Partizan Mozzart Bet Belgrade fortified its frontline by signing Angolan center Bruno Fernando from Real Madrid

Partizan signs Bruno Fernando away from Real Madrid 

Partizan Mozzart Bet Belgrade fortified its frontline by signing Angolan center [Bruno Fernando](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/bruno-fernando/013667/), the club announced on Sunday. The contract is pending the player passing his physical examination on Monday.

Fernando (2.08 meters, 27 years old) arrives from Real Madrid, which he joined midway through last season. He has averaged 4.4 points and 3.4 rebounds over 10 minutes per game in five EuroLeague appearances with Madrid this season.  Fernando took part in 12 games last season, including three in *Los Blancos*' playoff series against Olympiacos Piraeus.

<center><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="und" dir="ltr">Doskorašnji košarkaš Real Madrida, reprezentativac Angole i centar sa bogatim NBA iskustvom, Bruno Fernando, novo je pojačanje Partizana Mozzart Bet!👊🏽🖤🤍<br><br>Bruno će danas doputovati u Beograd, a ugovor će postati aktivan nakon sutrašnjih lekarskih pregleda. <br><br>Novi centar… <a href="https://t.co/WDSQFV9ig0">pic.twitter.com/WDSQFV9ig0</a></p>&mdash; KK Partizan Mozzart Bet (@PartizanBC) <a href="https://twitter.com/PartizanBC/status/1982419412872290741?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 26, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Before joining Madrid, Fernando had spent his entire professional career in the NBA. He spent parts of six seasons with the Atlanta Hawks (2019-21), Boston Celtics (2021-22), Houston Rockets (2022-23), Atlanta Hawks (2023-24), and Toronto Raptors (2024-25). His best season came in 2023-24, when Fernado posted 6.3 points and 4.3 rebounds in 45 games with Atlanta.

He joins a Partizan side that is off to a 3-3 start despite having only one true center on the roster. The addition of Fernando alongside center Tyrique Jones will give coach Zeljko Obradovic more options going forward. A regular on the Angolan national team, Fernando will wear No. 24 with Partizan.

More Partizan News

The Angolan center made his EuroLeague debut last season with Los Blancos

The 28-year-old forward signed for the remainder of the season 


Valencia strengthens frontcourt with Braxton Key

Valencia Basket has reinforced its roster by signing power forward Braxton Key for the remainder of the season, the club announced Saturday night. Standing at 2.03 meters and 28 years old, Key was named the 2024–25 NBA G League Defensive Player of the Year while playing for the Santa Cruz Warriors. In 12 games, he posted impressive averages of 23.1 points, 10.1 rebounds, 3.8 assists and 3.3 steals.

Earlier in the season, Key played for the San Diego Clippers, another G League team, where he averaged 14.8 points, 8.6 rebounds, 2.3 steals and 1.2 blocks across 38 games. He also made brief appearances with the Golden State Warriors, averaging 0.8 points over six NBA games.

<center><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="ca" dir="ltr">🍊 BENVINGUT, <a href="https://twitter.com/btwice_11?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@btwice_11</a> <br><br>Cas 👉 Braxton Key llega para alargar el juego interior de Valencia Basket<a href="https://t.co/1xLx9YCuJx">https://t.co/1xLx9YCuJx</a><br><br>Val 👉 Braxton Key arriba per a allargar el joc interior de Valencia Basket<a href="https://t.co/SqBAlljnQI">https://t.co/SqBAlljnQI</a><br><br>Eng 👉 <a href="https://t.co/yBA6VlSsKw">https://t.co/yBA6VlSsKw</a> <a href="https://t.co/1PoBxSNSZ8">pic.twitter.com/1PoBxSNSZ8</a></p>&mdash; Valencia Basket Club (@valenciabasket) <a href="https://twitter.com/valenciabasket/status/1982151431902638429?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 25, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></center>

Key played a pivotal role in the University of Virginia’s 2019 NCAA Championship run, contributing 6 points and a game-high 10 rebounds off the bench in the title game against Texas Tech, which ended 85–77. Prior to that, he competed for the University of Alabama before launching his professional career with the Delaware Blue Coats in the G League.

His career has included stints with the Philadelphia 76ers, Denver Nuggets, and Detroit Pistons in the NBA, as well as the Grand Rapids Gold in the G League and Vaqueros de Bayamon in Puerto Rico. Key is now poised to make his EuroLeague debut with Valencia this season.

Zalgiris Kaunas will be without guard Nigel Williams-Goss for the foreseeable future. 

Nigel Williams-Goss sidelined with hamstring injury

Williams-Goss started the EuroLeague Round 6 game against FC Barcelona in the starting lineup, but felt pain in his leg during one of the first possessions and was unable to continue. After returning to Kaunas, he underwent medical tests which confirmed a hamstring injury. 

Williams-Goss will miss the next few games, and his condition will be closely monitored and evaluated by the medical staff. An update on his return will be provided separately, depending on his recovery progress. He is averaging 11.5 points on 41.7% three-pointers in dix EuroLeague games so far this season.

<center><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Nigel Williams-Goss suffered a hamstring injury during the game in Barcelona and will be sidelined for the next few games. <a href="https://t.co/67z3QBP4Nu">pic.twitter.com/67z3QBP4Nu</a></p>&mdash; BC Zalgiris Kaunas (@bczalgiris) <a href="https://twitter.com/bczalgiris/status/1982044481810485691?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 25, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></center>

Roman Sorkin earned the first MVP of the Round honor of his 129-game EuroLeague career after an outstanding performance in Maccabi Rapyd Tel Aviv’s 92-91 victory over Real Madrid, posting a PIR of 30 – the highest of any winning player in Round 6.

Round 6 MVP: Roman Sorkin, Maccabi Rapyd Tel Aviv

[Roman Sorkin](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/roman-sorkin/011219/) earned the first MVP of the Round honor of his 129-game EuroLeague career after an outstanding performance in [Maccabi Rapyd Tel Aviv](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/teams/maccabi-rapyd-tel-aviv/tel/)’s [92-91 victory over Real Madrid](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/news/walkers-record-night-and-blatts-big-shot-pushed-lucky-maccabi-past-madrid/), posting a PIR of 30 – the highest of any winning player in Round 6.

The forward scored a season-high 21 points on 9-of-11 shooting from two-point range and 3-of-3 from the free-throw line, while also grabbing 6 rebounds, dishing 3 assists, blocking 2 shots, and drawing 4 fouls. Sorkin becomes the first Maccabi player to be named MVP of the Round this season.

[Leandro Bolmaro](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/leandro-bolmaro/008985/) of EA7 Emporio Armani Milan recorded the highest index rating in Round 6, finishing with a career-best 37 PIR in his team’s 100-103 loss to Valencia Basket. Bolmaro poured in a career-high 31 points, shooting 8-of-12 on twos, 2-of-3 from beyond the arc, and 9-of-11 from the free-throw line. He also tallied 4 rebounds, including 3 on the offensive glass, 3 assists, 1 steal, 1 block, and drew 7 fouls.

[Trey Lyles](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/trey-lyles/014117/) of Real Madrid recorded a career-high 29 PIR, the third-best index rating this week, in the loss at Maccabi. The first-year forward contributed 16 points on 3-of-5 shooting from two-point range and 10-of-11 from the free-throw line, along with 10 rebounds, 3 assists, and 7 fouls drawn.

LDLC ASVEL Villeurbanne’s [Nando De Colo](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/nando-de-colo/002100/) posted a season-high 27 PIR in his team’s 85-79 win over Dubai Basketball. De Colo finished with 24 points on 1-of-5 shooting from two-point range, 3-of-7 from three, and 13-of-13 from the free-throw line. He also contributed 1 rebound, 5 assists, 2 steals, and drew 9 fouls.

Rounding out the list of top performers is Crvena Zvezda Meridianbet Belgrade’s [Jordan Nwora](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/jordan-nwora/013363/), who posted a 26 PIR. Nwora scored 19 points on 4-of-8 from two-point range, 2-of-3 from three, and 5-of-8 from the free-throw line. He also grabbed 7 rebounds, dished 6 assists, and recorded 1 steal, 1 block, and drew 6 fouls.

Individual highs: Leandro Bolmaro, Milan, 31 points

Bolmaro led the scoring in Round 6 with a career-high 31 points. Paris Basketball’s Nadir Hifi remains the EuroLeague's top scorer, averaging 22.8 points per game.

Three players – Lyles, Dubai’s Filip Petrusev, and Virtus Bologna’s Alessandro Pajola – each grabbed a round-high 10 rebounds. Olympiacos Piraeus’s Sasha Vezenkov continues to lead the league in rebounding with an average of 9.2 boards per game.

Two players – Anadolu Efes Istanbul’s Shane Larkin and Maccabi’s Tamir Blatt – dished out a round-best 9 assists. Fenerbahce Beko Istanbul’s Wade Baldwin is the new league leader in assists, averaging 6.3 per contest.

Sylvain Francisco recorded 4 steals in Round 6, the most by any player this week. Hifi is still atop the steals charts with an average of 2.3 per game.

ASVEL’s Mbaye Ndiaye recorded a career-high 4 blocks in Round 6, the most by any player this week. Real Madrid’s Walter Tavares and Baskonia Vitoria-Gasteiz’s Khalifa Diop share the league lead in blocks, both averaging 1.5 rejections per game.

Lyles (16 points, 10 rebounds) and Petrusev (13 points, 10 rebounds) were the only players to post a double-double in Round 6.

Maccabi Rapyd Tel Aviv v Real Madrid (2025-10-22T18:05:00.000Z)

EuroLeague fans, we have our sixth winner in this season's EuroLeague Fantasy Challenge! Dejan Colic beat everyone else in Round 6 with his team Autsajder, which had a Fantasy Challenge score of 238.80.

EuroLeague Fantasy Challenge Round 6 winner

EuroLeague fans, we have our sixth winner in this season's [EuroLeague Fantasy Challenge](https://euroleaguefantasy.euroleaguebasketball.net/)! Dejan Colic beat everyone else in Round 6 with his team Autsajder, which had a Fantasy Challenge score of 238.80.

Dejan had the following lineup: Maccabi Rapyd Tel Aviv's Roman Sorkin as team captain, then Paris Basketball's Nadir Hifi, Baskonia Vitoria-Gasteiz's Timothe Luwawu-Cabarrot, and Crvena Zvezda Meridianbet Belgrade duo Jordan Nwora and Donatas Motiejunas as his starters. Dubai Basketball's Dwayne Bacon was his sixth man. Dejan's bench players were LDLC ASVEL Villeurbanne's Mbaye Ndiaye, Fenerbahce Beko Istanbul's Devon Hall, and Partizan Mozzart Bet Belgrade pair Sterling Brown and Duane Washington. Crvena Zvezda play-caller Sasa Obradovic was Dejan's head coach.

The prize for finishing first in Round 6 is a VIP EuroLeague TV Subscription for the 2026-27 Season, and an automatic entry to a lottery to win two tickets to the 2027 Final Four.

Trades are now open for Round 7 of the [EuroLeague Fantasy Challenge](https://euroleaguefantasy.euroleaguebasketball.net/). Remember, four trades are allowed before each round until the end of the regular season. You can either trade up to four players, or a head coach and three players.

The first games of Round 7, Zalgiris Kaunas vs. Virtus Bologna and Crvena Zvezda vs. ASVEL, are scheduled to tip off on Tuesday, October 28 at 19:00 CET. This marks the next round's deadline.

Make new teams now or improve your existing ones and try to become our next round winner! To help with that, watch the EuroLeague Fantasy Challenge podcast weekly on the [EuroLeague's YouTube channel](https://www.youtube.com/@euroleague) and on all audio platforms.

EuroLeague Fantasy Challenge offers weekly prizes to the top team manager. 

A locked-in Olympiacos BC took to the floor at SAP Garden on Friday night, producing a dominant display on both ends from start to finish against FC Bayern Basketball. With Thomas Walkup and Evan Fournier back from their respective injuries, head coach Georgios Bartzokas was given the opportunity to find a balance between the starters and the second unit.

Olympiacos pulls off ‘basketball clinic’ on both ends to beat Bayern

Last week’s stunning 94-95 comeback victory away at Maccabi Rapyd Tel Aviv barely pleased anyone at [Olympiacos Piraeus](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/teams/olympiacos-piraeus/oly/). 

As [Sasha Vezenkov](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/sasha-vezenkov/003469/) stressed before the game against [FC Bayern Munich](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/teams/fc-bayern-munich/mun/), the Reds were not happy with their outing, with the 2022-23 EuroLeague MVP claiming that his team would “not have a chance” in Germany if they pulled off a similar performance on Friday night.

The flip had been switched.

A locked-in Olympiacos took to the floor at SAP Garden, producing a dominant display on both ends from start to finish. With [Thomas Walkup](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/thomas-walkup/008855/) and [Evan Fournier](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/evan-fournier/013380/) back from their respective injuries, head coach Georgios Bartzokas was given the opportunity to find a balance between the starters and the second unit.

FC Bayern Munich-Olympiacos Piraeus | Round 6 Highlights | 2025-26 EuroLeague

A small tactical tweak saw a red-hot [Tyler Dorsey](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/tyler-dorsey/009849/) retain his starting spot alongside Walkup, with Fournier coming off the bench along with his France teammate [Frank Ntilikina](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/frank-ntilikina/006591/). This way, Olympiacos had either Dorsey or Fournier on the floor throughout the game, with the two guards providing the backcourt firepower when needed.

Bayern started strong with [Andreas Obst](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/andreas-obst/004508/) netting 7 straight points, but Dorsey responded with three mid-range jumpers and a triple, taking his first-quarter tally to 9 points. Fournier came on in the second quarter and connected with [Alec Peters](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/alec-peters/008829/), who drilled one from beyond the arc to extend Olympiacos’s lead to double digits (15-26).

The Reds never looked back.

They shared the ball well, getting everyone involved in the game and ending the first half with as many as 13 assists, as all 10 players who stepped onto the floor got their names on the scoreboard.

Bayern didn’t give up, but its comeback attempts were absorbed by the visitors, who kept their calm and established a comfortable lead. Olympiacos registered a total of 25 dishes, with 10 players recording at least 1 assist each and seven netting at least 7 points apiece.

“It was a basketball clinic,” Bayern head coach Gordon Herbert admitted in the post-game press conference. “The way they moved the ball, the way they ran the fast-break.”

Georgios Bartzokas also praised his team’s effort, noting that Olympiacos pulled off a solid two-way outing in Munich.

“We were really solid defensively and offensively,” he told EuroLeague TV. “This time we had all our roster except [Kostas Papanikolaou](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/kostas-papanikolaou/001255/), our captain. We had better playmaking. We had the patience to share the ball and find the open man. Of course we have a very good offensive team, scoring almost 100 points every game. But also we were really solid defensively.”

<center>
<blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/reel/DQNMuUCjM-k/?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/reel/DQNMuUCjM-k/?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/reel/DQNMuUCjM-k/?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 Olympiacos B.C. (@olympiacosbc)</a></p></div></blockquote>
<script async src="//www.instagram.com/embed.js"></script>

In fact, Olympiacos held Bayern to just 71 points, forcing the hosts to commit as many as 18 turnovers. The guests bagged 12 steals, tightening up their defense whenever Bayern fought back to trim the deficit down to single digits.

“We kept them to 71 points,” Vezenkov told EuroLeague TV. “I think this was our biggest accomplishment. We said before the game that we had to play defense, \[because\] until now we didn’t. We did a great job and on offense we shared the ball, \[scoring\] 96 points.”

In his best performance so far in the famous red-and-white jersey, [Donta Hall](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/donta-hall/011196/) managed season highs in points (11), rebounds (8), offensive boards (6), assists (2) and PIR (25). More importantly, he brought in his contagious energy on both ends of the floor.

“We had to come here and bounce back from last week,” he said when interviewed by EuroLeague TV. “We came here with our heads on. Brought in the energy, brought in the fight and we got the result.”

Having improved its record to 4-2, Olympiacos will next take on AS Monaco in a rematch of last season’s Final Four semifinal. The Reds will look to protect their home court after losing to Anadolu Efes Istanbul at the Peace and Friendship Stadium last time out. And should they remain locked in on both ends, they have nothing to worry about.

Game News

The Reds dominated on defense and offense in second straight road victory

FC Bayern Munich v Olympiacos Piraeus (2025-10-24T18:45:00.000Z)

Many fans and a fair few pundits wondered how Paris Basketball would cope with the loss of TJ Shorts, who joined the EuroLeague’s 2024 champs Panathinaikos during the offseason after two glorious years with the French team, but Nadir Hifi is showing that he is ready to be the side's new star.

Brilliant Nadir Hifi shows there is life at Paris after TJ Shorts 

Many fans and a fair few pundits wondered how [Paris Basketball](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/teams/paris-basketball/prs/) would cope with the loss of livewire playmaker TJ Shorts, who joined the EuroLeague’s 2024 champs Panathinaikos AKTOR Athens during the offseason after two glorious years with the French team.

Some of them even predicted that Paris would finish firmly in the bottom half of the standings, after Shorts drove the team to the 2024 BKT EuroCup title followed by a playoff spot in the franchise’s debut season in Europe’s premier club competition.

[Nadir Hifi](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/nadir-hifi/012640/), who played second fiddle to Shorts throughout their stint together, tore up that script most emphatically and emerged as the new team leader. Once again, he stepped up to the plate again with a flawless performance which inspired Paris to an 83-101 road rout of [Partizan Mozzart Bet Belgrade](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/teams/partizan-mozzart-bet-belgrade/par/), toying with his markers on offense as he mixed audacious layups with long-range efficiency.

Partizan Mozzart Bet Belgrade-Paris Basketball | Round 6 Highlights | 2025-26 EuroLeague

Paris improved to 4-2 and Partizan, which sorely missed injured playmaker [Carlik Jones](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/carlik-jones/013369/), dropped to 3-3 after Hifi racked up 21 points, 6 boards and 4 assists while four of his teammates also finished in double digits. [Sebastian Herrera](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/sebastian-herrera/012611/) dropped a career-high 17 points after shooting 5 of 7 from downtown and [Yakuba Ouattara](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/yakuba-ouattara/004197/) added 14, as Paris sank an impressive 17 of 30 from beyond the three-point arc.

Spotted on Thursday night in the imposing Belgrade Arena watching Partizan’s bitter city rival Crvena Zvezda Meridianbet Belgrade beat Baskonia Vitoria-Gasteiz 90-72, Hifi stayed humble after scoring 11 points in the fourth quarter to vanquish any hopes Partizan might have had of a late comeback.

“Like I said at halftime, we were always likely to win if we managed to stop them running and we did just that, as we shared the ball knowing how tough it is to win here,” Hifi said in his post-game comments. “I know this is a basketball country ad everybody here lives for the sport, so every time I have the opportunity to come here and watch basketball I’ll be coming around,” he added.

<center>
<blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/DQNMTnJDIsE/?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/DQNMTnJDIsE/?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/DQNMTnJDIsE/?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 Paris Basketball 🏀 (@parisbasketball)</a></p></div></blockquote>
<script async src="//www.instagram.com/embed.js"></script>

A fervent Belgrade crowd managed to lift the hosts in the first half but was completely subdued in the second as [Duane Washington](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/duane-washington/013370/), who was given a huge pair of shoes to fill by sidelined duo Carlik Jones and [Shake Milton](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/shake-milton/014007/), could not follow up on a good first half as he started to struggle after the break.

Herrera also shined in the second half as he sank a barrage of three-pointers to finish on 6 of 8 from the floor while Ouattara followed in his footsteps to sink 6 of 7, leaving Paris head coach Francesco Tabellini purring with delight.

“We got more stops and rebounded better in the second half and we competed on every single possession,” said the Italian tactician. “We got a nice win and as a EuroLeague newcomer, I really enjoyed playing in this amazing environment. We wanted to enjoy the privilege of being here but not just as spectators, so we did a very good job.”

Ouattara was just as pleased. “It’s always very special to win here and it’s our first road win against Partizan, hence we’re going to celebrate a little bit,” he said. “We knew they couldn’t keep up with us for 40 minutes so in the second half you could tell some of their guys got tired as we train at this pace in every practice.”

<center>
<blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/reel/DQNHxlrjNjt/?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/reel/DQNHxlrjNjt/?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/reel/DQNHxlrjNjt/?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 Paris Basketball 🏀 (@parisbasketball)</a></p></div></blockquote>
<script async src="//www.instagram.com/embed.js"></script>

Truly enough, Partizan’s offense was ground to a halt in the third quarter after Paris held a slender 46-48 lead at halftime, with top scorer [Sterling Brown](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/sterling-brown/012720/) struggling from all over. Brown came to life in the closing stages to finish as the game’s top scorer on 25 points, but his contribution came too little too late as Paris had already forged an unassailable lead.

Particularly visible were Partizan’s backcourt problems as the tiring Washington had no one to fall back on and the Serbian team will now be hard-pressed to strengthen the roster, [with Marc Stein reporting that NBA guard Cam Payne](https://x.com/TheSteinLine/status/1981787668913799435) is one of the reinforcements on coach Zeljko Obradovic’s radar.

Obradovic cut a dejected figure at the post-game press conference and highlighted that signing a top reinforcement is going to be no walk in the park for the Serbian outfit.

“Unfortunately, it’s part and parcel of what we do and we’ve got two massively important players injured; Shake Milton and notably Carlik Jones, the pack leader,” said Obradovic.

“It’s easy to spot a good player but hauling him in is another matter. Apart from his own desire to join the team being a requirement, you’ve got to be able to meet his demands and beat rivals who’ve got much bigger budgets. We’ll do whatever we can to make it happen.”   

The visiting team’s guard delivered yet another masterclass performance to make light of the backcourt dynamo’s departure  

Partizan Mozzart Bet Belgrade v Paris Basketball (2025-10-24T18:30:00.000Z)

Panathinaikos AKTOR Athens made its first visit to the PalaDozza this century on Friday night, facing a Virtus Bologna team that has been dominant at home to start the 2025-26 season. The historic arena, which served as Virtus’s primary venue from 1957 to 1996, has been used intermittently since 2017. This season, however, Virtus Arena was unavailable until now. But at the PalaDozza, the Italian side has been in impressive form, recently defeating Real Madrid, AS Monaco and now Panathinaikos.

Alessandro Pajola's all-around game ignites Virtus past Panathinaikos

[Panathinaikos AKTOR Athens](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/teams/panathinaikos-aktor-athens/pan/) made its first visit to the PalaDozza this century on Friday night, facing a [Virtus Bologna](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/teams/virtus-segafredo-bologna/vir/) team that has been dominant at home to start the 2025-26 season. The historic arena, which served as Virtus’s primary venue from 1957 to 1996, has been used intermittently since 2017. This season, however, Virtus Arena was unavailable until now. But at the PalaDozza, the Italian side has been in impressive form, recently defeating Real Madrid, AS Monaco and now Panathinaikos.

In Round 6, Virtus defeated Panathinaikos 92-75, winning all four quarters. Coach Dusko Ivanovic’s squad controlled the game, particularly in the first half, leading 48-35 at halftime. Virtus outworked the Greens, dominating the boards with a 23–14 advantage in rebounds and recording 7 steals.

“It’s an easy game to analyze. Virtus played better throughout. They were tougher than us. We didn’t defend well and allowed every player to score easily,” said Panathinaikos assistant Christos Serelis after the game, as head coach Ergin Ataman was ejected early in the second half. “Our pick-and-roll defense and transition defense were very poor. We didn’t match their energy at all.”

Panathinaikos star [Kendrick Nunn](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/kendrick-nunn/012774/) was held to just 5 points on 2-of-8 shooting through the first 20 minutes. Meanwhile, Virtus scoring leaders [Carsen Edwards](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/carsen-edwards/011987/) and [Matt Morgan](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/matthew-morgan/012585/) combined for 19 first-half points, despite limited time on the floor together. Leading the charge for Virtus was team captain [Alessandro Pajola](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/alessandro-pajola/006739/), who delivered a superb all-around performance.

<center>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">PURE FIRE ☄️ <br>OUR CROWD, OUR WIN 🤍🖤 <a href="https://t.co/hhuc3xOMVg">pic.twitter.com/hhuc3xOMVg</a></p>&mdash; Virtus Bologna (@VirtusBo) <a href="https://twitter.com/VirtusBo/status/1981813056847196583?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 24, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Pajola needed only one field goal attempt to post a PIR of 9 by the end of the first quarter, recording 3 points, 3 rebounds, 2 assists and 2 steals. By halftime, he had already matched his career high with 6 rebounds, alongside 6 points, 3 assists and a PIR of 17. After the game, Pajola credited the team’s fans for their unwavering support – not just at the PalaDozza, but everywhere.

“The magic comes from Bologna, from Virtus fans. They support us in every game; whether it’s PalaDozza or Fira, it doesn’t matter. They’re like a sixth man on the court, and that’s our advantage,” Pajola said. “We have to protect our home court because it’s tough for opponents to come here and win.”

<center>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Another W at home 🫨❤️‍🔥 <a href="https://t.co/NrbYbVhDuV">pic.twitter.com/NrbYbVhDuV</a></p>&mdash; Virtus Bologna (@VirtusBo) <a href="https://twitter.com/VirtusBo/status/1981819538770452627?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 24, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Pajola also emphasized that success comes down to attitude, hustle and a team-first mentality. He finished the game with career highs of 10 points and 7 assists, along with 7 rebounds and a PIR of 23.

“It’s just team basketball. It’s what we practice all week. Sometimes you execute it well, sometimes you don’t,” Pajola said. “On Monday, we suffered a tough loss in the Italian League here at home, and we wanted to bounce back. That’s exactly what we did, especially as a team. We helped each other on defense and shared the ball on offense. If we play like this, we can win every game.”

<center>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="lt" dir="ltr">che VIRTUS 🤍🖤 <a href="https://t.co/f8Am3akC4D">pic.twitter.com/f8Am3akC4D</a></p>&mdash; Virtus Bologna (@VirtusBo) <a href="https://twitter.com/VirtusBo/status/1981818320388288883?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 24, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Nunn scored 14 of his 19 points in the second half. Edwards led all scorers with 22 points, while Morgan added 15. Virtus ultimately outrebounded Panathinaikos 39-28, limiting the Greens to just 7 offensive boards, and posted 22 assists and 10 steals compared to Panathinaikos’s 13 assists and 4 steals. After the game, Coach Ivanovic praised his team for executing both on offense and defense.

“We played really good defense tonight. We had intensity from the first to the last moment, and a clear idea of what we needed to do. We were aggressive and grabbed offensive rebounds. Maybe this was our best game so far,” Ivanovic said. “Most importantly, everyone contributed to this victory. It was a team win.”

The 25-year-old guard led his team to a third consecutive home victory

Virtus Bologna v Panathinaikos AKTOR Athens (2025-10-24T18:00:00.000Z)

Fenerbahce Beko Istanbul ground its way to a tough, defensively-earned 69-79 victory over local rival Anadolu Efes Istanbul on Friday night, and a batch of recent reinforcements played their part.

Reinforcements help Fenerbahce to local derby victory

[Fenerbahce Beko Istanbul](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/teams/fenerbahce-beko-istanbul/ulk/) ground its way to a tough, defensively-earned 69-79 victory over local rival [Anadolu Efes Istanbul](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/teams/anadolu-efes-istanbul/ist/) on Friday night, and a batch of recent reinforcements played their part.

A couple of the Turkish team’s summer signings were unable to really make their presence felt in the opening weeks of the season, with [Talen Horton-Tucker](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/talen-horton-tucker/014124/) and [Armando Bacot](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/armando-bacot-jr-/014015/) playing just the first three and two games respectively before being sidelined by injury.

On Friday night they were back in action, though, and both showed signs of gradually becoming key pieces for the reigning champs.

Anadolu Efes Istanbul-Fenerbahce Beko Istanbul | Round 6 Highlights | 2025-26 EuroLeague

Horton-Tucker spent 18 minutes on the floor, and although his stats line was less than impressive – 5 points on 2-of-7 field-goal shooting with 3 turnovers – his presence in the starting five shows that coach Sarunas Jasikevicius trusts the former Chicago Bull to handle pressure moments over the coming months.

Bacot was more impactful, posting 9 points on 3-of-4 shooting from the field plus all 3 of his free-throw attempts, also adding 4 rebounds as the 25-year-old big man spent 11 minutes in the game during a time when Fener’s defense was overcoming a leaky start to gradually take control.

Horton-Tucker and Bacot were both left on the bench during the decisive fourth quarter, but Jasikevicius later acknowledged there was nothing unusual in his decision to finish the game with longer-serving players like [Devon Hall](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/devon-hall/011205/), [Wade Baldwin](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/wade-baldwin-iv/009863/), [Bonzie Colson](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/bonzie-colson/009783/) and [Khem Birch](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/khem-birch/007182/).

“When you come to difficult situations like this, all coaches will trust the guys that have been there for him, and in our case they won for him,” the coach said. “This is a process – the season is just starting. We have very good newcomers but like everything it takes time.

“At this part of the season we’re trying to integrate guys and it’s a very difficult process. So we must be very happy with the way \[this win\] was achieved.”

<center>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="tr" dir="ltr">Bizim Takım! 💪<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/YellowLegacy?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#YellowLegacy</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/EuroLeague?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#EuroLeague</a> <a href="https://t.co/yEmFq587As">pic.twitter.com/yEmFq587As</a></p>&mdash; Fenerbahçe Beko (@FBBasketbol) <a href="https://twitter.com/FBBasketbol/status/1981810456743563304?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 24, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

A bigger statistical contribution was provided by another player who feels like a new signing for Fenerbahce: shooting star [Scottie Wilbekin](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/scottie-wilbekin/006661/), who missed nearly the entirety of last season after suffering a serious knee injury in the opening minutes of the first game.

The severity of Wilbekin’s injury meant that he still wasn’t able to return to action at the beginning of this campaign, before finally getting back on the floor in Round 4 in a home defeat to Dubai Basketball.

Friday’s outing was the longest he has spent on the floor since returning, with more than 20 minutes of game time, and Wilbekin showed he has lost none of his trademark long-range shooting ability by draining 4 three-pointers on just 5 attempts, including a couple of key strikes in the fourth quarter.

Coach Jasikevicius is clearly delighted to have such a prolific scorer back on the court, saying: “Scottie is one of those guys that you can trust.

“You can put him on the court, he understands the system and everything that we want. He needs to get back into the rhythm, obviously missing one year is not easy. But he’s trying, he’s doing everything we ask of him, and he’s an amazing professional.”

Wilbekin is the fourth-most prolific three-point shooter in EuroLeague history, with 617 strikes from beyond the arc trailing only Mike James (620), Juan Carlos Navarro (623) and Sergio Llull (690). He’s sure to overtake Navarro soon before then going head to head with James to overtake Llull – whose minutes are limited these days – before too long.

And at his current rate, it would be unwise to bet against Wilbekin becoming the competition’s three-point king sometime in the early spring.

Last season's EuroLeague champion won at Efes's home for the fourth season in succession

Anadolu Efes Istanbul v Fenerbahce Beko Istanbul (2025-10-24T17:30:00.000Z)