiktas's 100th point and in the penultimate minute, Sleva’s three-point play established a new club record with 104 points as the hosts finished off the impressive win.

Game Videos

The hosts sets club records for points scored and margin of victory 

Besiktas Fibabanka Istanbul v ratiopharm Ulm (2024-10-14T17:00:00.000Z)

Check out what the protagonists are saying ahead of Round 4 in the BKT EuroCup, as well as who might be missing in action.

Round 4: Pre-game quotes and injury reports

## Monday, October 14

### Besiktas Fibabanka Istanbul vs. ratiopharm Ulm (19:00 CEST)

**Ty Harrelson, ratiopharm Ulm head coach** 

“We want to improve from game to game. \[It\] is a big test for us, both defensively and offensively. Besiktas is a very strong defensive team that plays disciplined and aggressive defense. So we have to find ways to score – it will be important to move the ball and create space. At the same time, we have to play better in defense than we did in Bamberg.”

## Tuesday, October 15

### Cedevita Olimpija Ljubljana vs. 7Bet-Lietkabelis Panevezys (18:30 CEST)

**Dorde Adzic, Cedevita Olimpija Ljubljana assistant coach**

"On Tuesday, we face a challenge against a team that deserves respect, even though Lietkabelis started the season with three losses. They are a young team, made up of young Lithuanian players who may be unknown to the wider sports audience, complemented by some experienced players. Lietkabelis plays extremely aggressive defense, and our opponents tend to switch a lot on the defensive side without losing their aggressiveness. We must get used to this, adapt, and play very smart offensively. In attack, they like to shoot and use their big players in the low post, while also moving a lot without the ball, which allows them to create opportunities for offensive rebounds. For us, it's important to control this style of play and build our attack against their aggressive defense. I want to thank the fans for their support in the game against Split, and I invite them to join us in large numbers at Stozice. Their support is extremely important to us, and our job is to earn that support during Tuesday's game and throughout the season."

**Derek Ogbeide, Cedevita Olimpija Ljubljana center**

"We started the season somewhat slow, but as we get to know each other as a team, we are playing better. We're trying to learn a lot during the games themselves and improve our performance 'live.' To win on Tuesday against Lietkabelis, we must stay focused on our principles. We have a plan we need to follow. We need to step on the court with energy and keep improving for the rest of the season. We definitely want loud support from the stands on Tuesday at Stožice, as it fills us with energy, and we draw strength from the fans' cheering. Every bit of support from the stands is important for us, as it helps us play even better."

### Hapoel Shlomo Tel Aviv vs. Dreamland Gran Canaria (19:00 CEST)

**Stefanos Dedas, Hapoel Shlomo Tel Aviv head coach**

"We play a very tough game against Gran Canaria among a very tight schedule against one of the most successful teams in EuroCup over the last year, with the same coaching staff and roster. We have great psychology and confidence after the winning streak we have lately and I hope the desire will overcome the fatigue."

**Tomer Ginat, Hapoel Shlomo Tel Aviv forward**

"I feel that from game to game, we are doing more, getting more good minutes and connecting as a team. Gran Canaria is an excellent team and we will have to come and be there from the first moment so that we will be in a good position to win."

### Veolia Towers Hamburg vs. U-BT Cluj-Napoca (19:30 CEST)

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

“Cluj is like the antithesis of our team: a bit older, a bit more experienced. They're also big and physical, which will present us with another challenge when it comes to rebounding. The battle under the baskets will be key. On the other hand, I think we have advantages in terms of speed, which we want to exploit. In general, we are at a critical moment in this still young season. Due to the absences so far, some players have had to step up their game. Unfortunately, this also means a higher risk of injury. Kur \[Kuath\] and Bene \[Benedikt Turudic\], our two regular centers, will be out. So we now have to use the full breadth of the squad, give our young players a chance and try to turn them into a strength.”

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

"We want to play well in order to give ourselves chances to win. Our team is focused and highly motivated to win the first game of the season. I hope we will come back home with a victory."

**De'Shawn Stephens, U-BT Cluj-Napoca center**

"We are excited for the next game and we are trying to get our first win in the EuroCup. I think our last game we showed some great fight and we have to carry that over and play to the best of our abilities. We are pushing for this first win!"

**Hamburg injury report:** Niklas Wimberg (broken leg), Zsombor Maronka (recovering from ankle injury), Kur Kuath (knee problems), Benedikt Turudic (back problems).

### Cosea JL Bourg-en-Bresse vs. Turk Telekom Ankara (19:30 CEST)

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

"We welcome a team which is undefeated, which we know is the best defense in the EuroCup. We expect a very difficult and contested match in front of our public."

### Jordan Usher, Cosea JL Bourg-en-Bresse forward

“I am excited to play another home game in front of our fans, and against a really good team…it won't be easy, but the fans will bring us energy and push us to win!"

## Wednesday, October 16

### Bahcesehir College Istanbul vs. Dolomiti Energia Trento (18:00 CEST)

\--

### Aris Midea Thessaloniki vs. Hapoel Bank Yahav Jerusalem (19:00 CEST)

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

"Tomorrow we have another home game for EuroCup against a truly high-quality team with talent. Hapoel has excellent foreign players as well as high-level Israeli players. They have set high goals for this year's tournament. We are returning after the win against Lietkabelis for another game at home in front of our fans. We will do our best to achieve a winning result."

**David DeJulius, Aris Midea Thessaloniki guard**

"We know that Hapoel is a very good team, with quite a few strong players, some of whom we know from college. We all need to give our best effort together, stop their transition game, not allow them to get second chances, and play with confidence."

**Yonatan Alon, Hapoel Bank Yahav Jerusalem head coach**

“We are heading into a tough away game against a quality opponent in a great basketball atmosphere. We want to continue building on the positive things we showed in the last two EuroCup games. We will need to stay focused for 40 minutes and pay attention to the small details in order to return home with another important win.”

**Speedy Smith, Hapoel Bank Yahav Jerusalem guard**

“We are looking forward to a fun basketball atmosphere, which is something we’ve been missing a bit in our European away games. We are determined to continue our recent good form, understanding it will be a tough game but confident in ourselves and our approach.”

**Jerusalem injury report:** Nimrod Levi (ankle) Khadeen Carrington (personal matters).

### Buducnost VOLI Podgorica vs. Trefl Sopot (19:00 CEST)

\--

### Joventut Badalona vs. Wolves Twinsbet Vilnius (20:30 CEST)

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

"We will face on the road one of the best teams in our group. We will go to Spain with the ambition to take a step forward in our journey, respecting the last games. We must start with the defensive effort, knowing that we will play against experienced players, that are led by a great player like Ante Tomic. We need to improve, stay united as a team and compete from the first minute to the last."

**Kristupas Zemaitis, Wolves Twinsbet Vilnius guard**

"It's going to be a tough game because it's always challenging to play against ACB teams. Joventut has a very deep roster with strong players in every position. Two frontline players stand out, especially Ante Tomic, who shares the ball like a playmaker and has outstanding passing skills. One key task will be stopping him. Of course, they have many other dangerous players. However, the most important thing is to focus on ourselves. Right now, we aren't playing well. We need to fix our issues, follow Coach's plan, and bring good energy. If we do that, I believe we can upset the home team."

## Thursday, October 17

### Valencia Basket vs. Umana Reyer Venice

**Juan Maroto, Valencia Basket assistant coach**

“We have a complicated game, like all games in the EuroCup, with a bit of uncertainty because they’ve had injuries in the last few days. We also have our issues, so there’s a part that remains quite up in the air regarding scouting, which is more of what I do. They’re a team with a lot of talent, that has played with a good rhythm, and they have a very strong bigs. It’s true that they’ve had injuries in their last few games and have struggled. We don’t know exactly what form they will bring, and that will greatly influence their playing style and the quality they can bring to the court. So, there are still many things up in the air. As you know, we have Stefan out due to family issues in his country, with the club’s permission, and he won’t be available tomorrow. We also have a virus going around the team, but it doesn’t seem too serious in that regard.”

**Brancou Badio, Valencia Basket guard**

“It will be a difficult game. They have a good team with players who have experience in Europe, and we will try to focus on our own game and compete as much as we can."

**Valencia injury report:** Chris Jones (right hand), Stefan Jovic (personal matters).

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

"First of all, I’m very happy to return to Valencia: for me, it feels like home, one of the most important places for me. Unfortunately, we are going there during one of the toughest moments for our team. As always, we promise to take to the court and fight until the end, giving everything we have. The most important thing for us right now is to stay united.

"Valencia has a EuroLeague-level roster, very deep, with three players in different positions. They are among the favorites to win the EuroCup. We have our game plan, and we will do our best.

"I believe that Valencia Basket is one of the best clubs in Europe from various points of view. They have one of the most important basketball development projects in Europe, with cutting-edge infrastructure, including for their youth sector."

**Amedeo Tessitori, Umana Reyer Venice center**

"We are facing a very difficult moment, perhaps one of the most challenging since I’ve been at Reyer. But we are focused and not backing down, as we demonstrated in the last game: we are not hiding behind injuries, and we are not using them as an excuse. We are working hard to make progress and improve, while waiting for our injured teammates to return.

"I’m happy I was able to recover quickly from my injury, and I must thank the entire Reyer staff. Against Virtus, I wanted to be there for the team, pushing through the pain.

"We need to stay strong and fight to try to win games. In Valencia, we have to enter the court with the right attitude, starting from defense, shutting out everything around us, and sticking together. We will be united and ready to fight, without fear.

"Honestly, I view our situation with a positive mindset: it’s better to face a moment like this now, at the beginning of the season, while we are still mentally fresh."

**Reyer injury report**: Xavier Munford (knee), Tyler Ennis (knee), Jordan Parks (thigh), Davide Casarin (ankle).

Valencia Basket v Umana Reyer Venice (2024-10-17T17:00:00.000Z)

Joventut Badalona v Wolves Twinsbet Vilnius (2024-10-16T18:30:00.000Z)

Aris Midea Thessaloniki v Hapoel Bank Yahav Jerusalem (2024-10-16T17:00:00.000Z)

Hapoel Shlomo Tel Aviv v Dreamland Gran Canaria (2024-10-15T17:00:00.000Z)

Buducnost VOLI Podgorica v Trefl Sopot (2024-10-16T17:00:00.000Z)

Bahcesehir College Istanbul v Dolomiti Energia Trento (2024-10-16T16:00:00.000Z)

Veolia Towers Hamburg v U-BT Cluj-Napoca (2024-10-15T17:30:00.000Z)

Cosea JL Bourg-en-Bresse v Turk Telekom Ankara (2024-10-15T17:30:00.000Z)

Cedevita Olimpija Ljubljana v 7Bet-Lietkabelis Panevezys (2024-10-15T16:30:00.000Z)

Fantasy expert Javier Gancedo has offered his EuroCup Fantasy Challenge recommendations for Round 4 of the 2024-25 EuroCup season.

Fantasy tips, Round 4: Time to think about strategy

It is already Round 4 in the 2024-25 BKT EuroCup Regular Season, so we’re already into the fourth round of the [EuroCup Fantasy Challenge](https://euroleaguefantasy.euroleaguebasketball.net/11)!

Five teams remain undefeated in the competition: ratiopharm Ulm and Dreamland Gran Canaria in Group A, as well as Cosea JL Bourg en Bresse, Valencia Basket and Turk Telekom Ankara in Group B. It is a four-day round, which is very interesting for the EuroCup Fantasy Challenge.

I will recommend one player per turn to get you covered, plus my favorite choice of the week.

Xabi Lopez-Arostegui, Zach Hankins, Justinian Jessup, Tarik Phillip and Johnathan Motley are featured in this week's article.

EuroCup Fantasy tips: Round 4

### Justinian Jessup, ratiopharm Ulm (10.4 credits)

Ulm visits Besiktas in the first game of Round 4 on Monday. It is a good chance for [Justinian Jessup](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/justinian-jessup/013290/) to keep proving he is one of the best newcomers in the EuroCup this season. In three games, Jessup is averaging 18.7 points on 57.1% three-pointers, 4.7 rebounds, 3.0 assists and a PIR of 20.0. He is not getting much media attention but right now, Jessup is Ulm's leader.

<center>
<blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/DAgPPHLIu_u/?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/DAgPPHLIu_u/?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/DAgPPHLIu_u/?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 Justinian Jessup (@justinian10)</a></p></div></blockquote>
<script async src="//www.instagram.com/embed.js"></script>

### Zach Hankins, U-BT Cluj-Napoca (10.0 credits)

Cluj visits Hamburg on Tuesday in what should be a really high-scoring game. [Zach Hankins](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/zach-hankins/013304/) should be a good fit due to his post skills, overall mobility and great size. So far, he is averaging 11.3 points on 72.7% two-pointers, 4.0 rebounds, 2.3 assists and a PIR of 14.0 in less than 23 minutes on the floor. A solid option at center.

### Tarik Phillip, Trefl Sopot (11.5 credits)

[Tarik Phillip](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/players/tarik-phillip/009649/) knew that he would be one of Trefl’s main players and he lived up to the billing to this point. He comes off a great game against Joventut: 21 points, 12 rebounds and a PIR of 33, all career highs. Philip is averaging 15.3 points, 9.7 rebounds, 6.0 assists and 5.0 fouls drawn, ranking third in PIR (24.7). A must-have player.

### Xabi Lopez-Arostegui, Valencia Basket (10.4 credits)

Valencia hosts Reyer in the final game of this round on Thursday. The hosts have scored 105 points in back-to-back games and are looking to further increase those numbers. [Xabi Lopez-Arostegui](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/players/xabi-lopez-arostegui/005356/) had a great game in Cluj last week, leading Valencia to a come-from-behind win with 22 points, 5 rebounds, 2 assists, 2 steals and a career-high PIR of 29. With extended playing time, Lopez-Arostegui is rolling.

<center>
<blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/C_vuMh-Msyy/?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/C_vuMh-Msyy/?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/C_vuMh-Msyy/?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 Xabi López-Arostegui (@xabi6lopez)</a></p></div></blockquote>
<script async src="//www.instagram.com/embed.js"></script>

### Johnathan Motley, Hapoel Tel Aviv (16.8 credits)

Simply put, [Johnathan Motley](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/johnathan-motley/011157/) is the most unstoppable player in the competition and that should make him everyone's go-to guy in the EuroCup Fantasy Challenge. Until now, Motley has averaged 17.0 points on 75.0% two-pointers, 6.0 rebounds, 3.7 assists, 7.3 fouls drawn and a PIR of 22.3. Hapoel hosts Gran Canaria in a tough game in which Motley should see even more playing time.

Fantasy expert Javier Gancedo has selected five players he would recommend selecting

Round 4 of the 2024-25 EuroCup season tips off on Monday night and continues through to Thursday.

At a glance: Round 4 has arrived!

The action in Round 4 of the BKT EuroCup is spread over four days, and features five teams looking to stay perfect. Here’s your guide to the upcoming action.

## Monday, October 14

### Besiktas Fibabanka Istanbul vs. ratiopharm Ulm (19:00 CEST)

Round 4 starts with one game on Monday, when Besiktas (1-2) will look to topple high-flying Ulm (3-0). The Turkish team has lost two games in a row and needs to offer better protection of its backboard, averaging only 30 rebounds per game compared to Ulm’s 37.3. The German team will hope that [Philipp Herkenhoff](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/players/philipp-herkenhoff/006997/) can continue to crash the boards after he paired 12 points with 9 rebounds to help overcome Wolves last week, while [Justinian Jessup](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/justinian-jessup/013290/) is aiming to maintain his hot streak after netting 27 in that win. Against that pair, Besiktas needs a big game from [Dustin Sleva](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/players/dustin-sleva/011927/) who has posted impressive numbers of 8.7 points, 4.3 rebounds and 2.0 steals so far.

## Tuesday, October 15

### Cedevita Olimpija Ljubljana vs. 7Bet-Lietkabelis Panevezys (18:30 CEST)

In Tuesday’s opener, Cedevita (2-1) will look to bounce back to winning ways against a Lietkabelis team (0-3) still in search of its first victory. Last week’s heavy home loss to Aris was a serious setback for the Lithuanian team, which will hope for another strong performance from youngster [Mantas Rubstavicius](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/players/mantas-rubstavicius/009299/) after his career-high 15 points. The hosts' perfect start was ended by Turk Telekom last week, and will hope to gain a major edge in three point shooting: Cedevita ranks first in the competition in long-range accuracy (42.3%), helped by [Aleksej Nikolic](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/players/aleksej-nikolic/003703/) (56.2%), whereas Lietkabelis is dead-last with just 18.3% of three-pointers made – and none at all last week.

### Hapoel Shlomo Tel Aviv vs. Dreamland Gran Canaria (19:00 CEST)

Two teams with high ambitions go head to head as Hapoel Tel Aviv (2-1) faces unbeaten Gran Canaria (3-0). The host is the most accurate two-point shooting team in the EuroCup (66.4%), with a major role for last week’s MVP [Johnathan Motley](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/johnathan-motley/011157/), who averages 17 points per game on a near-unstoppable 75% two-point conversion rate. Up against him inside the paint, Gran Canaria will need another strong performance from veteran [Mike Tobey](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/mike-tobey/008966/), who has struggled for scoring in the last couple of weeks but grabbed 11 rebounds in the Round 3 victory over Bahcesehir. The Spanish team gained that win by only allowing 63 points and needs another defensive masterclass this week.

2024-25 BKT EuroCup | Round 4 Head-to-Head: Motley vs. Tobey

### Veolia Towers Hamburg vs. U-BT Cluj-Napoca (19:30 CEST)

A first win of the season is the valuable prize as Hamburg (0-3) welcomes Cluj (0-3) at the bottom of Group B. The Romanian team has looked more likely to claim that prize, leading for most of the game against Valencia last week, and can count upon the EuroCup’s assists leader in [Zavier Simpson](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/zavier-simpson/013302/) (7.3 per game). Hamburg has lost every game by at least 15 points and needs to drastically improve a competition-worst defense, which has allowed a whopping 98 points per game. At the other end of the court, the German team will look for scoring from guard [Jaizec Lottie](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/jaizec-lottie/013309/), who has averaged 15.0 points in the last two games.

2024-25 BKT EuroCup | Round 4 Head-to-Head: Lottie vs. Simpson

### Cosea JL Bourg-en-Bresse vs. Turk Telekom Ankara (19:30 CEST)

Something has to give at the top of Group B as two unbeaten teams go head to head with Bourg (3-0) rolling out the welcome mat for Turk Telekom (3-0). It’s a clear clash of styles as the Turkish team bases its success on dominant defense, allowing a league-low 66.3 points per game, whereas Bourg has the third-best offense with 90.7 points per game scored. The French team’s engine is forward [Adrian Nelson](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/adrian-nelson/013264/), who averages 12.3 points and 5.3 rebounds per night. Turk Telekom will look to slow down the game and control the tempo through the EuroCup’s best rebounding unit (45.0 boards per night), powered by second-ranked rebounder [Kyle Alexander](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/kyle-alexander/011973/) (11.0 rebounds per game).

2024-25 BKT EuroCup  | Round 4 Head-to-Head: Kokila vs Alexander

## Wednesday, October 16

### Bahcesehir College Istanbul vs. Dolomiti Energia Trento (18:00 CEST)

Wednesday’s action begins in Istanbul, with Bahcesehir (2-1) aiming to stay near the top of Group A by overcoming Trento (1-2). Both teams are looking to bounce back from low scoring losses, and the host will hope that [Jaleen Smith](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/jaleen-smith/011192/) (10.7 points per game) can continue to lead the way from long-range after making 5 of his 8 three-point attempts over the last two games. Overall, Bahceshir ranks sixth in the competition in three-point shooting accuracy (38.9%). Trento’s strong inside game (55.5% of two-point shots made, sixth in the EuroCup) leans heavily on big man [Selom Mawugbe](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/selom-mawugbe/013271/), who has 8.7 points on 70.6% two-point shooting as well as gathering 5.7 rebounds per game.

### Aris Midea Thessaloniki vs. Hapoel Bank Yahav Jerusalem (19:00 CEST)

After gaining its first victory last week, Aris (1-2) will look to keep the feelgood factor by downing Jerusalem (2-1), which is also confident after two straight wins. The Greek team’s comfortable win at Lietkabelis was led by a remarkable 6-of-8 three-point shooting night from guard [Vassilis Toliopoulos](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/players/vassilis-toliopoulos/004292/), who has made multiple triples every game this season. Jerusalem’s main strength lies in its rebounding, ranking third in the competition (39.3 per night). That includes an average of 13 offensive boards, with [Austin Wiley](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/austin-wiley/013278/) (4.0 OR per game) leading the way to give valuable extra possessions to the competition’s top scorer, [Jared Harper](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/jared-harper/011970/) (23.0 points per game).

2024-25 BKT EuroCup | Round 4 Head-to-Head: Toliopoulos vs. Harper

### Buducnost VOLI Podgorica vs. Trefl Sopot (19:00 CEST)

In the first-ever EuroCup meeting between the teams, Buducnost (1-2) will defend its home court against a Trefl team (0-3) hoping for a first win of the season. Trefl has always competed well, losing all three games by no more than 6 points, and will believe that its luck can soon turn if [Tarik Phillip](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/players/tarik-phillip/009649/) maintains his spectacular all-round contributions of 15.3 points, 9.7 rebounds and 6 assists. Buducnost cruised to its first win last week by thrashing Trento on the road, and will hope for another strong night from [Yogi Ferrell](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/players/yogi-ferrell/011281/) after he netted 21 points on 9-of-12 shooting from the field.

### Joventut Badalona vs. Wolves Twinsbet Vilnius (20:30 CEST)

Joventut (2-1) will look to strengthen its position near the top of Group A with a visit from winless Wolves. The Spanish team took a tight one last week at Trefl with a strong contribution from [Kassius Robertson](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/kassius-robertson/012740/) (20 points, 6 assists), and will hope that consistent big men [Ante Tomic](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/ante-tomic/002507/) and [Devon Dotson](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/players/devon-durrell-dotson/013285/) (13.7 and 15.0 points per game, respectively) can control the paint. Wolves has struggled for consistency on offense, and will hope that offensive leader [Anthony Cowan](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/players/anthony-cowan-jr/012003/) can start to find his range from beyond the arc after only making 21.1% of his three-point attempts, including just 2 of 14 in the last two games.

## Thursday, October 17

### Valencia Basket vs. Umana Reyer Venice (19:00 CEST)

In Thursday’s sole game, red-hot Valencia (3-0) will look to stay perfect with a visit from Reyer (1-2), which has to offer a big recovery from last week’s 22-point home loss to Bourg. Valencia is the EuroCup’s leading scorer (96.7 points per game) after passing the 100-points mark in two straight games, with [Xabi Lopez-Arostegui](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/players/xabi-lopez-arostegui/005356/) hitting 6 of a club-record 20 three-pointers last week at Cluj. Reyer will hope to base its challenge around a third-straight double-double from outstanding center [Mfiondu Kabengele](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/players/mfiondu-tshimanga-kabengele/012796/), who leads the competition in rebounding (12.3 per game) and two-pointers scored (6.7 per night), but also needs a strong defense to stop the *Taronjas* whirlwind.

2024-25 BKT EuroCup | Round 4 Head-to-Head: Lopez-Arostegui vs. Moretti

Four teams have enjoyed a perfect start to the season so far

Hamburg Towers point guard Jaizec Lottie speaks with David Hein to discuss the ups and the downs of his career to date.

Hamburg playmaker Jaizec Lottie has risen higher after setbacks 

Nobody should be surprised if [Jaizec Lottie](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/jaizec-lottie/013309/) bounces back from a tough stretch in a BKT EuroCup game to excel. The [Veolia Towers Hamburg](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/news/carousels/veolia-towers-hamburg/?q=%7B%22articleId%22%3A%22%22%2C%22categoryId%22%3A%22%22%2C%22linkedId%22%3A%7B%22sourceSystem%22%3A%22FS_BASKETBALL_TEAM%22%2C%22sourceSystemId%22%3A%22ham%22%2C%22text%22%3A%22%22%7D%7D&carouselTitle=Veolia%20Towers%20Hamburg) point guard has already gone through his share of trying times in his young career and come out on top.

The 26-year-old American is enjoying his debut season in the EuroCup and has already shown he belongs in the competition with averages of 11.7 points, 4.3 rebounds and 5.7 assists through three games, although Hamburg is rooted to the bottom of Group B with a 0-3 record.

“I think this league is an amazing league. It’s a very high-level league. It's going to be a very, very high competition,” Lottie tells David Hein. “The biggest step for us right now is being able to go up against a team like \[FC Bayern\] Munich and then two days later going up against Valencia \[Basket\] like we have. To have a quick turnaround we can't dwell on the past game, we can't think, ‘Oh we should have won this game.’ We have a game two or three days later.”

Lottie recalls a lesson from his mother. “My mom always tells me: Anything worth having doesn't come easy.”

The best plays of Veolia Towrs Hamburg guard Jaizec Lottie through the first three games of the 2024-25 BKT EuroCup season.

Jaizec Lottie's top plays so far in 2024-25

Lottie’s journey to Hamburg and the EuroCup has certainly had its highs and lows.

The native of Aurora, Colorado, near Denver, had two solid years at the University of Arkansas-Little Rock before deciding to leave the program in his third year because of differences with his head coach.

Lottie had originally planned on transferring to the University of Denver back near home in Colorado. Shortly before the season was about to start, he learned that he in fact didn’t have a scholarship – leaving Lottie without a team.

He turned to his former Little Rock teammate Damir Hadzic, who had transferred the summer before to Flagler College – a Division II program in Florida. The Bosnia and Herzegovina native talked to his Flagler coach, who immediately jumped at the opportunity to get such a high-level guard.

“It ended up being probably the best two years of my life,” comments Lottie, who guided the team to the NCAA Division II Final Four in 2021 and was named an NCAA Division II All-American in both 2021 and 2022.

Before Lottie arrived, Flagler had suffered through 12 consecutive losing seasons.

From Flagler in St Augustine, Florida, Lottie started his professional career in 2022 in Switzerland with BBC Monthey, where he was the third-highest scorer in the league with 20.1 points to go with 4.1 rebounds and 5.0 assists.

Lottie grew up close to the Rocky Mountains, but they were about an hour away; not like the Alps, which were right on his doorstep in Monthey. But his family was very far away, and the family-orientated Lottie struggled with not being able to talk to his younger sister regularly because of the time difference.

The current Hamburg guard instead became very close to his Monthey teammates, living with three of them and developing a strong bond, which still holds today.

<center>
<blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/CjiKjrEDVa0/?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/CjiKjrEDVa0/?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/CjiKjrEDVa0/?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 Jaizec Lottie (@jlott_4)</a></p></div></blockquote>
<script async src="//www.instagram.com/embed.js"></script>

Lottie also learned a lot from two of his other teammates – the then 34-year-old Markel Humphrey and 36-year-old Kevin Langford, who is the brother of former Turkish Airlines EuroLeague star Keith Langford. Both were playing their 14th season in Europe and were even older than the team’s head coach, Patrick Pembele.

“Kevin was more of like a quiet leader. But anytime that he saw something that I wasn't doing right, or he saw something that I could do better, he would always pull me aside. And I was all ears,” Lottie says. “When you have guys like that who have played at the highest level, and his brother's obviously a EuroLeague star, you just want to listen. You want to soak in everything, so I was like a sponge.

“Markel was big for me because he takes such good care of his body and he’s still playing at such a high level at such an old age to where I was able to pick his brain about that. And both of them were really cool. Neither one of them would shy away from talking to me. They would try to give me all the knowledge they can. So, to have those two vets my first year was very important."

Lottie learned the business of basketball in Europe last season. He made the jump from Switzerland to Italian League team Scafati. But just four games into the season, the club released him and signed Latvian veteran Janis Strelnieks.

“I think with that whole situation, I was ready for the jump. I just don't think I was put in a position where I was given a chance to really learn and grow,” he notes. “Because obviously when you make that jump, you need time to go with the grooves instead of against the grooves. And I felt like I wasn't really put in a position for that.”

Before coming to Scafati, Strelnieks had been practicing with Latvian club VEF Riga. Lottie talked to the veteran about Riga’s coach and the American ended up signing with VEF last November.

<center>
<blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/C7ZieaQxstl/?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/C7ZieaQxstl/?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/C7ZieaQxstl/?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 Jaizec Lottie (@jlott_4)</a></p></div></blockquote>
<script async src="//www.instagram.com/embed.js"></script>

Lottie excelled in the Latvian capital, averaging 14.3 points and 5.3 assists in the Latvian-Estonian League to go with 10.1 points and 4.0 assists in the Latvian League and 9.8 points and 3.3 assists in the Basketball Champions League.

“I think \[Scafati\] getting rid of me and sending me to Riga was the best thing for me because I was under a coach that put so much time into the game,” he says after helping VEF win the Latvian league and cup double and reach the Latvian-Estonian League semifinals. “He really helped me understand how to play the European game as a point guard, how to slow down, how to do certain things.

“I'm very grateful for it. It was a blessing in disguise that I moved there – and I got a championship and a cup out of it, which is really cool, too.”

Just another tough situation that Jaizec Lottie turned into a success.

He has had an impressive start to this season's EuroCup, which has come after an interesting journey to this point

EuroCup Fantasy Challenge offers weekly prizes to the top team manager, so get in the game and go for the gold!

EuroCup Fantasy Challenge: Round 3 winner

Congratulations to Sasa Kalinovic, our third winner in the 2024-25 [EuroCup Fantasy Challenge](https://euroleaguefantasy.euroleaguebasketball.net/)! Sasa's team, to1, posted a score of 230.35.

The team featured the following lineup: Patrick Beverly of Hapoel Shlomo Tel Aviv as team captain, his teammate Johnathan Motley, then Semi Ojeleye of Valencia Basket, Alex Bouteille of Bahcesehir College Istanbul and Justinian Jessup of ratiopharm Ulm as the other starters. Kassius Robertson of Joventut Badalona was his sixth man, while Nelson Weidemann of Ulm, Jared Gray of Veolia Hamburg Towers, Selom Mawugbe of Dolomiti Energia Trento and Berkan Durmaz of Turk Telekom Ankara made up the rest of the bench. Frederic Fauthoux of Cosea JL Bourg-en-Bresse was the head coach.

The prize for finishing first in Round 3 is a free subscription to Euroleague TV for the 2025-26 season!

We have a new leader in the overall standings, too, as Bert Bjelobradic's squad named Rodijaci i Kumovi has a total of 570.25 points after the first three rounds. Trades are now open for Round 4. Remember, four trades are allowed before each round until the end of the regular season.

Make new teams now or improve your existing ones and try to become EuroCup Fantasy Challenge's next winner!

Look back at all the action in Round 3 of the 2024-25 BKT EuroCup season by checking out the best photos of the week! 

Top 10 photos from Round 3

Look back at all the action from Round 3 of the 2024-25 BKT EuroCup season by checking out the best photos of the week! 

CB Gran Canaria suffocated Bahcesehir on defense in Round 3 of the 2024-25 EuroCup season en route to coming away with a key victory.

Gran Canaria turned to its defense to remain perfect

Often viewed as an offensive juggernaut, Dreamland Gran Canaria found another recipe for success on Wednesday night. In [its Round 3 win over the visiting Bahcesehir College Istanbul](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/news/gran-canaria-survives-drama-edges-bahcesehir-66-63/), head coach Jaka Lakovic's team went to another level on defense to keep the visitors at bay.

"This was a great test for us," Gran Canaria guard Caleb Homesley said afterward. "Bahcesehir is a really good team. I thought tonight we really had to rely on our intensity and defense, and that's ultimately what won us the game."

Facing a team that is yet to allow its opponent to score 70 points, Gran Canaria felt how well Bahcesehir plays defense. Gran Canaria overcame 20 turnovers on only 11 assists, and a sub-par 33.3% three-point shooting.

But Gran Canaria showcased the type of defense it is capable of playing, too. Especially close to the rims, where it outrebounded the visitors 41-29 and held the visitors to 41.0% two-point shooting.

And in a physical game and tight game, Gran Canaria used a strong finish, a 12-2 run that turned a 54-61 deficit into a 66-63 win.

"We were a little bit better with our decisions on offensive possessions \[late in the game\], and of course, we had good defensive stops," commented Coach Lakovic.

Gran Canaria has now won its first three games for the second consecutive season, and with its offensive potential and the way it showed it can play defense, this team will be hard to beat this season.

The Spaniards suffocated Bahcesehir for most of the game

Dreamland Gran Canaria v Bahcesehir College Istanbul (2024-10-09T19:00:00.000Z)

There was no stopping Johnathan Motley in Round 3 of the 2024-25 BKT EuroCup season as he put up a round-high 34 PIR in Hapoel Shlomo Tel Aviv’s 87-101 win at Besiktas Fibabanka Istanbul.

Round 3 MVP: Johnathan Motley, Hapoel Shlomo Tel Aviv

There was no stopping [Johnathan Motley](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/johnathan-motley/011157/) in Round 3 of the 2024-25 BKT EuroCup season as he put up a round-high 34 PIR in Hapoel Shlomo Tel Aviv’s 87-101 win at Besiktas Fibabanka Istanbul.

Motley was a force on offense for Hapoel, netting 24 points after going 8 for 10 on two-pointers and 8 for 11 from the free-throw line. He also grabbed 6 rebounds, all on the defensive end, dished 4 assists and blocked 2 shots. He forced the Besiktas defenders to foul him 12 times, too. His 24 points and 2 blocks are both season highs. This is the third time that Motley has earned MVP of the Round honors.

The second-best PIR in Round 3 belonged to two players: Trefl Sopot’s [Tarik Phillip](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/players/tarik-phillip/009649/) and Umana Reyer Venice’s [Mfiondu Kabengele](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/players/mfiondu-tshimanga-kabengele/012796/), who both set career highs with a 33 PIR. Phillip also set new career-best marks in scoring (21 points) and rebounds (12), while he tied his season high in assists (6) and added 2 steals as Trefl lost 73-88 to Joventut Badalona. Like Phillip, Kabengele had career highs in scoring (19 points) and rebounds (19), as well as 2 assists and 1 steal in a 66-88 loss to Cosea JL Bourg-en-Bresse.

Hapoel guard [Patrick Beverley](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/patrick-beverley/001927/) joined teammate Motley in recording a post-30 PIR as he had a personal-high 32 PIR in their win against Besiktas. He amassed a season-high 16 points, a career-best 11 rebounds, along with 3 assists, 1 steal and 1 block. Rounding out the list of top performers in Round 3 are ratiopharm Ulm’s [Justinian Jessup](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/justinian-jessup/013290/) and Turk Telekom Ankara’s [Kyle Alexander](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/kyle-alexander/011973/), with both players recording a 30 PIR. Jessup, playing in just his third EuroCup game, set a new personal best in scoring with 27 points to go with 4 rebounds, 3 assists and 1 steal. Alexander had a season-best 16 points and also recorded 10 rebounds, 3 assists, 1 steal and 2 blocks.