On Thursday night, Real Madrid and Panathinaikos BC come head to head in a rematch of last season's EuroLeague Championship Game.

Real Madrid, Panathinaikos looking for a response in 2024 final rematch

It is a game that was marked in red on both teams' calendar: the time Real Madrid and Panathinaikos AKTOR Athens would meet after their epic encounter in the 2024 Turkish Airlines EuroLeague Championship Game. This Thursday night, they come head to head once again.

As we all know, the Greens beat *Los Blancos* 80-95 in Berlin last May to claim their seventh continental crown, the club's first since 2011, and deny Real the chance to win back-to-back EuroLeague titles for the first time since 1968.

Real Madrid - Panathinaikos | Championship Game highlights | 2023-24 Turkish Airlines EuroLeague

The scenario is a little bit different this time around as both teams are coming off losses in Round 3. Paris Basketball beat Panathinaikos 84-80 in the French capital, which was the Greens’ first EuroLeague loss of the season, while Real registered a 76-72 road defeat at Baskonia Vitoria-Gasteiz.

Chus Mateo is without two of his new signings, forward [Usman Garuba](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/usman-garuba/007630/) and playmaker [Andres Feliz](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/andres-feliz/011247/), for the visit of Panathinaikos, but star point guard [Facu Campazzo](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/facundo-campazzo/005928/) is back available after serving a one-game ban. This past summer also saw Real bring in center [Serge Ibaka](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/serge-ibaka/003583/) and combo guard [Xavier Rathan-Mayes](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/xavier-rathan-mayes/013378/). Ibaka, in particular, should be key in tonight’s battle against the reigning EuroLeague champion.

Up against [Mathias Lessort](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/mathias-lessort/003842/), who had three very solid performances against Real last season, Ibaka will need to be wary of the Frenchman’s speed as he looks to erupt for dunks in transition. In his three games against Real last season, Lessort averaged 20.3 points on 23-of-37 two-pointers (62.2% 2FG), 5.7 rebounds and a PIR of 25.0. Fortunately for Coach Mateo, Ibaka and [Walter Tavares](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/walter-tavares/005791/) are two elite players on defense, which should make life tough for Lessort.

Real Madrid-Panathinaikos AKTOR Athens | Round 27 Highlights | 2023-24 Turkish Airlines EuroLeague

Panathinaikos also has some new faces in center [Omer Yurtseven](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/omer-yurtseven/005353/), forward [Cedi Osman](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/cedi-osman/004088/) and playmaker [Lorenzo Brown](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/lorenzo-brown/009622/). It should be a special game for Brown and [Juancho Hernangomez](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/juancho-hernangomez/012712/), who are members of the Spanish national team and helped *La Roja* win a gold medal at EuroBasket 2022.

Real forward [Mario Hezonja](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/mario-hezonja/003108/), the only active EuroLeague player that has won both teams' jerseys, will also be looking forward to the occasion. Hezonja has always shown love and respect for the Greens throughout the years and even watched the second half of the 2011 EuroLeague Championship Game with Panathinaikos’ fans at Palau Sant Jordi in Barcelona. Hezonja had just won the ANGE title with Zagreb that morning and went to the stands after receiving the trophy at halftime. Only 12 players have worn both teams' jerseys in the current EuroLeague, and no one has ever won the EuroLeague title with both Real and Panathinaikos.

Looking back at last season, Panathinaikos' great campaign was reflected in its last two games against Real. Of course, Panathinaikos conquered its seventh star by downing Real in Berlin behind an outstanding [Kostas Sloukas](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/kostas-sloukas/001926/), who earned 2024 Final Four MVP honors after an iconic performance in the championship game: 24 points on near-perfect shooting, missing just one free throw, 3 assists, 7 fouls drawn and a PIR of 31. He set a new record for most three-pointers made without missing in a Euroleague Final, going 4 of 4. Before that, Panathinaikos broke a 12-game road losing streak against Real which dated back to 2013. It downed Real 86-97 in Madrid behind 26 points from Lessort.

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Work doesn’t stop… 💪<br> <br>Training session in Madrid ☘️🏀<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WeTheGreens?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WeTheGreens</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/paobcaktor?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#paobcaktor</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/LiveTheGreenMagic?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#LiveTheGreenMagic</a> <a href="https://t.co/7eaZgtGxtt">pic.twitter.com/7eaZgtGxtt</a></p>&mdash; Panathinaikos BC (@Paobcgr) <a href="https://twitter.com/Paobcgr/status/1846638324003356709?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 16, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

This game has all the ingredients to be the kind of showdown that you only see in the Turkish Airlines EuroLeague at this time of the year: the last two EuroLeague champions coming face to face. Head coaches Ergin Ataman (Anadolu Efes Istanbul 2021, 2022; Panathinaikos 2024) and Chus Mateo (Real 2023) have combined for the last four EuroLeague trophies, while we will see almost 20 EuroLeague winners on the floor and as many as eight All-EuroLeague First Team selections: [Sergio Llull](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/sergio-llull/tgb/), Tavares, Campazzo, [Dzanan Musa](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/dzanan-musa/006540/), [Kendrick Nunn](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/kendrick-nunn/012774/), Lessort, Brown and Sloukas.

It rarely gets better than this. Again, this is the first time both teams are playing one another since last May’s championship game, so expect a perfect example of why this is the world's most passionate league.

Both teams lost on the road in Round 3, but which side will come out on top in Round 4?

Real Madrid v Panathinaikos AKTOR Athens (2024-10-17T18:45:00.000Z)

An outstanding individual performance in a winning effort allowed Olympiacos Piraeus star Sasha Vezenkov to earn Round 3 MVP honors with a PIR of 31, his second consecutive award in just three rounds to open the new Turkish Airlines EuroLeague season.

Round 3 MVP: Sasha Vezenkov, Olympiacos Piraeus

An outstanding individual performance in a winning effort allowed Olympiacos Piraeus star Sasha Vezenkov to earn Round 3 MVP honors with a PIR of 31, his second consecutive award in just three rounds to open the new Turkish Airlines EuroLeague season.

Vezenkov led Olympiacos to an 89-68 home victory over EA7 Emporio Armani Milan with 22 points on 3-of-6 two-pointers, 3-of-5 three-pointers and 7-of-8 free throws. He added 7 rebounds, an assist, 2 steals and 6 fouls drawn for a PIR of 31. Vezenkov earned MVP of the Round honors for the 11th time in his career, tying Mike James and Mirsad Turkcan for third place. Only Shane Larkin (17 times) and Nando De Colo (16) are ahead of him on that list.

Walter Tavares of Real Madrid amassed a PIR of 29 in his team's 76-72 road loss against Baskonia Vitoria-Gasteiz. Tavares had 14 points on 7-of-9 two-pointers, 15 rebounds and 3 blocks. Mathias Lessort of Panathinaikos AKTOR Athens had a PIR of 28 against Paris Basketball. He finished the game with 19 points on 6-of-9 two-pointers, 11 rebounds, 3 assists, 2 blocks and 5 fouls drawn in an 84-80 losing effort. Saben Lee of Maccabi Playtika Tel Aviv had a PIR of 26 in his first-ever EuroLeague game, a 93-91 win over Anadolu Efes Istanbul, scoring 23 points on 6-of-8 two-point and 2-of-2 three-point shooting, along with 5 assists. Completing the list of top individual performances in Round 3 are Joel Bolomboy of Crvena Zvezda Meridianbet Belgrade, Nigel Hayes-Davis of Fenerbahce Beko Istanbul and Shaquielle McKissic of Olympiacos, each with a PIR of 25.

 

### Individual highs: Walter Tavares, Real Madrid, 15 rebounds and 3 blocks

Saben Lee of Maccabi Playtika Tel Aviv led all scorers with 23 points in Round 3. Mathias Lessort of Panathinaikos AKTOR Athens is the competition's top scorer at 18.3 points per game.

Walter Tavares of Real Madrid led all players in this round by pulling down 15 rebounds. Crvena Zvezda's Joel Bolomboy is this season's best rebounder, grabbing 10.0 boards per night.

Four players – Codi Miller-McIntyre of Zvezda, Thomas Walkup of Olympiacos, Sylvain Francisco of Zalgiris Kaunas and Shane Larkin of Efes – each dished 8 assists in Round 3. Despite not playing this week, Facundo Campazzo of Real Madrid remains atop the overall standings with 10.0 assists per night.

Alessandro Pajola of Virtus Segafredo Bologna collected 4 steals, more than any other player in Round 3. Arnas Butkevicius of Zalgiris, Jerian Grant of Panathinaikos and Neal Sako of LDLC ASVEL Villeurbanne each average a league-best 2.0 steals.

Tavares had 3 blocks against Baskonia, the most in Round 3. He is also first overall at 2.0 blocks per night.

There were six double-doubles this round: Tavares (14 points, 15 rebounds), Bolomboy (18 points, 11 rebounds), Lessort (19 points, 11 rebounds), Sako (12 points, 13 rebounds), Trevion Williams of ALBA Berlin (12 points, 11 rebounds), and Toko Shengelia of Virtus Segafredo Bologna (11 points, 11 rebounds).

Olympiacos forward earns back-to-back MVP awards.

Euroleague Basketball official report on Round 3 game Virtus Segafredo Bologna vs. Zalgiris Kaunas

In the fourth quarter, with 1:56 remaining on the game clock, and 6 seconds left on the shot clock, Zalgiris Kaunas player Sylvain Francisco started a drive to the basket and attempted a field goal. His field goal attempt hits the backboard with 2.0 seconds left on the shot clock.

Zalgiris player Alen Smailagic and Virtus player Mouhamet Diouf try to get the rebound. While Alen Smailagic grabs the rebound, the ball touches the ring with 1.5 seconds remaining on the shot clock. The shot clock reset, and Alen Smailagic scored a two-point basket.

Alen Smailagic basket was legal as, per rule, the shot clock resets after the ball touches the rim. Correct decision of the 24 seconds operator and the referees.

Virtus Segafredo Bologna v Zalgiris Kaunas (2024-10-15T18:30:00.000Z)

Turkish Airlines EuroLeague fans, we have our third winner in this season's EuroLeague Fantasy Challenge! Kostas Rigas beat everyone else in Round 3 with his team ΠΟΚΟΠΙΚΟΙ, which had a Fantasy Challenge score of 196.80.

EuroLeague Fantasy Challenge Round 3 winner

Turkish Airlines EuroLeague fans, we have our third winner in this season's [EuroLeague Fantasy Challenge](https://euroleaguefantasy.euroleaguebasketball.net/)! Kostas Rigas beat everyone else in Round 3 with his team ΠΟΚΟΠΙΚΟΙ, which had a Fantasy Challenge score of 196.80.

Giorgos had the following lineup: Sasha Vezenkov of Olympiacos Piraeus as team captain, then the rest of his starting five included Walter Tavares of Real Madrid, Theo Maledon of LDLC ASVEL Villeurbanne, Tamir Blatt of Maccabi Playtika Tel Aviv and Martin Hermannsson of ALBA. His head coach was Georgios Bartzokas of Olympiaco.

Zalgiris's Dovyas Giedraitis was Kostas' sixth man, while the four bench players were Jake Cohen of Maccabi, Panagiotis Kalaitzakis of Panathinaikos, Ousmane Diop of EA7 Emporio Armani Milan and Mam Jaiteh of AS Monaco.

The prize for finishing first in Round 3 is a free VIP Euroleague TV Subscription for the 2025-26 season, so congratulations, Kostas!

Ognjen Vilotijevic with a team Yaretai is the leader of the [EuroLeague Fantasy Challenge](https://euroleaguefantasy.euroleaguebasketball.net/) overall standings.

Trades are now open for Round 4. 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 game in Round 4 tips off on Thursday, October 17, as ALBA Berlin faces Fenerbahce Beko Istanbul at 19:30 CEST. That game marks the next round's deadline.

Make new teams now or improve your existing ones and try to become our next round winner!

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

The action in the Turkish Airlines EuroLeague continues to come thick and fast as the double round concludes with Round 4 on Thursday and Friday. 

At a glance: What to expect in Round 4

The action in the Turkish Airlines EuroLeague continues to come thick and fast as the double round concludes with Round 4 on Thursday and Friday. Here’s your overview on the upcoming games, including a title game rematch.

## Thursday, October 17

### ALBA Berlin vs. Fenerbahce Beko Istanbul (19:30 CEST)

After grabbing its first win of the season on Tuesday, ALBA (1-2) will look to complete a perfect week against the visiting Fenerbahce (2-1). The Turkish team needs to recover from a poor offensive night against Zvezda in Round 3, with Saras Jasikevicius’ team shooting just 34.5% from the field and only [Nigel Hayes-Davis](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/nigel-hayes-davis/008962/) (20) scoring more than 10 points. A major factor in ALBA’s win over ASVEL was center [Trevion Williams](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/trevion-williams-/012604/) (12 points, 11 rebounds, 6 assists), and his ability to both dominate the paint and create on the exterior will test visiting big men [Khem Birch](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/khem-birch/007182/) and [Nicolo Melli](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/nicolo-melli/002849/). Another key is the backcourt battle between [Martin Hermannsson](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/martin-hermannsson/008780/) (21 points on Tuesday) and [Wade Baldwin](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/wade-baldwin-iv/009863/), who is looking to bounce back after scoring just 3 points and committing 5 turnovers against Zvezda.

### Maccabi Playtika Tel Aviv vs. Partizan Mozzart Bet Belgrade (20:05 CEST)

Two of Tuesday’s winners go head to head as Maccabi (2-1) hosts Partizan (1-2) in a game which will see both teams feel at home in Belgrade. The Serbian team will look for another solid effort from [Sterling Brown](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/sterling-brown/012720/), who powered the Round 3 win over Bayern with 22 points, and he faces a good backcourt tussle with Maccabi newcomer [Saben Lee](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/saben-lee/013389/) after his outstanding debut contribution of 23 points and 5 assists to help overcome Efes on Tuesday. Partizan will look to keep on creating good looks from beyond the arc, after [Isaac Bonga](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/isaac-bonga/006760/) and [Frank Ntilikina](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/frank-ntilikina/006591/) both netted 3 of their 4 three-point attempts earlier this week. Maccabi can also threaten from deep, with [Tamir Blatt](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/tamir-blatt/011193/) averaging three triples per game so far.

2024-25 Turkish Airlines EuroLeague | R4 Head-to-Head: Lee vs. Ntilikina

### EA7 Emporio Armani Milan vs. Zalgiris Kaunas (20:30 CEST)

Zalgiris (2-1) will attempt to complete a perfect week on the road as it visits a Milan team (1-2) needing to recover from a 21-point loss at Olympiacos. The Lithuanian team prevailed at Virtus on Tuesday behind a solid game from guard [Dovydas Giedraitis](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/dovydas-giedraitis/007513/), who missed only one field goal on the way to 15 points and also contributed defensively with a couple of steals. This could be a low-scoring game between two teams who like to control the tempo, but Milan needs a better night from its stars after [Shavon Shields](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/shavon-shields/007831/) and [Nikola Mirotic](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/nikola-mirotic/000796/) both scored just 5 points in the thrashing at Olympiacos. Big men [Zach LeDay](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/zach-leday/008987/) and [Ousmane Diop](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/ousmane-diop/013385/) both reached double digits in that game, so Milan could look to dominate through the paint.

### Real Madrid vs. Panathinaikos AKTOR Athens (20:45 CEST)

One of EuroLeague’s greatest rivalries has its latest chapter as Real (1-2) hosts Panathinaikos (2-1) in a rematch of last season’s championship game. Both teams are aiming to recover from respective losses at Baskonia and Paris in Round 3, and Real will be boosted by the return of [Facundo Campazzo](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/facundo-campazzo/005928/) from suspension. The Spanish giant will hope that center [Edy Tavares](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/walter-tavares/005791/) can find energy after playing 33 minutes two days ago as he grabbed a whopping 9 offensive rebounds, and he faces [Mathias Lessort](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/mathias-lessort/003842/) in fine form after a double-double of 19 points and 11 boards earlier this week. Real was let down by its three-point shooting in Vitoria, making just 24.2%, while Panathinaikos will be focused on taking more care of the basketball after committing 15 turnovers in Paris.  

2024-25 Turkish Airlines EuroLeague | R4 Head-to-Head: Tavares vs. Lessort

### FC Bayern Munich vs. Paris Basketball (20:45 CEST)

With confidence sky-high from Tuesday’s historic first-ever EuroLeague victory, Paris (1-2) will now look for its first road triumph with a trip to Bayern (1-2). The French team will continue to rely on star guard duo [TJ Shorts](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/tj-shorts/012608/) and [Nadir Hifi](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/nadir-hifi/012640/), who combined for 36 points in the memorable victory over Panathinaikos. They will be confronted by a deep selection of Bayern backcourt leaders, including long-range threat [Shabazz Napier](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/shabazz-napier/011224/), who has made 58.3% of his three-point attempts so far this season. Bayern, which has lost two in a row, will look for frontcourt dominance from [Devin Booker](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/devin-booker/007056/), with the big man scoring in double digits in every game. He will also have to box out against Paris center [Enzo Shahrvin](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/enzo-shahrvin/012612/), who grabbed 4 of his team’s 17 offensive boards in the win over Panathinaikos.

## Friday, October 18

### AS Monaco vs. Virtus Segafredo Bologna (19:00 CEST)

Monaco (2-1) will attempt to bounce back from Wednesday’s loss in Barcelona as it hosts a Virtus (0-3) team desperate to end its status as the only winless team in the competition. Virtus needs to improve its offense after only averaging 73.3 points so far, with key scorers [Marco Belinelli](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/marco-belinelli/bcn/), [Will Clyburn](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/will-clyburn/004888/) and [Isaia Cordinier](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/isaia-cordinier/009549/) all shooting at 30% or less from three-point range. [Toko Shengelia](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/tornike-shengelia/001133/) grabbed a double-double (11 points, 11 rebounds) in Tuesday’s home loss against Zalgiris, and he will aim to physically dominate a Monaco team which heavily lost the rebounding battle in Barcelona. In the backcourt, [Elie Okobo](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/elie-okobo/011212/) will look to continue leading the offense after averaging 14.7 points and 4.7 assists in the opening three games.

### Anadolu Efes Istanbul vs. Olympiacos Piraeus (19:30 CEST)

Efes (1-2) is aiming to recover from a two-game losing streak as it welcomes an in-form Olympiacos (2-1) chasing a third straight win. The Reds played with great efficiency to easily overcome Milan on Tuesday, making 60% of two-point shots and 44.4% from three-point range, as [Sasha Vezenkov](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/sasha-vezenkov/003469/) continued his fine form with 22 points and 7 rebounds. [Thomas Walkup](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/thomas-walkup/008855/) was the orchestrator with 8 assists on just 1 turnover, and he will face an important job defensively to limit the influence Efes star [Shane Larkin](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/shane-larkin/007200/), who will be determined to find his scoring range after going 0 for 6 from long range in Tuesday’s narrow loss at Maccabi. Forward [Jordan Nwora](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/jordan-nwora/013363/) and big man [Vincent Poirier](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/vincent-poirier/004887/) both surpassed 20 points in that game, and Efes can look to use their physicality to create space for Larkin on the exterior.

2024-25 Turkish Airlines EuroLeague | R4 Head-to-Head: Nwora vs. Vezenkov

### Crvena Zvezda Meridianbet Belgrade vs. FC Barcelona (20:00 CEST)

High-flying Zvezda (3-0) will look to stay perfect with a visit from Barcelona (2-1), which is looking to move into a share of first place. Zvezda’s impressive Round 3 win was largely based on an outstanding defensive effort which held Fenerbahce to just 57 points, while the offense was expertly controlled by [Codi Miller-McIntyre](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/codi-miller-mcintyre/009048/) as he dished 8 assists without a turnover. The Serbian team has [Nemanja Nedovic](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/nemanja-nedovic/000848/) in a sweet shooting moment, averaging 15.7 points on 58.8% from beyond the arc. Barca also enjoyed a successful evening to start the double-round week, comfortably defeating Monaco with a solid team performance propelled by [Kevin Punter](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/kevin-punter/009862/)’s 20 points. The Spanish team has won 11 straight against Zvezda, dating back to 2017, so will have no fear as it heads into Belgrade Arena.

2024-25 Turkish Airlines EuroLeague | R4 Head-to-Head: Bolomoby vs. Hernangomez

### LDLC ASVEL Villeurbanne vs. Baskonia Vitoria-Gasteiz (20:30 CEST)

With the scalp of Real Madrid safely secured, Baskonia (2-1) will try to make it two wins in three days by downing ASVEL (1-2). The French team fell to defeat at ALBA on Tuesday despite another strong performance from the increasingly influential [Theo Maledon](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/theo-maledon/007027/) (17 points, 7 rebounds), and it needs to find more efficiency inside the arc after converting just 14 of its 35 (40%) two-point attempts in Berlin. A big battle for rebounding supremacy will take place between ASVEL’s [Neal Sako](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/neal-sako/010545/), who has recorded two consecutive double-doubles, and the visiting [Khalifa Diop](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/khalifa-diop/008072/), who helped control the tempo with 8 points and 7 boards against Real. ASVEL also needs to match the endless energy of [Chima Moneke](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/chima-moneke/012201/), who averages 15 points and 5.3 rebounds so far this season.

2024-25 Turkish Airlines EuroLeague | R4 Head-to-Head: Sako vs. Moneke

In the second half of this double-round week, there are five games on Thursday and four on Friday

LDLC ASVEL Villeurbanne v Baskonia Vitoria-Gasteiz (2024-10-18T18:30:00.000Z)

Crvena Zvezda Meridianbet Belgrade v FC Barcelona (2024-10-18T18:00:00.000Z)

Anadolu Efes Istanbul v Olympiacos Piraeus (2024-10-18T17:30:00.000Z)

AS Monaco v Virtus Segafredo Bologna (2024-10-18T17:00:00.000Z)

FC Bayern Munich v Paris Basketball (2024-10-17T18:45:00.000Z)

EA7 Emporio Armani Milan v Zalgiris Kaunas (2024-10-17T18:30:00.000Z)

Maccabi Playtika Tel Aviv v Partizan Mozzart Bet Belgrade (2024-10-17T18:05:00.000Z)

ALBA Berlin v Fenerbahce Beko Istanbul (2024-10-17T17:30:00.000Z)

Kevin Punter enjoyed his best performance in his young FC Barcelona career as his team beat AS Monaco Basket in Round 3 of the 2024-25 EuroLeague season.

Kevin Punter had himself a night as Barcelona beat Monaco

FC Barcelona got its best win of this young Turkish Airlines EuroLeague season by [beating the visiting AS Monaco 86-71](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/news/barcelona-breezes-past-monaco-86-71/) on Friday night. Apart from a solid effort on both ends of the floor that resulted in a 15-point win against an opponent that had won their last three head-to-head games, Barcelona also got a standout performance it waited for from [Kevin Punter](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/kevin-punter/009862/), a scoring guard the team brought with high expectation this past summer.

"We had to be focused on both sides \[of the floor\], and we came up with a good, comfortable win," Punter told EuroLeague TV after scoring a game-high and season-high 21 points.

He made 5-of-7 two-point shots and 3-of-8 threes, while also collecting 3 rebounds, 3 assists, 2 steals and a block, all in 25 minutes on the floor.

"I am trying to be the best version of myself and do what I got to do," Punter said, adding: "I am still adjusting, it is early in the season, so taking it day by day."

Punter, who has scored at least 11 points in each of the three games this season and averages 15.3 points after three rounds, not only led Barcelona in scoring but did so in bunches in key moments of the game.

He got Barcelona going with a pair of triples, accumulating 8 points in the first quarter, and scored 5 points late in the second quarter to help secure a 47-39 halftime lead. He then tallied 5 more points early in the third quarter in an 12-1 run which gave Barcelona a double-digit lead. Monaco never threatened after that.

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">⭐️ 𝐌𝐎𝐒𝐓 𝐕𝐀𝐋𝐔𝐀𝐁𝐋𝐄 𝐏𝐔𝐍𝐓𝐄𝐑 ⭐️ <a href="https://t.co/ivrWYlSFu7">pic.twitter.com/ivrWYlSFu7</a></p>&mdash; Barça Basket (@FCBbasket) <a href="https://twitter.com/FCBbasket/status/1846654328590700884?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 16, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

"We put an entire game together all 40 minutes, and we've seen the results", was [Jabari Parker](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/jabari-parker/012745/)'s thoughts. Parker also had his best game of the young season, scoring 16 points and making a career-best 4 triples on 6 attempts.

But what Barcelona has done on Wednesday could easily be forgotten by Friday, when the team travels to face the only remaining undefeated side in the league – Crvena Zvezda Meridianbet Belgrade.

After a shaky opening week and a loss in Kaunas, two home wins have eased a stress for Barcelona and improved team's record to 2-1, but Friday's game could tell us a lot where Barcelona really is at the moment.

"They got a real electric crowd, that's gonna put us to the test", Parker concluded.

Game News

His 21 points led the Blaugrana to their first win over the Monegasques in four games

FC Barcelona v AS Monaco (2024-10-16T18:30:00.000Z)

Joan Peñarroya's FC Barcelona put on a show at Palau Blaugrana, beating AS Monaco 86-71 with ease in Round 3 of the 2024-25 EuroLeague season.

Barcelona breezes past Monaco, 86-71

FC Barcelona protected its home floor on Wednesday night, defeating the previously unbeaten AS Monaco 86-71 in the last game of Round 3. Barcelona controlled the game for the majority of all four quarters, registering its second win of the season as both teams now hold a 2-1 record in the Turkish Airlines EuroLeague standings.

When all was said and done, it turned out that Barcelona never trailed after a 9-0 first-quarter run, with the hosts taking the lead for good in the second quarter. Monaco came within 47-44 early in the third, but an 8-0 run gave Barcelona a double-digit lead that grew to 20 points at the start of the fourth, with Monaco never threatening again. 

Kevin Punter netted 21 points to lead Barcelona, and Jabari Parker added 16. Nicolas Laprovittola scored 13, and Jan Vesely 10 points in a victory. Elie Okobo was Monaco's top core with 13 points, Alpha Diallo had 12, Mike James 11 while Mam Jaiteh finished with 10 in a losing effort.

Game Videos

Monaco was the team which struck first, opening a 2-7 lead after a James three-pointer, but Barcelona answered with a 10-0 run during which Punter hit a pair of threes, including one in transition from way downtown, to make it 12-7. Monaco replied with a little run of its own, capped by Okobo's three to tie things at 14-14, but Parker hit a corner triple before Willy Hernangomez had a dunk that sparked a 9-0 run, capped by a triple from Laprovittola. That shot opened a double-digit margin, 26-16, before a Georgios Papagiannis' tip-in made it 26-18 after 10 minutes.

Monaco had a strong start to the second quarter, with Matthew Strazel driving for a shot high off the glass and Diallo following it up with a three-point play, then Donatas Motiejunas twice went crafty in the low post, tying the game at 27-27. Laprovittola had a three-point play, and after Diallo answered with a three-pointer, a triple from Dario Brizuela, a long jumper from Vesely and a three-point play from Punter opened a 40-35 advantage. Jordan Loyd, in his first game back in Monaco's uniform, and Diallo cut the margin back to 41-39, but Chimezie Metu's tip-in and Punter on a fast break secured a 47-39 halftime Barcelona lead.

James scored 5 points to open the third quarter, but Barcelona scored the next 8, with Punter tallying 5 and Parker netting a triple, as the hosts went 55-44 ahead. James and Motiejunas snapped the hosts' run, but Barcelona started dominating as Parker and Laprovittola combined to score the team's next 12 points, extending it to 67-49. Papagiannis put an end to a 12-1 run and Okobo hit a three-pointer, but a pair of jumpers from Vesely had Barcelona up 71-54 after 30 minutes.

A corner three from Brizuela made it a 20-point game after the opening possession of the fourth, but a triple from Jaron Blosomgame and a layup from Diallo trimmed the gap to 15 points, 76-61. Okobo scored four more points to get Monaco within 11 points midway through the fourth, but Barcelona stepped up defensively, and a second-chance triple from Punter got the lead back to 81-65, ending any doubts with 3:06 to go.

Both teams have a 2-1 record after three rounds

The first double-round week of the 2024-25 EuroLeague season is here, so keep track of all the final results from Round 3 in our Game Center.

Game Center: Round 3 features eight games on Tuesday and one on Wedensday

## Wednesday, October 16

### FC Barcelona 86-71 AS Monaco

Barcelona protected its home floor on Wednesday night, defeating the previously unbeaten Monaco 86-71 in the last game of Round 3. Barcelona controlled the game for the majority of all four quarters, registering its second win of the season as both teams now hold a 2-1 record in the EuroLeague standings.

When all was said and done, it turned out that Barcelona never trailed after a 9-0 first-quarter run, with the hosts taking the lead for good in the second quarter. Monaco came within 47-44 early in the third, but an 8-0 run gave Barcelona a double-digit lead that grew to 20 points at the start of the fourth, with Monaco never threatening again. 

<center>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="ca" dir="ltr">𝐐𝐔𝐈𝐍𝐀 𝐕𝐈𝐂𝐓𝐎̀𝐑𝐈𝐀, 𝐏𝐀𝐋𝐀𝐔𝐔𝐔𝐔 🔥🔥🔥🔥 <a href="https://t.co/FeUfEFnLhX">pic.twitter.com/FeUfEFnLhX</a></p>&mdash; Barça Basket (@FCBbasket) <a href="https://twitter.com/FCBbasket/status/1846651759676346549?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 16, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

## Tuesday, October 15

### [ALBA Berlin 84-79 LDLC ASVEL Villeurbanne](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/game-center/2024-25/alba-berlin-ldlc-asvel-villeurbanne/E2024/19/)

ALBA collected its first victory of the season by fighting past ASVEL at home. ALBA took control of the game with a 14-2 run in the third quarter and held on to improve to 1-2, which is the same record for ASVEL. Martin Hermannsson led ALBA with 21 points, Matteo Spagnolo scored 16 and Trevion Williams posted a double-double of 12 points and 11 rebounds. Theo Maledon paced ASVEL with 17 points, Paris Lee had 16 and Neal Sako also had a double-double of 12 points and 13 rebounds.

<center><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="de" dir="ltr">HERE WE G🤩🤩🤩🤩!<br><br>Zweites Heimspiel, erster Sieg! Wir machen zum Wochenstart gegen <a href="https://twitter.com/LDLCASVEL?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@LDLCASVEL</a> unseren ersten <a href="https://twitter.com/EuroLeague?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@EuroLeague</a>-Sieg der Saison klar. Schmeckt! 😋<br><br>🫵 Am Donnerstag (17.10.) geht’s gegen <a href="https://twitter.com/FBBasketbol?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@FBBasketbol</a>. Gleiche Zeit, gleicher Ort. <br><br>📸 Tilo Wiedensohler <a href="https://t.co/YMY6WrO5cj">pic.twitter.com/YMY6WrO5cj</a></p>&mdash; ALBA BERLIN (@albaberlin) <a href="https://twitter.com/albaberlin/status/1846277361589014761?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 15, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

### [Fenerbahce Beko Istanbul 57-76 Crvena Zvezda Meridianbet Belgrade](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/game-center/2024-25/fenerbahce-beko-istanbul-crvena-zvezda-meridianbet-belgrade/E2024/20/)

Crvena Zvezda staged a major upset with an impressive road win over Fenerbahce led by Joel Bolomboy's 18 points and 11 boards. Nemanja Nedovic added 17 points for Zvezda and Mike Daum, who joined Zvezda during the off season from Fenerbahce’s archrival Anadolu Efes Istanbul, enjoyed a memorable return to the Turkish capital with 14 points and 5 boards. At the other end, Nigel Hayes-Davis paced Fenerbahce with a game-high 20 points to go with 8 boards.

<center><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">A night to remember 🤩<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/kkcz?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#kkcz</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WeAreTheTeam?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WeAreTheTeam</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/EveryGameMatters?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#EveryGameMatters</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/sportmts?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@sportmts</a> <a href="https://t.co/krWNvkhbFT">pic.twitter.com/krWNvkhbFT</a></p>&mdash; KK Crvena zvezda Meridianbet (@kkcrvenazvezda) <a href="https://twitter.com/kkcrvenazvezda/status/1846276241671798996?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 15, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

### [Maccabi Playtika Tel Aviv 93-91 Anadolu Efes Istanbul](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/game-center/2024-25/maccabi-playtika-tel-aviv-anadolu-efes-istanbul/E2024/27/#boxscore)

Maccabi improved to 2-1 after defeating Efes in Belgrade, Serbia, on Tuesday night. Led by an inspired Saben Lee, making his Maccabi debut, and Jaylen Hoard, the Israeli champs showed an impressive resilience in the fourth quarter to keep Efes at arm’s length en route to a crucial victory. With this loss, Efes dropped to 1-2.

<center>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">THIS. IS. MACCABI! <a href="https://t.co/mvD7SQ8qTC">pic.twitter.com/mvD7SQ8qTC</a></p>&mdash; Maccabi Tel Aviv BC 🇮🇱​ (@MaccabiTLVBC) <a href="https://twitter.com/MaccabiTLVBC/status/1846284995222290717?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 15, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

### [Olympiacos Piraeus 89-68 EA7 Emporio Armani Milan](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/game-center/2024-25/olympiacos-piraeus-ea7-emporio-armani-milan/E2024/21/)

Olympiacos recorded its second consecutive victory at home by crushing Milan. The hosts dominated from the tip at Peace and Friendship Stadium, won all four quarters and looked solid on defense for the second game in a row. With this win, the Reds improved to 2-1, while Milan dropped to 1-2. Sasha Vezenkov and Shaquielle McKissic netted 22 points each to lead all scorers, with captain Kostas Papanikolaou adding 13. Zach LeDay paced the visiting team with 16 points, Ousmane Diop scored 14 and Giampaolo Ricci added 11.

<center><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="es" dir="ltr">FINAL: <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/OlympiacosBC?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#OlympiacosBC</a> - EA7 Emporio Armani Milan 🏀 89-68 <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/EveryGameMatters?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#EveryGameMatters</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WeAreOlympiacos?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WeAreOlympiacos</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TogetherWeFight?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TogetherWeFight</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/OLYEA7?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#OLYEA7</a> <a href="https://t.co/7FbVnf4WYh">pic.twitter.com/7FbVnf4WYh</a></p>&mdash; Olympiacos B.C. (@Olympiacos_BC) <a href="https://twitter.com/Olympiacos_BC/status/1846281707852341261?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 15, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

### [Virtus Segafredo Bologna 68-71 Zalgiris Kaunas](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/game-center/2024-25/virtus-segafredo-bologna-zalgiris-kaunas/E2024/24/)

Zalgiris looked on course for a comfortable victory in Bologna on Tuesday night, but the Lithuanian side went ice-cold and allowed the hosts to get back into the game. However, Alen Smailagic stepped up in the final stages of the contest to ensure that Zalgiris secured the win and improved Andrea Trinchieri’s side's record to 2-1. Virtus remains winless after three games.

<center>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">First win of the double week in Italy. ✅ <br><br>(Presented by: Go3). <a href="https://t.co/nwkVvhZkmy">pic.twitter.com/nwkVvhZkmy</a></p>&mdash; BC Zalgiris Kaunas (@bczalgiris) <a href="https://twitter.com/bczalgiris/status/1846291859355705442?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 15, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

### [Paris Basketball 84-80 Panathinaikos AKTOR Athens](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/game-center/2024-25/paris-basketball-panathinaikos-aktor-athens/E2024/23/#boxscore)

Paris held off a late charge from reigning EuroLeague champion Panathinaikos to claim its first-ever win in the competition, 84-80, at Accor Arena on Tuesday night. While Paris improved to 1-2 on the season, the Greens fell to 2-1. Nadir Hifi paced the winners with 20 points and T.J. Shorts tallied 16 points and 7 assists for Paris. French national team player Mathias Lessort led Panathinaikos with 19 points and 11 rebounds.

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">NO WORDS NEEDED. <a href="https://t.co/PNdjk1Rvw3">pic.twitter.com/PNdjk1Rvw3</a></p>&mdash; Paris Basketball (@ParisBasketball) <a href="https://twitter.com/ParisBasketball/status/1846290779968266722?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 15, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

### [Baskonia Vitoria-Gasteiz 76-72 Real Madrid](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/game-center/2024-25/baskonia-vitoria-gasteiz-real-madrid/E2024/22/)

In an intense game that came down to the final seconds, Baskonia edged Real Madrid at Buesa Arena in Round 3 on Tuesday. Baskonia improved to 2-1 in the standings while Real dropped to 1-2. Markus Howard paced the winners with 15 points in less than 18 minutes and Chima Moneke added 14 points for Baskonia. Dzanan Musa led all scorers with 17 points and Walter Tavares posted 14 points and 15 rebounds in defeat.

<center>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="es" dir="ltr">🔥🔥🔥EL TRIUNFOOO ESS NUESTROOOOO 🔥🔥🔥<br><br>SUMAMOS EL SEGUNDO EN <a href="https://twitter.com/EuroLeague?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@EuroLeague</a> 2⃣✅<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/GoazenBaskonia?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#GoazenBaskonia</a> <a href="https://t.co/pZvVYJSD3F">pic.twitter.com/pZvVYJSD3F</a></p>&mdash; Baskonia (@Baskonia) <a href="https://twitter.com/Baskonia/status/1846284448758681865?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 15, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

### [Partizan Mozzart Bet Belgrade 86-78 FC Bayern Munich](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/game-center/2024-25/partizan-mozzart-bet-belgrade-fc-bayern-munich/E2024/26/)

Partizan registered its first win of the season, holding off visiting Bayern at a sold-out Belgrade Arena. Both teams now hold 1-2 records. Partizan took control with 6-for-7 three-point shooting in the first quarter, opening up a double-digit lead, and the margin was as big as 22 points in the second. Bayerrn rallied, and got as close as 6 points late in the fourth quarter, but Partizan's lead was never really in question. Sterling Brown paced Partizan with 22 points and Carlik Jones scored 14. Andreas Obt netted 15 points for Bayern.

<center>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="und" dir="ltr">Pobeda crno-belih!✊🏽🖤🤍<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/KKPartizan?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#KKPartizan</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/EuroLeague?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#EuroLeague</a> <a href="https://t.co/2NoDqWCttf">pic.twitter.com/2NoDqWCttf</a></p>&mdash; KK Partizan Mozzart Bet (@PartizanBC) <a href="https://twitter.com/PartizanBC/status/1846293250178424928?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 15, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

The first half of the double-round week is here

Game Center: Just one unbeaten team remains after Round 3

Partizan Mozzart Bet Belgrade v FC Bayern Munich (2024-10-15T18:45:00.000Z)

Paris Basketball v Panathinaikos AKTOR Athens (2024-10-15T18:30:00.000Z)

Baskonia Vitoria-Gasteiz v Real Madrid (2024-10-15T18:30:00.000Z)

Olympiacos Piraeus v EA7 Emporio Armani Milan (2024-10-15T18:15:00.000Z)

Maccabi Playtika Tel Aviv v Anadolu Efes Istanbul (2024-10-15T18:05:00.000Z)

Fenerbahce Beko Istanbul v Crvena Zvezda Meridianbet Belgrade (2024-10-15T17:45:00.000Z)

ALBA Berlin v LDLC ASVEL Villeurbanne (2024-10-15T17:30:00.000Z)

KK Crvena zvezda recorded a very impressive Round 3 win at Fenerbahçe Beko in the 2024-25 EuroLeague season, a result that has the Serbian side dreaming of a postseason berth later in the campaign.

Rejuvenated Zvezda nurturing high hopes after stellar night in Istanbul 

A resounding [57-76 road win at Fenerbahce Beko Istanbul](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/news/crvena-zvezda-showed-new-found-grit-to-demolish-fenerbahce/) propelled Crvena Zvezda Meridianbet Belgrade to a perfect 3-0 start in the Turkish Airlines EuroLeague and galvanized the club’s ambitions of reaching the postseason after last term’s fiasco.

Zvezda finished 16th in the 2023-34 campaign with a dismal 11-23 record but this term, a slightly revamped team looks capable of making the EuroLeague Playoffs after its magnificent performance against a more heralded opponent, which stunned even the Serbian side’s head coach, Ioannis Sfairopoulos.

Having forced 18 turnovers from Fenerbahce, 5 of them in the fourth quarter when the chips were down, Zvezda stifled out the home team throughout a lop-sided contest in which the hosts also made a mere 12-of-32 shots from two-point range and 7 of 23 from downtown.

Sfairopoulos, who guided Zvezda to a domestic treble last season despite a poor EuroLeague campaign, was thoroughly impressed with his team’s display in the Turkish capital.

“It’s not easy to play against Fenerbahce, especially here on their home court as this is a team with a lot of high quality players,” the Greek tactician told reporters at the post-game press conference.” The performance surprised me in a lot of ways as we kept our rhythm throughout and I am very pleased.”

Zvezda has thrived from the addition of playmaker [Codi Miller-McIntyre](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/codi-miller-mcintyre/009048/) to the backcourt, as there seems to be a new level of composure on offense. The return of [Ognjen Dobric](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/ognjen-dobric/004007/) and [Nikola Kalinic](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/nikola-kalinic/004866/) has provided the kind of defensive steel missing last season, while big man [Joel Bolomboy](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/joel-bolomboy/009035/) keeps dominating at both ends of the court like he did last term.

<center>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Amazing performance from our big man 🔥 | <a href="https://twitter.com/EuroLeague?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@EuroLeague</a> R3<br><br>⭐️ JOEL BOLOMBOY<br><br>📊 18 PTS, 8/10 FG, 2/2 3FG, 11 REB;<br>PIR 25<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/kkcz?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#kkcz</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WeAreTheTeam?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WeAreTheTeam</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/EveryGameMatters?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#EveryGameMatters</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/adidasPlayeroftheGame?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#adidasPlayeroftheGame</a> <a href="https://t.co/CcoJtTasiw">pic.twitter.com/CcoJtTasiw</a></p>&mdash; KK Crvena zvezda Meridianbet (@kkcrvenazvezda) <a href="https://twitter.com/kkcrvenazvezda/status/1846280239233880456?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 15, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Sfairopoulos will now expect his men to show some consistency which was conspicuous for its absence last season, and his first step in that direction was to remind his players they must keep their feet firmly on the ground. Especially in view of the fact that Zvezda has already suffered shock early losses to Split and Dubai Basketball in the regional ABA League, notably the latter as it came against a modest team which has a 1-3 record in the competition.

“It’s too early to get excited because there is a long way to go, it’s a marathon. We will stay humble in order to keep learning and improving,” said the 57-year-old head coach.

His Fenerbahce counterpart, Saras Jasikevicius, had to answer some tough questions concerning the horror show his players served up to their fans, and one of them was to comment on the early departure of droves of disgruntled supporters in the gym.

“We want our fans to support us, no question, but we are also responsible for the product we put out on the court,” stated the Lithuanian tactician. “To be honest, maybe I’d have left early too.”

Having congratulated Zvezda, Jasikevicius lambasted his team for lack of effort and cutting edge. 

“Zvezda was the better team in everything on the court tonight, first of all their desire to play,” he said. “Offensively we were really bad, we had too many turnovers and we didn’t find the spots where we can do damage. We didn’t make good decisions and it was a difficult evening for us.”

In Round 4, Zvezda is at home to FC Barcelona in what should be a blockbuster while Fenerbahce has a chance to redeem itself when it visits ALBA Berlin. 

The Serbian team made a statement of postseason intent with an impressive performance against Fenerbahce 