Zalgiris Kaunas bounced back in Round 14 by downing Anadolu Efes Istanbul 85-72 at home. All Zalgiris guards had a solid, decisive contribution in this game. 


Zalgiris's backcourt excels in Round 14 

[Zalgiris Kaunas](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/teams/zalgiris-kaunas/roster/zal/) used an outstanding first half to get a solid lead and held on to it for the rest of the game, leading from start to finish to claim an [85-72 victory](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/news/zalgiris-overpowers-efes-85-72/) over [Anadolu Efes Istanbul](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/teams/anadolu-efes-istanbul/roster/ist/). Things could not have started better for Zalgiris, as [Deividas Sirvydis](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/deividas-sirvydis/007029/) completed a four-point play in his team's very first possession, barely 11 seconds into the game.

[Lonnie Walker](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/lonnie-walker-iv/013403/) took over after that with three consecutive bombs from downtown and an assist to Sirvydis for a layup. When Sirvydis hit another triple, Zalgiris already had a double-digit lead, 18-8, with all its points coming from its backcourt starts. Walker and Sirvydis ended up combining for the team's opening 23 points, helping Zalgiris to a 27-17 lead after 10 minutes.

Walker and Sirvydis went to the bench and Zalgiris kept running its offense the same way, finding new go-to guys in guards [Dovydas Giedraitis](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/dovydas-giedraitis/007513/) and [Sylvain Francisco](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/sylvain-francisco/007975/). Both players had 7 quick points as Zalgiris broke the game open, 41-49, midway through the second quarter.

Efes never rallied within striking distance but managed to get as close as 69-63 with less than 6 minutes remaining. With the game on the line, Francisco made the difference with 9 points in the final 5 minutes, including a three-pointer that sealed the outcome, 80-69, in the next-to-last minute.

Deividas Sirvydis, Lonnie Walker, Dovydas Giedraitis and Sylvain Francisco all shined against Anadolu Efes Istanbul.

Zalgiris guards make things happen

When the dust settled, Walker led the way with 18 points - 13 of them in a really strong first quarter. Francisco added 16 and Sirvydis 14. Giedraitis had an all-around performance with 4 points, a team-high 6 rebounds and 3 assists. Zalgiris showed great hustle, finishing the game with 17 offensive rebounds, 7 steals and 4 blocks. Efes had had 4 blocks, but was limited to 11 offensive boards and 4 steals.

After the game, Walker praised Francisco for his clutch performance.

"I'm just playing the right way. Cisco \[Sylvain Francisco\] stepped up and did what he is supposed to: carry the ball, made the right reads, was scoring, passing and doing everything;" Walker said after the game. "And our defensive effort really led our team to victory. I think they got it down to about 6 points and my teammates picked us up the last 3-4 minutes. We handled business and did what we were supposed to do."

Game Videos

"Lonnie \[Walker\] had a great first half, amazing, and he couldn't find his groove and his rhythm in the second half, they started being very physical and we need to find a way to play old school basketball fundamentals, how to get open. This is a learning lesson for him," Zalgiris head coach Andrea Trinchieri said. "Cisco gave us a lot, Alen \[Smailagic\] gave us a lot as a facilitator from the post, and we controlled their comeback. They had a very good team, a lot of talent, so it's a great win."

Game News

Zalgiris bounced back in Round 14 by downing Anadolu Efes at home with big contributions coming from its guards

Zalgiris's backcourt exceled against Efes

Zalgiris Kaunas v Anadolu Efes Istanbul (2024-12-05T18:00:00.000Z)

Fenerbahce Beko Istanbul bounced back into winning ways by overcoming an early double-digit deficit to down Real Madrid, 70-82, in the Spanish capital

Fenerbahce blasts past Real, 70-82

Fenerbahce Beko Istanbul bounced back into winning ways by overcoming an early double-digit deficit to down Real Madrid, 70-82, in the Spanish capital. The Turkish team improved to 10-4, while Real slipped to 6-8 after losing twice this week.

The hosts dominated early to take a 20-10 lead in the first quarter, but Fenerbahce stormed back with 0-13 and 0-9 runs to lead at the break, and stayed ahead the rest of the way. Nigel Hayes-Davis was once again Fenerbahce’s inspiration, netting 33 points including 6 three-pointers. Wade Baldwin was the only other visiting player in double digits, with 10 points. Facundo Campazzo paced Real with 14 points and 6 assists, and Walter Tavares added 13.

A three-point play from Campazzo and a triple from Gabriel Deck gave Real an 8-2 lead, before Hayes-Davis finally scored Fenerbahce’s first field goal. Sergio Llull struck from deep and Mario Hezonja added a transition layup for a 14-6 margin. Hayes-Davis responded with a turnaround jumper but Serge Ibaka bettered it with a three. Bonzie Colson scored from mid-range but Llull hit a trademark rainbow three for a 20-12 lead after 10 minutes.

Nicolo Melli’s turnaround jumper opened the second quarter, before Arturs Zagars, Baldwin and Tarik Biberovic also scored from midrange. Hayes-Davis added a triple for Fener’s first lead, 20-23, before Llull’s layup snapped a 0-13 run. Khem Birch, Baldwin and Hayes-Davis hit tough jumpers, and Melli added a triple to make it 24-32 after a 0-9 run. Dzanan Musa scored off the glass, before Hayes-Davis and Campazzo drilled triples to give the visitor a 31-37 interval lead.

Biberovic started the second half with a deep strike, before inside scores from Deck and Tavares. Colson and Tavares traded turnaround jumpers, making it 41-45. Hayes-Davis sliced through the defense for a layup and then added a three-pointer for a double-digit lead, 41-52. Hezonja’s jumper and Andres Feliz’s transition layup stopped the bleeding, but Hayes-Davis scored again and Birch added a dunk for a 47-60 lead.

Hayes-Davis and Campazzo traded triples at the start of the final period, and Tavares made it 52-63 with a close-range finish. Baldwin protected a double-digit margin with consecutive baskets, but Tavares and Hezonja dunked to reignite Real, 58-67.  Baldwin stayed hot with another mid-range finish, and Hayes-Davis added a dagger from deep. Hezonja’s triple gave Real hope, but Marko Guduric’s deep strike inside the final minute sealed the victory.

The Turkish team shrugged off a sluggish start to claim a valuable road victory

Fenerbahce blasts past Real Madrid, 70-82

Real Madrid v Fenerbahce Beko Istanbul (2024-12-05T19:45:00.000Z)

FC Bayern Munich remained perfect at home this season with a hard-fought 94-80 victory over Baskonia Vitoria-Gasteiz to snap a two-game losing streak

Bayern remains perfect at home after 94-80 win over Baskonia

FC Bayern Munich remained perfect at home this season with a hard-fought 94-80 victory over Baskonia Vitoria-Gasteiz to snap a two-game losing streak. Bayern gained control of an otherwise tight game with a 16-0 run spanning the final two quarters to improve to 9-5 with a 7-0 mark at SAP Garden. Carsen Edwards was otherworldly in the second half with all 27 of his game-high points coming in the final two quarters. Andreas Obst and Devin Booker both added 18 points in the win.

Baskonia saw its modest two-game winning streak snapped in dropping to 6-8 including a 1-6 record away from home. Chima Moneke led the Spanish side with 25 points and 11 rebounds while Markus Howard had 19 points in the defeat, spoiling the return of Baskonia coach Pablo Laso to where he coached last season. 

There were lead changes on four straight scores with Booker scoring two baskets and Obst adding 5 points in an early 9-2 run to lead 14-8. Sander Raieste drained back-to-back triples to knot the game at 18-18. Johannes Voigtmann answered with a three-pointer of his own for Bayern only to see Moneke drain a long ball to put Baskonia up 21-23. The game was tied 23-23 after 10 minutes. 

Baskonia stepped up its defensive effort early in the second quarter and Moneke had 5 points and Nikos Rogkavopoulos added a triple in a 0-8 start for a 23-31 lead. Booker finally got Bayern on the board after nearly 3 minutes with a three-pointer and connected from deep on the next possession as well. The triples kept raining with Nick Weiler-Babb hitting twice from deep and Obst making his second for a 41-36 Bayern cushion. Baskonia answered with the next 4 points and went to halftime tied 44-44.

Moneke knocked down 2 three-pointers and Baskonia started the second half with the first 8 points for a 44-52 lead. Bayern went nearly 3 minutes without a score until Edwards picked up his first points of the game on a layup. That sparked the offense with Edwards adding 5 more points and a Voigtmann triple evened the game at 56-56. Edwards added 2 triples and a jumper off the glass for 15 points in the quarter and Bayern held a 69-61 lead after three quarters.

The Edwards show continued in the fourth with a tough triple for a 72-61 cushion. Howard punched back with his first three-pointer after missing his first six shots from long range. He added 2 more tough triples and Baskonia was down 76-73. Obst replied with 2 threes of his own and a driving layup and Bayern led 86-75 with less than 3 minutes to go. Oscar da Silva ended all doubts with a three-pointer for an 89-77 lead with 81 seconds remaining. 

Carsen Edwards pours in all 27 of his points in the second half of the seventh straight home win

FC Bayern Munich v Baskonia Vitoria-Gasteiz (2024-12-05T19:30:00.000Z)

Partizan Mozzart Bet Belgrade earned an impressive 91-73 home win over Turkish Airlines EuroLeague champion Panathinaikos AKTOR Athens, stretching its winning streak to four games and improving to 6-8

Partizan overwhelms Panathinaikos, 91-73, to make it four in a row 

Partizan Mozzart Bet Belgrade earned an impressive 91-73 home win over Turkish Airlines EuroLeague champion Panathinaikos AKTOR Athens, stretching its winning streak to four games and improving to 6-8, while the Greens slipped to 8-6 after a rip-roaring contest in the Belgrade Arena.

Carlik Jones paced Partizan with 18 points, Sterling Brown added 17 while Isaac Bonga chipped in with 13. Tyrique Jones racked up 12 points to go with 10 rebounds, as Partizan won the battle of the boards 34-26. At the other end, Kostas Sloukas led Panathinaikos on 15 points while Mathias Lessort and Juancho Hernangomez netted 13 each.

Roared on by a fervent 20,000 crowd, Partizan drew first blood through Isiaha Mike but Panathinaikos hit back instantly as Jerian Grant and Kendrick Nunn netted to give the visitors a 2-5 lead. A tight battle ensued with both teams playing aggressive defense before a huge dunk from Balsa Koprivica and 5 quickfire points from Carlik Jones turned the tide, giving Partizan an 11-5 advantage with the decibel level in the gym threatening to blow the roof off.

However, the reigning EuroLeague champion showed its resilience as Partizan’s former center Lessort made a three-point play and  Hernangomez hit 5 in a row before Sloukas also sank a deep three to put Panathinaikos in the driving seat, 13-18. The 200 or so visiting fans were in full swing in one of the gym’s upper tiers as the visiting team profited from a barrage of offensive boards, but Partizan responded superbly through Frank Ntilikina to tie the score at the end of the first quarter, 20-20.  

Sloukas nailed a three in the opening play of the second quarter and Carlik Jones replied moments later, setting the tone for a fascinating battle. Like a pair of heavyweight prize fighters trading blows in the center of a boxing ring, both teams gave as good as they got and were deadlocked 33-33 midway through the second period.

Both teams ramped up on defense and baskets became harder to come by, but Sloukas then nailed a layup followed by a long baseline two. Partizan soon responded with a majestic 11-0 run capped by three successive three-pointers from team captain Vanja Marinkovic.

The hosts led 44-37 at halftime on the back of 10 points from Carlik Jones, 9 from Marinkovic and 7 by Ntilikina, while Sloukas paced Panathinaikos with 10 and Grant added 9 at the other end. 

Nunn, who struggled in the first half and scored a mere 2 points, opened the third quarter with a long two, but Bonga and Carlik Jones replied with a vengeance, sinking back-to-back triples before Tyrique Jones tipped in an offensive board galvanizing Partizan to a 52-39 lead. The atmosphere in a jam-packed Belgrade Arena reached fever pitch but Panathinaikos bounced back with a Sloukas triple followed by a huge Lessort dunk, before Duane Washington made a three-point play at the other end.

Partizan was in the promised land again as Carlik Jones sank a triple followed by a pair of free throws from Washington, firing up a raucous home crowd, which was in raptures as the Serbia powerhouse galloped away into a 60-46 lead. The home team headed into the final 10 minutes 64-49 ahead, having turned the tide in the paint to rack up a total of 25 boards through the opening three quarters against 20 collected by Panathinaikos, with Tyrique Jones outmuscling Lessort.

Carlik Jones opened the fourth quarter with a delightful three off the dribble, sparking wild celebrations in the stands and forcing Panathinaikos head coach Ergin Ataman to call an early timeout. 

It had little effect as Brandon Davies fired up the crowd with a slam-dunk which gave Partizan a 69-49 lead and although the visitors fought hard to get back into the game, a Bonga triple extended the advantage to 79-58 midway through the final period.

Seemingly out for the count, Panathinaikos then conjured a 0-9 run out of nowhere to slash the deficit before Washington stopped Partizan’s rot with a layup and Carlik Jones followed up with a triple and a mid-range jumper to make the score 86-67 with 2 minutes left on the clock.

It was effectively lights out for Panathinaikos and there was time for the jugular in the end as the Joneses produced a magic moment, with Carlik dishing out an alley-oop to Tyrique for a spectacular dunk that put the icing on the cake for Partizan.

The Serbian side dominated the reigning EuroLeague champion for its fourth successive win in front of a passionate home crowd 

Partizan Mozzart Bet Belgrade v Panathinaikos AKTOR Athens (2024-12-05T19:30:00.000Z)

FC Barcelona snapped its four-game losing streak by edging Maccabi Playtika Tel Aviv 86-88 at Aleksandar Nikolic Hall on Thursday night

Barcelona rallies to down Maccabi, 86-88

FC Barcelona snapped its four-game losing streak by edging Maccabi Playtika Tel Aviv 86-88 at Aleksandar Nikolic Hall on Thursday night. The hosts were up by 16 (53-37) early in the third quarter, but Barcelona bounced back, outscored Maccabi 42-51 in the second half and clinched a hard-fought victory. The Catalans improved their record to 8-6, while Maccabi dropped to 4-10.

Kevin Punter and Jabari Parker paced Barcelona with 18 points each. Justin Anderson netted 16 and Willy Hernangomez chipped in with 11 points and 9 rebounds. Jaylen Hoard led all scorers with 20 points, with Tamir Blatt recording a double-double of 14 points and 10 assists. Levi Randolph scored 12 points in a losing effort.

Anderson opened the scoring with a basket inside before Punter nailed a contested triple for an early 1-5 lead. Maccabi responded with buckets from Hoard and Jasiel Rivero before William Rayman put the hosts ahead, 7-5. Yet, Parker took over with 4 points and an assist to find Anderson, who nailed one from the corner 7-12. Jan Vesely looked dominant in the paint, netting two baskets before Punter sank a midrange jumper that extended Barcelona’s lead to 11-18. Both defenses then tightened up, with Hernangomez and Jake Cohen exchanging baskets inside as Barcelona maintained a 16-22 cushion after 10 minutes.

Baskets from Punter and Juan Nunez were followed by a triple from Rokas Jokubaitis before 4 points from Parker allowed Barcelona to keep Maccabi at arm's length, 23-30. Blatt and Punter exchanged threes before John DiBartolomeo sank one of his own to bring the Israeli champs within 29-33. Back-to-back scores by Rivero put Maccabi ahead before layups from Randolph and Blatt in transition extended their run to 10-0. Vesely hit a long two-pointer to end Maccabi’s surge, but a Rivero basket inside and an alley-oop slam from Hoard gave Maccabi a 44-37 lead at the break.

Blatt opened the second half with a long triple before buckets from Randolph and Rivero in transition extended Maccabi’s lead to 51-37. Anderson netted a corner triple to end Maccabi’s momentum before scoring a put-back basket, 53-42. Two buckets from Hoard sandwiched a Punter triple before Blatt and Parker traded threes in an exchange of blows that allowed Maccabi to maintain its lead, 60-48. Yet, Barcelona responded with a 2-10 run inspired by Parker, who took his tally to 15 points. Then, Jokubaitis and Alex Abrines netted inside, with Barcelona cutting the difference to 66-64.

Buckets from Punter and Hernangomez were followed by a hard-fought basket from Roman Sorkin before Jokubaitis put Maccabi back in front against his former employer, 70-68. Punter and Blatt traded triples but 4 points from Willy and a jumper from Parker gave Barcelona a 73-77 cushion. Then, Randolph replied with a tough basket before triples from Nunez and David DeJulius saw Maccabi tie it at 82-82. Abrines nailed one of his own from deep before an impossible buzzer-beating off-balance jumper by Anderson gave Barcelona an 84-87 cushion. Then, Parker split free throws before Shayok brought Maccabi within 86-88. After defending well on Punter, the hosts had the last possession of regulation, but a turnover from Blatt sealed the outcome for Barcelona.

The Blaugrana put an end to their four-game losing streak with a hard-fought road win

Maccabi Playtika Tel Aviv v FC Barcelona (2024-12-05T19:05:00.000Z)

Zalgiris Kaunas snapped its two-game losing streak by topping Anadolu Efes Istanbul 85-72 at home in Round 14 behind 18 points from Lonnie Walker IV. 

Zalgiris overpowers Efes, 85-72

Zalgiris Kaunas snapped its two-game losing streak by topping Anadolu Efes Istanbul 85-72 at home in Round 14 on Thursday. Zalgiris improved to 8-6 in the standings while Efes dropped to 7-7. 

Lonnie Walker paced the winners with 18 points. Sylvain Francisco added 16 and Deividas Sirvydis had 14 for Zalgiris. Elijah Bryant led Efes with 23 points and Darius Thompson added 10 for the visitors.

Sirvydis got Zalgiris going with a wild four-point play and Walker improved on Vincent Poirier's alley-oop slam with a triple for a 7-2 lead. Bryant followed Thompson's layup with a bomb from downtown to tie it at 7-7, Walker struck twice from beyond the arc and fed Sirvydis for a fastbreak layup, which prompted Efes to call timeout at 15-7. Sirvydis soon hit a triple that made it a double-digit game, 18-8. Ercan Osmani joined the three-point shootout before Walker buried a mid-range shot. Thompson's layup gave Efes hope at 20-13. Walker kept pacing Zalgiris and Mike Mitchell hit a fadeaway jumper for a 25-15 Zalgiris lead. Bryant and Arnas Butkevicius traded free throws to fix the score at 27-17 after 10 minutes.

Dovydas Giedraitis scored around the basket early in the second quarter. Ridval Oncel answered with a layup that Butkevicius bettered with a corner triple for a 32-19 Zalgiris lead. Bryant Dunston took over with a put-back layup and Ignas Brazdeikis added a jumper in a 12-0 run that Francisco capped with a three-pointer, which caused Efes to stop the game at 41-19. Dan Oturu and Derek Willis stepped up for Efes, but Walker sank another jumper and Alen Smailagic's layup made it 45-24. Bryant swished a mid-range jumper and soon added a three-pointer to bring Efes closer. Brady Manek's three-pointer established a 48-30 Zalgiris cushion at halftime.  

Sirvydis took over with a backdoor layup soon after the break. Poirier answered with a three-point play and matched Giedraitis's running floater with a two-handed dunk. After Sirvydis beat the shot clock with a wild step-back triple, Bryant buried a jumper and added free throws to bring Efes closer, 57-39. Rodrigue Beaubois and Willis each struck from beyond the arc to give the visitors hope at 59-44. Francisco buried a fallaway jumper that Bryant erased with a floater. Thompson struck from downtown and Oturu added a hard-fought put-back layup to make it 63-53 through three quarters.

Beaubois bettered Edgaras Ulanovas's layup with a three-pointer that brought Efes within single digits, 65-56. Ulanovas kept pushing Zalgiris with a big basket in the low post, then Walker boosted the hosts' lead to 69-56. Bryant took over with a highly-contested jumper and Thompson struck from downtown, which prompted Zalgiris to call timeout at 69-61 with over 6 minutes left. Oturu scored down low, Laurynas Birutis dunked and Francisco gave Zalgiris fresh air at 73-63. After Willis sank a baseline jumper, Francisco buried a fadeaway shot. Bryant brought Efes within 75-67 with 2:28 left. Francisco stepped up in crunch time to seal the outcome, 80-69, in the next-to-last minute.

An outstanding first half put Zalgiris on the right track


Virtus Segafredo Bologna named Dusko Ivanovic as its new head coach on Thursday after agreeing to terms on a contract for the remainder of the season. 

Virtus appoints Dusko Ivanovic as head coach 

Virtus Segafredo Bologna named Dusko Ivanovic as its new head coach on Thursday after agreeing to terms on a contract for the remainder of the season. 

Ivanovic, 67, last coached Baskonia Vitoria-Gasteiz, a team he led in four different stints. Over the years, Ivanovic helped Baskonia win the Spanish championship in 2002, 2010 and 2020, Spanish Cups in 2002, 2004 and 2009 and reach the EuroLeague Finals in 2001 and the EuroLeague Championship Game in 2005, losing against Virtus and Maccabi Tel Aviv, respectively.

<center><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">𝐃𝐔𝐒𝐊𝐎 is our new 𝐡𝐞𝐚𝐝 𝐜𝐨𝐚𝐜𝐡 🤍🫡🖤<br>Welcome coach! <a href="https://t.co/fWY04VTNMN">pic.twitter.com/fWY04VTNMN</a></p>&mdash; Virtus Segafredo Bologna (@VirtusSegafredo) <a href="https://twitter.com/VirtusSegafredo/status/1864724146208313529?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 5, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Ivanovic started his coaching career with Benetton Fribourg of Switzerland, and also coached Limoges CSP of France, FC Barcelona of Spain, Panathinaikos AKTOR Athens of Greece, Khimki Moscow Region of Russia, Besiktas Fibabanka Istanbul of Turkiye and Crvena Zvezda Meridianbet Belgrade of Serbia. 

In his first three years as a full-time head coach, Ivanovic led Fribourg to back-to-back Swiss League titles in 1998 and 1999 and lifted the French League and the Korac Cup trophies with Limoges in 2000. Ivanovic won another Spanish Cup with Barca in 2007, a Greek Cup with Panathinaikos in 2015, and the Serbian League and Cup double with Zvezda in 2023. 

As a player, Ivanovic helped Split win back-to-back EuroLeague championships in 1989 and 1990.

Ivanovic ranks fourth in all-time games coached in the EuroLeague with 398, only trailing Zeljko Obraovic (540), Ettore Messina (483) and Ergin Ataman (440). His coaching record is 220-178 (55.3%).

More Virtus News

He replaces Luca Banchi, who stepped down on Wednesday

Luca Banchi has resigned from his position as Virtus Bologna head coach, the club confirmed on Thursday.  

Luca Banchi resigns as Virtus head coach

Luca Banchi has resigned from his position as [Virtus Segafredo Bologna](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/teams/virtus-segafredo-bologna/vir/) head coach, the club confirmed on Thursday.  

Virtus currently finds itself bottom of the Turkish Airlines EuroLeague standings with a league-worst 2-11 record. The Bologna-based team is currently on a five-game losing streak and most recently [lost 88-90 in overtime to ALBA Berlin](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/news/alba-beats-virtus-in-ot-88-90/) in Round 13 on Wednesday night.

<center>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="it" dir="ltr">Comunicato su coach Luca Banchi ⬇️<a href="https://t.co/k7RhQKJD7Z">https://t.co/k7RhQKJD7Z</a></p>&mdash; Virtus Segafredo Bologna (@VirtusSegafredo) <a href="https://twitter.com/VirtusSegafredo/status/1864715816215658929?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 5, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

"Virtus Pallacanestro Bologna S.p.A. announces that Luca Banchi resigned as head coach of the first team at the end of the EuroLeague game against ALBA Berlin," read Virtus's statement.

"On behalf of the entire club, a heartfelt thank you goes out to Luca for the work he has done in recent months and best of luck for the continuation of his professional career."

Since being appointed by Virtus in September 2023, having led the Latvian national team to a fifth-placed finish at the 2023 FIBA World Cup, Banchi posted a 20-28 record in charge of the two-time EuroLeague champion.

His first season at Virtus saw the team sneak into the inaugural Play-In Showdown as the 10th seed with a 17-17 record. Virtus then beat Anadolu Efes Istanbul in the first round but lost to Baskonia Vitoria-Gasteiz in the second round, thus missing out on a spot in the playoffs.

Virtus now begins its search for a new head coach as it looks to turn its EuroLeague season around.

The Italian’s decision came after a Round 13 defeat to ALBA

The action keeps on coming as Round 14 delivers some spectacular matchups, including the league leader travelling to its closest rival in the standings. Here’s your guide to Thursday’s games in the Turkish Airlines EuroLeague.

At a glance: The drama shows no sign of slowing down

The action keeps on coming as Round 14 delivers some spectacular matchups, including the league leader travelling to its closest rival in the standings. Here’s your guide to Thursday’s games in the Turkish Airlines EuroLeague.

## Thursday, December 5

### Zalgiris Kaunas vs. Anadolu Efes Istanbul (19:00 CET)

After putting 101 points on the board to overcome Bayern on Tuesday, Efes (7-6) will look to complete a perfect week by giving more misery to a Zalgiris team (7-6) which has lost five of the last six. Efes was propelled last time out by 19 points and 6 assists from [Darius Thompson](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/darius-thompson/011078/), who will again look for help from big man [Dan Oturu](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/dan-oturu/012788/) (14 points, 6 rebounds on Tuesday) in the quest to secure a league-best sixth road win. The Lithuanian team only converted 10 two-point shots in Tuesday's defeat at Partizan, so needs more inside presence from the likes of [Laurynas Birutis](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/laurynas-birutis/005504/) and former Efes man [Bryant Dunston](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/bryant-dunston/003048/) in this key contest between two teams currently tied for seventh place.

Round 14 Head-to-Head: Walker vs. Thompson

### Maccabi Playtika Tel Aviv vs. FC Barcelona (20:05 CET)

Barcelona (7-6) will attempt to snap a four-game losing streak with a trip to equally struggling Maccabi (4-9). Maccabi will crash the boards to gain extra possessions after averaging 12.5 offensive rebounds, led by [Jasiel Rivero](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/jasiel-rivero/011214/) with 2.4 per game. The visitors will look to counter that with the physicality of [Justin Anderson](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/justin-anderson/012795/), who averages 4.5 boards in the last four games. Barca’s defense couldn’t withstand the pressure in Tuesday’s morale-sapping loss at Panathinaikos, but there was a positive with the continuing emergence of point guard [Juan Nunez](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/juan-nunez/010106/) (19 points on 7-of-7 two-point shooting). This time around he faces a good battle with the man he replaced at Palau Blaugrana, former Barca playmaker [Rokas Jokubaitis](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/rokas-jokubaitis/007519/) (11.5 points and 5.6 assists per game).

### Partizan Mozzart Bet Belgrade vs. Panathinaikos AKTOR Athens (20:30 CET)

In a game certain to be played in an electric atmosphere, fast-rising Partizan (5-8) will aim for a fourth straight victory with a visit from reigning champ Panathinaikos (8-5). [Carlik Jones](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/carlik-jones/013369/) has been outstanding during the Serbian team's winning run but he faces his toughest matchup yet against a Panathinaikos backcourt powered by the irrepressible [Kendrick Nunn](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/kendrick-nunn/012774/), who blasted 29 points in the thrilling Round 13 win over Barcelona and has now made at least six field goals in six straight games. In the paint, expect maximum intensity and highlight reel plays from the battle between [Tyrique Jones](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/tyrique-jones/011981/), who had 15 points and 9 rebounds in Tuesday’s win over Zalgiris, and Panathinaikos showstopper [Mathias Lessort](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/mathias-lessort/003842/), who paired 16 points with 8 boards against Barca.

Round 14 Head-to-Head: Jones vs. Brown

### FC Bayern Munich vs. Baskonia Vitoria-Gasteiz (20:30 CET)

Improving Baskonia (6-7) will look for a third consecutive win by becoming the first road team to prevail at Bayern (8-5). Expect a battle for long-range shooting supremacy between single game three-point record holder [Andreas Obst](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/andreas-obst/004508/) and visiting [Markus Howard](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/markus-howard/011948/), who bounced back to form with 5 triples in his team’s victory over Fenerbahce two days ago. [Donta Hall](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/donta-hall/011196/) continued to perform at a high level with 14 points and 9 rebounds in that triumph, and he faces a big battle against Bayern big man [Devin Booker](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/devin-booker/007056/), who powered 27 points on 12-of-15 two-point shooting in Tuesday’s loss at Efes. The German team has allowed 101 points in each of its last two games, so defensive improvement will be the priority as Bayern looks to stay perfect at home.

### Real Madrid vs. Fenerbahce Beko Istanbul (20:45 CET)

Two major rivals go head-to-head with the aim of bouncing back as Real (6-7) receives a visit from second-placed Fenerbahce (9-4). Both teams lost on Tuesday, with the hosts suffering a last-second loss at ASVEL while Fenerbahce was well beaten at Baskonia for a second straight loss. [Gabriel Deck](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/gabriel-deck/009005/) had his best game of the season with 17 points in the loss in France, and he will attempt to give Real control of the paint against visiting big man [Khem Birch](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/khem-birch/007182/), who helped his team with 4 offensive boards at Baskonia on Tuesday. Fenerbahce has the second-best perimeter defense in the league, allowing opponents to convert just 29.9% of three-point attempts, so Real snipers [Dzanan Musa](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/dzanan-musa/006540/) and [Mario Hezonja](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/mario-hezonja/003108/) will have to be at their best to make an impact.

Round 14 Head-to-Head: Musa vs. Biberovic

## Friday, December 6

### AS Monaco vs. ALBA Berlin (19:00 CET)

Monaco (8-5) will look to bounce back from the disappointment of suffering its first defeat under new coach Vassilis Spanoulis by downing an ALBA team (3-10) looking for a second road win of the week. The home team was outlasted by Olympiacos on Wednesday despite [Mike James](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/mike-james/005985/) leading the offense to the tune of 12 assists, and all-action forward [Alpha Diallo](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/alpha-diallo/011226/) continuing his hot streak with 21 points on 9-of-11 field goal attempts. ALBA prevailed in a tight overtime battle with fellow basement dwellers Virtus in Round 13, with recent signing [David McCormack](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/david-mc-cormack/013386/) showing his worth with 16 points, 14 rebounds and 4 steals in only his second game for the team, helping to end a three game losing streak.

### Olympiacos Piraeus vs. Paris Basketball (20:15 CET)

Red-hot league leader Paris (10-3) will look for a ninth straight win with the massive task of becoming the first team to upset joint second Olympiacos (9-4) in Piraeus. Both teams have confidence high after wins earlier this week, with Olympiacos using the energy of [Shaq McKissic](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/shaquielle-mckissic/007853/) (18 points, 3 rebounds, 2 steals) to win at Monaco, and will hope the outstanding defense of [Thomas Walkup](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/thomas-walkup/008855/) can finally slow down phenomenal November MVP [TJ Shorts](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/tj-shorts/012608/). If Paris needs other scoring solutions, it could be the long-range shooting of [Nadir Hifi](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/nadir-hifi/012640/), who hit 15 points in Tuesday’s win at Maccabi and has multiple three-pointers in six consecutive games. Olympiacos will hope that scoring star [Sasha Vezenkov](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/sasha-vezenkov/003469/) can perform at his best after suffering an eye injury at Monaco earlier this week.

Round 14 Head-to-Head: McKissic vs. Ward

### Virtus Segafredo Bologna vs. Crvena Zvezda Meridianbet Belgrade (20:30 CET)

Virtus (2-11) will attempt to climb away from last place with a visit from Zvezda (6-6), which has lost three of the last four. The Serbian team needs much improved defense after already suffering one defeat in Italy this week, allowing 101 points in Milan on Wednesday. [Yago dos Santos](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/yago-dos-santos/012044/) had a return to form in that game, pairing 17 points with 6 assists, and Zvezda will also look to keep on pounding the boards after [Luka Mitrovic](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/luka-mitrovic/002553/) and [Filip Petrusev](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/filip-petrusev/011194/) combined for 10 offensive rebounds. Virtus failed in overtime despite a fourth-quarter comeback against ALBA last time out, and big man [Ante Zizic](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/ante-zizic/004554/) needs to counter the visiting team’s power by delivering another strong performance after scoring 13 points on 6-of-7 two-point attempts on Wednesday.

### EA7 Emporio Armani Milan vs. LDLC ASVEL Villeurbanne (20:45 CET)

Two much-improved teams with hopes of storming up the standings meet as Milan (7-6) welcomes ASVEL (5-8). The Italian team notched its fourth straight win by comfortably brushing aside Zvezda on Wednesday, with veteran [Fabien Causeur](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/fabien-causeur/001392/) draining 20 points on perfect 6-of-6 three-point shooting. ASVEL is also on a roll, winning three of its last four and claiming the major scalp of Real Madrid on Tuesday thanks to a last-second winner from fit-again Paris Lee. That game also saw another spectacular show from [Theo Maledon](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/theo-maledon/007027/), with 23 points and 7 assists, and stopping him will be a major focus for the hosts. At the other end, [Nico Mannion](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/niccolo-mannion/011064/) will look to keep orchestrating for Milan as he did on Wednesday, pairing 20 points with 5 assists against Zvezda.

Round 14 Head-to-Head: Mannion vs. Lee

The second half of the double-round week features several mouth-watering fixtures

EA7 Emporio Armani Milan v LDLC ASVEL Villeurbanne (2024-12-06T19:45:00.000Z)

Virtus Segafredo Bologna v Crvena Zvezda Meridianbet Belgrade (2024-12-06T19:30:00.000Z)

Olympiacos Piraeus v Paris Basketball (2024-12-06T19:15:00.000Z)

AS Monaco v ALBA Berlin (2024-12-06T18:00:00.000Z)