Zalgiris Kaunas beat KK Crvena zvezda 91-93 in Round 26 of the 2023-24 EuroLeague season.

Zalgiris Kaunas holds off KK Crvena zvezda for key win, 91-93

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Edgaras Ulanovas of Zalgiris Kaunas celebrates during his team's win against Crvena Zvezda Meridianbet Belgrade in Round 26 of the 2023-24 Turkish Airlines EuroLeague season.

The Lithuanian side kept its good run of form going with another impressive victory.

Zalgiris holds off Zvezda for key win, 91-93

Crvena Zvezda Meridianbet Belgrade v Zalgiris Kaunas (2024-02-09T19:00:00.000Z)

Follow Round 26 of the 2023-24 EuroLeague season, before the competition goes into hibernation for two weeks.

Game Center: Round 26 is here!

### Friday, February 9

[Crvena Zvezda Meridianbet Belgrade 91-93 Zalgiris Kaunas](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/news/euroleague-live-blog-kk-crvena-zvezda-vs-zalgiris-kaunas/)

In a see-saw battle that went down to the wire, Zalgiris pulled out an important 91-93 road win over Crvena Zvezda. It is Zalgiris's third straight win and its fourth in the last five outings, as the team improved to 11-15 on the season, while Zvezda dropped to a 10-16 record. Zalgiris spent the majority of the night with a small advantage, but no team had a lead bigger than 6 points in this game. However, as the game went down to the wire, Zalgiris used a 0-7 run to take a 72-75 lead. The visitors never trailed again as Tomas Dimsa, Keenan Evans and Edgaras Ulanovas made key baskets to keep Zalgiris ahead.

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">A thriller in Belgrade ends with a green-and-white win! 💚 <a href="https://t.co/gvz8SR4pmG">pic.twitter.com/gvz8SR4pmG</a></p>&mdash; BC Zalgiris Kaunas (@bczalgiris) <a href="https://twitter.com/bczalgiris/status/1756063153807401307?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 9, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

[Panathinaikos AKTOR Athens 74-63 Fenerbahce Beko Istanbul](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/news/euroleague-live-blog-panathinaikos-bc-vs-fenerbahce-beko/)

Panathinaikos grabbed its sixth consecutive home win in the Turkish Airlines EuroLeague by downing Fenerbahce 74-63 in the Greek capital on Friday. Panathinaikos improved to 16-10 in the standings while Fenerbahce dropped to 15-11. Kendrick Nunn led the winners with 23 points. Mathias Lessort added 13 and 8 rebounds for Panathinaikos. Johnathan Motley led Fenerbahce with 16 points. Tarik Biberovic and Nick Calathes each added 12 while Scottie Wilbekin had 10 for the guests, who would have the tie-break advantage if both teams finish the regular season with the same record. Calathes dished his 2,000th assists during the game, becoming the first player to reach this milestone.

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Final score ☘️<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/paobcaktor?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#paobcaktor</a> - <a href="https://twitter.com/FBBasketbol?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@FBBasketbol</a> 74-63 <a href="https://t.co/CoNzrT1C2r">pic.twitter.com/CoNzrT1C2r</a></p>&mdash; Panathinaikos BC (@paobcgr) <a href="https://twitter.com/paobcgr/status/1756067636452917628?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 9, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

[Virtus Segafredo Bologna 78-81 AS Monaco](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/news/euroleague-live-blog-virtus-bologna-vs-as-monaco-basket/)

Monaco ground out a precious 78-81 win at Virtus and improved to 16-10 on the back of its fifth successive win in the EuroLeague, while the Italian side dropped to 16-10 after its spirited fightback fell short in a dramatic finish. Jordan Lloyd stood out for Monaco with a season-high 24 points, of which 12 came in the second quarter when the visitors had built a 15-point lead. Mike James added 21 despite shooting 1-of-7 from downtown and also racked up 6 rebounds for the visitors. At the other end, Marco Belinelli paced Virtus with 21 points, while Iffe Lundberg added 15. Tornike Shengelia scored 12 points and Jordan Mickey chipped in with 10 for the hosts, who were roared on by a fervent home crowd from start to finish.

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="fr" dir="ltr">⚔️ 𝗟𝗔 𝗩𝗜𝗖𝗧𝗢𝗜𝗥𝗘 𝗔𝗨 𝗕𝗢𝗨𝗧 𝗗𝗨 𝗕𝗢𝗨𝗧 🥵<br><br>✅️ La <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/RocaTeam?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#RocaTeam</a> tient bon sur le parquet de la <a href="https://twitter.com/VirtusSegafredo?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@VirtusSegafredo</a> et ramène d&#39;Italie une victoire cruciale, avec la manière ! 💯<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/RocaTeam?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#RocaTeam</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/EveryGameMatters?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#EveryGameMatters</a> <a href="https://t.co/NeWGGZmL7N">pic.twitter.com/NeWGGZmL7N</a></p>&mdash; AS Monaco Basket 🇲🇨 (@ASMonaco_Basket) <a href="https://twitter.com/ASMonaco_Basket/status/1756071810771079545?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 9, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

[FC Barcelona 93-77 ALBA Berlin](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/news/euroleague-live-blog-barca-basket-vs-alba-berlin/)

Barcelona gained ground on first-placed Real Madrid as it took care of business with a convincing 93-77 home victory over ALBA. Barcelona took control of the game with a 20-2 second quarter run and then hit the first 9 points of the second half to improve to 18-8 with its third straight win. Willy Hernangomez led the way with 18 points for Barcelona, which won its sixth straight home game for a 13-1 record at Palau Blaugrana. Nicolas Laprovittola and Rokas Jokubaitis both added 13 points and Oscar da Silva chipped in 10 points, 10 rebounds and 5 steals. ALBA dropped to 5-21 overall and 1-12 on the road. Tim Schneider was ALBA’s top scorer with 14 points, and Matteo Spagnolo added 11 points in the loss.

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="ca" dir="ltr">𝐅𝐈𝐍𝐀𝐀𝐋! Victòria IMPORTANTÍSSIMA! 👊 <a href="https://t.co/XhX2AW8DZH">pic.twitter.com/XhX2AW8DZH</a></p>&mdash; Barça Basket (@FCBbasket) <a href="https://twitter.com/FCBbasket/status/1756065310287823180?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 9, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

### **Thursday, February 8**

[Anadolu Efes Istanbul 105-91 Maccabi Playtika Tel Aviv](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/news/euroleague-live-blog-anadolu-efes-sk-vs-maccabi-tel-aviv-bc/)

In a run-and-gun, thoroughly enjoyable showdown, Efes defeated Maccabi 105-91 in Round 26 in Riga, Latvia on Thursday. Efes improved to 11-15 in the standings while Maccabi dropped to 13-13. Shane Larkin paced the winners with 22 points and 6 assists. Rodrigue Beaubois added 20 points, Ercan Osmani had 13, Tibor Pleiss got 12 while Will Clyburn and Tyrique Jones contributed 10 apiece for Efes. Wade Baldwin led Maccabi with 26 points. Antonius Cleveland and Bonzie Colson each added 12, Jasiel Rivero and Josh Nebo had 11 apiece, while John DiBartolomeo got 10 for the guests.

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="tr" dir="ltr">“Biz Anadolu Efes’iz!” 👊<br>Anadolu Efes 105 - 91 Maccabi Playtika Tel Aviv | Maç Sonucu<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/BenimYerimBuras%C4%B1?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#BenimYerimBurası</a> <a href="https://t.co/0yGMKeZc59">pic.twitter.com/0yGMKeZc59</a></p>&mdash; Anadolu Efes SK (@AnadoluEfesSK) <a href="https://twitter.com/AnadoluEfesSK/status/1755673224954683892?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 8, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

[Baskonia Vitoria-Gasteiz 94-80 LDLC ASVEL Villeurbanne](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/news/euroleague-live-blog-saski-baskonia-vs-ldlc-asvel/)

History was made as Baskonia's Codi Miller-McIntyre put together one of the greatest performances in EuroLeague history on Thursday night. He recorded the fourth triple-double ever in the competition while also setting the record for most assists in a game with 20 during Baskonia's 94-80 win over ASVEL. Baskonia defended its spot in the playoff places with its fourth win in five home games in 2024 for a 14-12 overall record.

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="es" dir="ltr">Una victoria con mucha historia 🐺🐺💥💥<a href="https://twitter.com/CMMPatience?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@CMMPatience</a> <br><br> 1⃣4⃣ ✅✅✅✅<br><br>Una más juntos 🔵🔴💥<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/GoazenBaskonia?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#GoazenBaskonia</a> <a href="https://t.co/hM1sMh6KIK">pic.twitter.com/hM1sMh6KIK</a></p>&mdash; Baskonia (@Baskonia) <a href="https://twitter.com/Baskonia/status/1755699681701601482?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 8, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

[Partizan Mozzart Bet Belgrade 78-79 FC Bayern Munich](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/news/euroleague-live-blog-kk-partizan-vs-fc-bayern-basketball/)

Sylvain Francisco nailed a huge game-winning three-pointer and Bayern snatched a 78-79 victory at Partizan in Round 26 on Thursday night. The hosts dropped to a 12-14 record, while Bayern improved to 11-15. Francisco paced the visitors with 20 points, Serge Ibaka netted 14, Carsen Edwards had 12 and Danko Brankovic added 11. For Partizan, Kevin Punter scored a game-high 22 points and Frank Kaminsky netted 14, having gone 4-for-6 from beyond the arc. James Nunnally and PJ Dozier recorded 10 points apiece.

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">WHAT. A. GAME. 🥵 <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/PARBAY?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#PARBAY</a> <a href="https://t.co/PvtpNuxkxo">pic.twitter.com/PvtpNuxkxo</a></p>&mdash; FC Bayern Basketball (@FCBBasketball) <a href="https://twitter.com/FCBBasketball/status/1755710347141378335?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 8, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

[Valencia Basket 65-78 Olympiacos Piraeus](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/news/euroleague-live-blog-valencia-basket-vs-olympiacos-bc/)

Olympiacos grabbed a vital victory on the road, overcoming direct rival Valencia 65-78 at La Fonteta. The Reds improved to 15-11, two wins clear of Valencia at 13-13 and also with the head-to-head advantage between the teams. After a closely contested first half, the visiting team took control with a 0-11 run in the third quarter and didn’t look back as it restricted Valencia to just 26 points in the second half.

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="und" dir="ltr"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/%F0%9D%90%93%F0%9D%90%A8%F0%9D%90%A0%F0%9D%90%9E%F0%9D%90%AD%F0%9D%90%A1%F0%9D%90%9E%F0%9D%90%AB%F0%9D%90%96%F0%9D%90%9E%F0%9D%90%85%F0%9D%90%A2%F0%9D%90%A0%F0%9D%90%A1%F0%9D%90%AD?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#𝐓𝐨𝐠𝐞𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐖𝐞𝐅𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭</a> 💪 🔴⚪<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/VBCOLY?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#VBCOLY</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/OlympiacosBC?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#OlympiacosBC</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TogetherWeFight?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TogetherWeFight</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WeAreOlympiacos?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WeAreOlympiacos</a> <a href="https://t.co/YlVnzUnyEH">pic.twitter.com/YlVnzUnyEH</a></p>&mdash; Olympiacos B.C. (@Olympiacos_BC) <a href="https://twitter.com/Olympiacos_BC/status/1755707577596260603?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 8, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

[EA7 Emporio Armani Milan 81-76 Real Madrid](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/news/euroleague-live-blog-olimpia-milano-vs-real-madrid-baloncesto/)

Milan grabbed its second consecutive home victory in the EuroLeague by edging Real Madrid 81-76 at the Forum in Round 26 on Thursday. Milan improved to 11-15 while Real dropped to 22-4. Shavon Shields led the winners with a season-high 27 points. Nikola Mirotic buried 6-of-7 shots from downtown on his way to 23 points. Dzanan Musa led Real with 12 points. Mario Hezonja added 11 while Gabriel Deck had 10 for the defending champion.

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="it" dir="ltr">Milano gioca un primo tempo perfetto. Nella ripresa resiste alla rimonta del Real e vince 81 - 76!! ⚪️🔴<br><br>(Shields 27 pts, Mirotic 23, Lo e Napier 8)<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/insieme?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#insieme</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/olimpiamilano?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#olimpiamilano</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ForzaOlimpia?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ForzaOlimpia</a> <a href="https://t.co/VINclaLs09">pic.twitter.com/VINclaLs09</a></p>&mdash; Olimpia Milano (@OlimpiaMI1936) <a href="https://twitter.com/OlimpiaMI1936/status/1755705656445743577?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 8, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

This was the final round of games before a two-week break in the Turkish Airlines EuroLeague, so how did the teams get on?

Game Center: Key results in the playoff race as Round 26 comes to a close

Virtus Segafredo Bologna v AS Monaco (2024-02-09T19:30:00.000Z)

FC Barcelona v ALBA Berlin (2024-02-09T19:30:00.000Z)

Panathinaikos AKTOR Athens v Fenerbahce Beko Istanbul (2024-02-09T19:15:00.000Z)

Baskonia Vitoria-Gasteiz v LDLC ASVEL Villeurbanne (2024-02-08T19:30:00.000Z)

Partizan Mozzart Bet Belgrade v FC Bayern Munich (2024-02-08T19:30:00.000Z)

Valencia Basket v Olympiacos Piraeus (2024-02-08T19:30:00.000Z)

EA7 Emporio Armani Milan v Real Madrid (2024-02-08T19:30:00.000Z)

Anadolu Efes Istanbul v Maccabi Playtika Tel Aviv (2024-02-08T17:30:00.000Z)

Two teams in playoff territory meet again when Virtus Segafredo Bologna (16-9) hosts AS Monaco (15-10) in Round 26 on Friday at 20:30 CET.

Monaco visits Virtus in critical showdown

### Home streak vs. road warrior

Virtus enters this game on an 11-game home winning streak. It lost its season opener against Zalgiris Kaunas and has been undefeated at Virtus Segafredo Bologna ever since. Virtus's run includes victories against teams like FC Barcelona, Maccabi Playtika Tel Aviv, Olympiacos Piraeus and most recently, Partizan Mozzart Bet Belgrade. One more win would give Virtus its longest home winning streak in competition history. Virtus previously had 11 consecutive home wins from April 19, 2001 (Game 2 of the finals) to April 3, 2002, when it registered a 71-82 loss against Real Madrid at Palamalaguti.

Monaco's dangerous combination of backcourt stars could only reach 65 on a disappointing evening in Valencia. They target a sharp upturn in offensive efficiency versus a Virtus group, fresh from seeing a series of strong leads slip following a poor fourth quarter and longing to prosper for the full 40 minutes.

AS Monaco vs Virtus Segafredo Bologna | Round 2 | Highlights

On the other hand, Monaco is one of the strongest teams on the road this season, winning 6 of its 13 games away from the Principality. Only Real (9-3) and Baskonia (6-6) have a winning road record. Monaco managed to get road wins in front of strong basketball enviromente like Belgrade, Kaunas, Istanbul or Vitoria-Gasteiz. Moreover, Monaco should be extra motivated to bounce back from its Round 2 loss at home. Virtus downed Monaco 59-83 behind 14 points from Iffe Lundberg. It was Virtus's first victory of the season, and the start of a five-game winning streak. A loss would leave Monaco two wins behind Virtus and in a bad situation in multiple-way ties involved both teams.

### James and the scoring record

Monaco combo guard [Mike James](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/mike-james/005985/) is on the verge of becoming the Turkish Airlines EuroLeague's all-time top scorer. He currently ranks second with 4,406 points, only trailing three-time Final Four MVP Vassilis Spanoulis. By being 50 points away from the record, James is presented with a rare, really difficult opportunity to make history twice. [Shane Larkin](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/shane-larkin/007200/) holds the single-game EuroLeague scoring record with 49 points with Anadolu Efes Istanbul against FC Bayern Munich on November 29, 2019. As such, James could break both records in the same night: his biggest scoring night in the EuroLeague were 37 points, and he averages 19.3 points per game this season. It is unlikely, but somehow possible.

Mike James of AS Monaco is on the verge of becoming the EuroLeague's all-time top scorer!

2023-24 EuroLeague highlights: Mike James, Monaco

Of course, there is much more to Monaco's backcourt than James. [Jordan Loyd](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/jordan-loyd/009754/) did not play against Virtus in Round 2 and is set to join forces with James and [Elie Okobo](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/elie-okobo/011212/), who has been really solid lately. Okobo averaged 15.0 points of 13 of 21 two-pointers and a PIR of 17.0 in the last three games. Monaco should keep all of its backcourt power against a deep Virtus team led by veteran guards [Daniel Hackett](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/daniel-hackett/001844/) and [Marco Belinelli](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/marco-belinelli/bcn/). Virtus head coach Luca Banchi can use several players to guard James. Hackett and [Iffe Lundberg](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/iffe-lundberg/010781/) were his teammates with CSKA Moscow, plus [Isaia Cordinier](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/isaia-cordinier/009549/) has the quickness and athletisim to go against either James, Loyd or Okobo.

### Stellar matchup at power forward

Two of the best power forwards in the competition are set to go against each other. Monaco's [John Brown](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/john-brown/010588/) comes off a monster perfomance in Round 25 against Fenerbahce Beko Istanbul, leading his team's comeback win. He drew 7 fouls in the game and 6 of them were charges on the defensive end. Brown did much more than that, finishing the contest with 15 points on 7-of-9 two-pointers, 4 rebounds, 3 assists, 3 steals and a PIR of 26. His anticipation, energy and high-level physicality will definitely be needed in this stellar matchup against Virtus power forward [Toko Shengelia](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/tornike-shengelia/001133/), who returned from injury and is ready to go against Brown.

AS Monaco power forward John Brown finished the game against Fenerbahce Beko Istanbul with 15 points on 7 of 9 two-pointers, 4 rebounds, 3 assists, 3 steals and a PIR of 26, drawing six offensive fouls!

Brown drew six offensive fouls against Fenerbahce

Shengelia is having a career-best season and shows his credentials to make it to the All-EuroLeague teams night in and night out. He is averaging 14.6 points, 5.7 rebounds, 3.6 assists and a PIR of 18.5, hitting 58.4% of his two-point shots despite taking 7.3 attempts inside the arc per game. Shengelia already played well against Monaco in Round 2, getting 12 points, 5 rebounds and 4 assists for a PIR of 18 in less than 26 minutes. Brown went scoreless in that game and amassed a PIR of -2. Last season, Brown held Shengelia to just 2 points and a PIR of 1. Both players know each other well, so get ready for a very interesting, very tactical matchup!

As you see, the game has a lot of interesting storylines which will be solved at Virtus Segafredo Arena on Friday at 20:30 CET. Don't miss it!

The Players' View returns to EuroLeagueTV with our two regular hosts on Friday night with another unique look at the Turkish Airlines EuroLeague from the perspective of those who played in it. Michael Roll and Jake Cohen will sit down to watch an absolute showdown when Panathinaikos AKTOR Athens hosts Fenerbahce Beko Istanbul on Friday at 20:15 CET.

Michael Roll, Jake Cohen are back tonight with the Players' View!

The Players' View returns to [EuroLeagueTV](https://tv.euroleague.net/) with our two regular hosts on Friday night with another unique look at the Turkish Airlines EuroLeague from the perspective of those who played in it. Michael Roll and Jake Cohen will sit down to watch an absolute showdown when Panathinaikos AKTOR Athens hosts Fenerbahce Beko Istanbul on Friday at 20:15 CET.

As always, there's no better way to get the low-down on what's happening on the court than to listen to the live the insights of these former pros. The Players' View is available exclusively to [EuroLeagueTV](https://tv.euroleague.net/) subscribers. [Get your pass now](https://tv.euroleague.net/) to make sure you don't miss any of the action.

Two teams aiming to end their respective Final Four droughts this season, square off in the Greek capital tonight.

Fenerbahce, Panathinaikos BC ready for key clash and history-making night

Over the past decade, clashes between EuroLeague giants [Panathinaikos AKTOR Athens and Fenerbahce Beko Istanbul](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/game-center/2023-24/panathinaikos-aktor-athens-fenerbahce-beko-istanbul/E2023/233/) have not shied from producing historic outcomes. This week, as the teams' paths cross once again, everything is in place for this game to turn into a memorable and historic occasion, while also making a major impact on a tight playoff race.

The two teams enter Friday night's game tie for fourth place with 15-10 records.  The significant playoff implications this game carries are just in addition to the storylines about both head coaches and their respective playmakers, whose careers have all been directly, or in the case of Panathinaikos head coach Ergin Ataman, indirectly, impacted by the opposing side.

Ataman might have never been on the Fenerbahce bench, but everywhere he coached over the past decade, Anadolu Efes Istanbul and Galatasaray Istanbul before that, made the clashes against Fenerbahce some of the most anticipated games of the season for his team. Now that Ataman left his native Turkey and moved to Athens, the two-time EuoLeague-winning coach again runs into the same rival in one of the key clashes of the season.

What a shot! Kostas Sloukas wins it on the buzzer!

7DAYS Magic Moment of the NIght: Sloukas wins it!

For this game, Ataman might not have the on-court services of his veteran point guard [Kostas Sloukas](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/kostas-sloukas/001926/), who spent five years wearing a Fenerbahce jersey and helped lead it to three EuroLeague championship game appearances and the 2017 EuroLeague title. Sloukas turned into a villain for Fenerbahce and its fans last May when he hit a game-winning buzzer-beating triple playing for Olympiacos Piraeus in Game 3 of the playoffs and then celebrated it by running straight into the locker room.

Even if Sloukas, who missed the last three rounds, cannot go for Panathinaikos on Friday night, he will be next to the bench trying to impact the game with his advice, especially for fellow point guards [Luca Vildoza](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/luca-vildoza/007947/) and [Jerian Grant](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/jerian-grant/011204/).

But his return would mean a lot for Panathinaikos, which has struggled offensively since Sloukas went down, as the team is averaging 74.0 points and has not managed to score 80 points in any of the last three games. In either case, the Greens will need sharpshooter [Marius Grigonis](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/marius-grigonis/002328/) to find his range and [Kendrick Nunn](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/kendrick-nunn/012774/) to keep getting buckets while trying to cut down on his turnovers; he has averaged 4.0 over the last seven games.

Panathinaikos hopes a boost from its fans is one of the factors that can make a difference, and Fenerbahce head coach Sarunas Jasikevicius knows very well how tough the environment where he is taking his team is.

Jasikevicius returns to Athens where he played four seasons for Panathinaikos, including a three-year stint from 2007 through 2010 when he helped the Greens to the 2009 EuroLeague championship. The last season Jasikevicius spent with Panathinaikos was the 2011-12 campaign, which also marks the last time the Greens went to the Final Four.

That season, one of Saras's teammates was his current starting point guard [Nick Calathes](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/nick-calathes/001932/), who was once was a symbol of Panathinaikos, having played there for a total of eight seasons, first from 2009 to 2012, and again from 2015 until 2020.

Calathes set a series of assist records in the Greens' uniform, and the stars aligned for Calathes to have an opportunity to become the first man in EuroLeague history to reach 2,000 assists in the arena and against the club where he left such a big of a mark. Calathes needs only 2 assists to make this event forever inscribed in EuroLeague history.

Fenerbahce Beko Istanbul-Panathinaikos Athens | Round 3 Highlights | 2023-24 Turkish Airlines EuroLeague

Of course, it would not be the first time Fenerbahce made history against Panathinaikos at OAKA. In 2017, Fenerbahce became the first team to win the first two games of the playoffs on the road before going on to sweep Panathinaikos and become the only team to this day that has swept a best-of-five EuroLeague Playoff series without having the home-court advantage.

Calathes played for Panathinaikos in that series and now hopes that by reaching his individual milestone he can help Fenerbahce escape OAKA with a win and a season-sweep of Panathinaikos.

Panathinaikos, on the other hand, will see if a chance presents itself to win by more than 14 points, which is the margin of Fenerbahce's win in Round 3.

In either case, the way things have played out so far this season, this Round 26 collision is all but certain to bring another major chapter to this rivalry.

Two teams aiming to end their respective Final Four droughts this season, square off in the Greek capital tonight. 


Fenerbahce, Panathinaikos ready for key clash and history-making night

Codi Miller-McIntyre's performance on Thursday for Baskonia Vitoria-Gasteiz against visiting LDLC ASVEL Villeurbanne at Buesa Arena was nothing short of historic. 

Codi Miller-McIntyre’s special night 

In the Basque language, the month of February is known as Otsaila, which translates as the month of wolves. So it was only appropriate that a player nicknamed "The Wolf" would do something special for the Basque Country's only Turkish Airlines EuroLeague team in their final game in the competition this month.

That player is [Codi Miller-McIntyre](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/codi-miller-mcintyre/009048/), and his performance on Thursday for Baskonia Vitoria-Gasteiz [against the visiting LDLC ASVEL Villeurbanne at Buesa Arena](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/news/euroleague-live-blog-saski-baskonia-vs-ldlc-asvel/) was nothing short of historic.

<center><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">I like this month 🐺🖤</p>&mdash; Codi Miller-McIntyre (@CMMPatience) <a href="https://twitter.com/CMMPatience/status/1753339001702842701?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 2, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script> 

### Two historic feats

Miller-McIntyre had a night to remember with 20 assists to snap the EuroLeague’s all-time single-game mark of 19. The 29-year-old also finished the game with 11 points and 11 rebounds for just the fourth triple-double in EuroLeague history.

“Yeah, I am excited I got it. But my teammates really helped me. They told me to keep going when I got tired. Thank you to them,” said Miller-McIntyre, who broke his previous best of 15 assists midway through the third quarter.

Miller-McIntyre was wheeling and dealing from the get-go.

He assisted on Baskonia’s first five baskets of the game as well as picking up 2 more assists in the first quarter — collecting 7 assists, 5 rebounds and 0 points in the first frame.

The second quarter featured a more than four-minute stretch of Miller-McIntyre assisting on five straight Baskonia baskets. He finished the first half with a tough layup just before the buzzer to give him 2 points and 12 assists.

“Throughout the game, Codi definitely had control of the game. With his rebounding, defense and of course his assisting," said [Markus Howard](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/markus-howard/011948/), who paced Baskonia with 18 points. "Just his presence and his command on the court. He was a huge part of why we won. He seemed like he was doing everything out there. We are so fortunate to have a guy like that and be our point guard and be our leader."

Miller-McIntyre assisted on Baskonia’s first two baskets of the second half and tied his previous high of 15 with 5:42 minutes to go in the third quarter. That was the start of three straight assists to push him to 17 assists — his total after three quarters.

<center>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">History!!!!!!!!!<a href="https://twitter.com/CMMPatience?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@CMMPatience</a> <a href="https://t.co/VZEYSWBmaF">pic.twitter.com/VZEYSWBmaF</a></p>&mdash; Chima Moneke (@Chimdogg_) <a href="https://twitter.com/Chimdogg_/status/1755701271032435029?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 8, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

While everyone inside Buesa Arena was looking at how many assists Miller-McIntyre had, ASVEL was hoping to maybe steal the game. [Mike Scott](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/mike-scott/012729/)’s three-pointer trimmed the lead to 5 points with 9 minutes to go.

Miller-McIntyre was not going to let ASVEL ruin his party, though. He hit a three-pointer, moving to just 5 points, and a triple by [Matt Costello](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/matthew-costello/010444/) re-established an 11-point lead. And everybody could get back to the Miller-McIntyre history watch.

Assist number 18 came on a Costello score with 5 minutes to go and Howard converted 3 free throws with 3:48 minutes left to equal history.

More than a minute passed and Baskonia was able to get on the run and Miller-McIntyre set the assist record in style by tossing up an alley-oop pass to [Chima Moneke](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/chima-moneke/012201/) for a big dunk.

<center>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Most assists dished in a single <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/EuroLeague?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#EuroLeague</a> game:<br><br>🇺🇸Codi Miller-McIntyre: 20👈<br>🇦🇷Facundo Campazzo: 19<br>🇷🇸Stefan Jovic: 19<br>🇬🇷Nick Calathes: 18<br>🇬🇷Nick Calathes: 18<br>🇬🇷Nick Calathes: 17<br>🇺🇸Marcus Williams: 17<br>🇦🇷Facundo Campazzo: 17<br>🇬🇷Nick Calathes: 16<br>🇺🇸Darius Thompson: 16</p>&mdash; Darius Garuolis (@DariusGaruolis) <a href="https://twitter.com/DariusGaruolis/status/1755703896079491394?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 8, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>


One piece of history had been done. But Miller-McIntyre’s teammates wouldn’t let him pass up on the triple-double.

“Yeah, I am excited I got it. But my teammates really helped me. They told me to keep going when I got tired. Thank you to them,” said Miller-McIntyre, who made 2 free throws with 79 seconds left to get to 11 points, 11 rebounds and 20 assists.

Before Thursday night, only two players in EuroLeague history had ever accomplished a triple-double.

[Nikola Vujcic](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/nikola-vujcic/apb/) twice did it with Maccabi Playtika Tel Aviv. He collected [11 points, 12 rebounds and 11 assists in 2005-06 against Prokom Trefl](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/game-center/stats/db/E2005/5/#boxscore) and followed that with [27 points, 10 rebounds and 10 assists in 2006-07 versus Olimpija Ljubljana](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/game-center/stats/db/E2006/67/#boxscore).

The most recent triple-double went to [Nick Calathes](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/nick-calathes/001932/), who [tallied 11 points, 12 rebounds and 18 assists for Panathinaikos AKTOR Athens](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/game-center/stats/db/E2018/235/#boxscore) in 2018-19 against Buducnost.

<center>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">We don&#39;t usually see triple doubles in EuroLeague, but when we see them it&#39;s this crazy:<br><br>Last 2 triples in league&#39;s history:<a href="https://t.co/u3j8bDMuAz">https://t.co/u3j8bDMuAz</a><br><br>Calathes — Codi —<br>11 PTS 11 PTS<br>12 REB 11 REB<br>18 AST 20 AST <a href="https://t.co/cpJkdu3pKv">pic.twitter.com/cpJkdu3pKv</a></p>&mdash; Givemestats (@iamgivemestats) <a href="https://twitter.com/iamgivemestats/status/1755714779132440670?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 8, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>


Miller-McIntyre ended up generating 60 of Baskonia’s 94 points. He scored 11 points himself, assisted on 22 points from two-pointers, 24 from three-pointers and 3 on free throws.

During the post-game press conference, Baskonia head coach Dusko Ivanovic commented that Miller-McIntyre’s performance was just the latest in a season full of outstanding showings.

“Tonight was maybe the culmination, but the whole year he has played excellently,” Ivanovic stated.

Codi Miller-McIntyre, his teammates and the rest of Baskonia fans will never forget what happened in Round 26 of the 2023-24 EuroLeague. After all, it was a performance for the ages.

More Baskonia News

Codi Miller-McIntyre celebrates during Baskonia Vitoria-Gasteiz's win against LDLC ASVEL Villeurbanne in Round 26 of the 2023-24 Turkish Airlines EuroLeague Regular Season.

The Baskonia point guard, nicknamed “The Wolf”, gave fans a night to remember on Thursday. 

Codi Miller-McIntyre's special night: 'My teammates really helped me'

By winning at KK Partizan, FC Bayern Basketball gave its hopes of making the EuroLeague Play-In Showdown a big boost.

FC Bayern Basketball bounced back in style at Stark Arena

It takes true strength of character to beat Partizan Mozzart Bet Belgrade at Stark Arena, especially in a game where the hosts have been in control for the majority of the first three quarters.

[FC Bayern Munich, however, showed in Round 26 that it has plenty of fighting spirit and a never-say-die attitude](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/news/euroleague-live-blog-kk-partizan-vs-fc-bayern-basketball/), which came to the fore in Serbia on Thursday night.

Last week saw Pablo Laso’s Bayern fall at home to Olympiacos Piraeus, meaning it was the team’s second defeat at BMW Park in its last three games. After losing to LDLC ASVEL Villeurbanne, Bayern edged past Baskonia Vitoria-Gasteiz in overtime before then succumbing to the Reds.

### Making a statement in Belgrade

Hence, morale was not at its highest ahead of a trip to Partizan, as Bayern dropped to a 10-15 record and saw its play-in hopes take a dent. The game in Belgrade suddenly became a must-win fixture – and Bayern demonstrated in the first quarter that it would be a tough opponent to break down.

The guests outscored Partizan 23-26 in the first 10 minutes, but an extraordinary Frank Kaminsky came to the fore in the second quarter. The Partizan center went 4-for-4 from beyond the arc and recorded a PIR of 19, which is the best PIR registered in a single quarter of a Turkish Airlines EuroLeague game by a Partizan player in a game since 2014, when Tarence Kinsey recorded a 21 PIR in the second period of a game against, curiously enough, Bayern.

“I think it was very important for the players to tell them during the game that they were doing the things that we told them to do,” Coach Laso explained during the post-game press conference. “They needed to follow the plan, despite Kaminsky popping against [\[Serge\] Ibaka](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/serge-ibaka/003583/) and [\[Danko\] Brankovic](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/danko-brankovic/007639/) and taking some jumpers. He went 4-for-4. \[I told them:\] ‘Keep believing, we will solve that problem. We have our solutions for that. Let’s see if he keeps making \[triples\].’ But we followed the plan and the team was very good both offensively and defensively.”

<center>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">🧐 We are now 3-0 with Schweinsteiger Courtside. No pressure, <a href="https://twitter.com/BSchweinsteiger?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@BSchweinsteiger</a> 😂 <a href="https://t.co/edhQ1PU8ek">pic.twitter.com/edhQ1PU8ek</a></p>&mdash; FC Bayern Basketball (@FCBBasketball) <a href="https://twitter.com/FCBBasketball/status/1755717944250699777?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 8, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Having taken a 45-41 cushion into the second half, Partizan remained in control after the break and even took a double-digit lead, 61-51, with 3:42 left on the clock in the third quarter. With the Partizan fans buzzing, the hosts looked eager to extend their lead heading into the fourth.

### A timely contribution

Enter [Sylvain Francisco](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/sylvain-francisco/007975/), who scored 19 of his 20 points in the last 13 minutes of the contest, including a game-winning three-pointer to silence the packed crowd.

“We spoke before the game and we said that it will be very tough until the end,” Laso noted. “We were trailing but we were still fighting. We were coming back, but we made some mistakes. It looked like the game was slipping out of our hands. We were able to come back and we played really smart in the last few possessions. We’ve got a lot of credit for winning in this arena, where not a lot of teams are able to win.”

Partizan's Kevin Punter endeavours to maintain his magnificent form after scoring 28 and 22 points in losses in Monaco and Bologna, whilst German-giants Bayern have Sylvain Francisco in great shape with double-digit scoring in six consecutive games, having also netted 17 in this reverse fixture.

Partizan Mozzart Bet Belgrade-FC Bayern Munich | Round 26 Highlights | 2023-24 Turkish Airlines EuroLeague

Mid-range jumpers created trouble for Bayern’s defense all night, with Kevin Punter and PJ Dozier dealing blow after blow in the closing stages. Yet, Bayern didn’t give up and responded in the form of Francisco and Ibaka, who combined for 17 of their team’s 20 points in the last quarter.

“We stuck together,” the Bayern center said after the win. “We knew that coming here would not be easy. Them playing here at home with these fans, it’s crazy. I’ve never seen something like this before in my life in 18 years playing professional basketball. This is a very important victory for us, especially coming from the last game that we lost at home. Winning here is big for us.”

Serge Ibaka spoke after FC Bayern Munich's win at Partizan Mozzart Bet Belgrade.

Ibaka's post-game interview vs. Partizan

### Play-in goals

Indeed, winning at Stark Arena can’t be taken for granted, but Bayern proved on Thursday night that it has the mentality to fight back against all odds. “We still have chances to get in play-in positions and we will fight until the end,” Laso added.

Bayern will dispute five of its last eight games of the season at home, with its three road duels taking place at playoff-chasing Anadolu Efes Istanbul, Valencia Basket and AS Monaco. However, the German side demonstrated on Thursday night that it has what it takes to defy the odds, which should put it in good stead entering the home stretch.

More Bayern News

The FC Bayern Munich players celebrate together after defeating Partizan Mozzart Bet Belgrade in Round 26 of the 2023-24 Turkish Airlines EuroLeague season.

The German side gave its hopes of making the Play-In Showdown a big boost in Round 26.

Bayern bounced back in style at Stark Arena

Another high-powered matchup will see fifth-placed AS Monaco Basket (15-10) aim to become the first visiting team since October to triumph at third-placed Virtus Bologna (16-9). 

Preview: Virtus Bologna vs. AS Monaco Basket

[Rosters](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/game-center/2023-24/virtus-segafredo-bologna-as-monaco/E2023/234/#roster) | [Facts](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/news/tae2324-rs26-game-facts-vir-mco/) | [Notes](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/news/tae2324-rs26-game-notes-vir-mco/) | [Quotes](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/news/tae2324-rs26-prequotes-vir-mco/) |[ TV](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/tv-listings-el/) | [Fantasy](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/news/fantasy-challenge-tips-round-26/)

Monaco is in great form with four straight victories, but was shocked by the Italian team, 59-83, when the teams met in October. Virtus claimed a massive 46 rebounds in that game, so the visitors will look for [Donta Hall](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/donta-hall/011196/) and [Donatas Moteijunas](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/donatas-motiejunas/lcz/) to protect the backboards more strongly as they confront [Bryant Dunston](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/bryant-dunston/003048/) and [Toko Shengelia](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/tornike-shengelia/001133/). The game also features two of the league's most potent long-range shooters, [Marco Belinelli](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/marco-belinelli/bcn/) (2.8 triples per game) and [Mike James](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/mike-james/005985/) (2.7).

[Virtus Stats](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/teams/virtus-segafredo-bologna/statistics/vir/?season=2023-24&phase=All%20phases) | [Monaco Stats](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/teams/as-monaco/statistics/mco/?season=2023-24&phase=All%20phases)

Shane Larkin vs. Elie Okobo: Two guards with the clutch gene face off in Round 26.

Virtus Segafredo Bologna pulled off a big surprise on the road as it hammered AS Monaco 59-83 after hitting a club record 16 three-pointers.

Last game: AS Monaco-Virtus Segafredo Bologna | Round 2  Highlights | 2023-24 Turkish Airlines EuroLeague

Another high-powered matchup will see fifth-placed Monaco (15-10) aim to become the first visiting team since October to triumph at third-placed Virtus (16-9). 

Virtus, Monaco ready to go to battle in Bologna

Second hosts second-bottom as Barça Basket (17-8) looks for a sixth straight home win with a visit from ALBA Berlin (5-15), which has just one road victory all season.

Preview: Barça Basket vs. ALBA Berlin

[Rosters](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/game-center/2023-24/fc-barcelona-alba-berlin/E2023/232/#roster) | [Facts](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/news/tae2324-rs26-game-facts-bar-ber/) | [Notes](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/news/tae2324-rs26-game-notes-bar-ber/) | [Quotes](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/news/tae2324-rs26-prequotes-bar-ber/) |[ TV](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/tv-listings-el/) | [Fantasy](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/news/fantasy-challenge-tips-round-26/)

The Spanish side won't be taking the task lightly after suffering a shock defeat in Berlin, 74-70, in December. Barca will look to control the outside shooting threat of [Matt Thomas](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/matt-thomas/008967/), who led ALBA with 13 points on that occasion and has netted multiple triples in seven of the last 11 games. The host will also hope that shooting guard [Dario Brizuela](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/dario-brizuela/009992/) can stay in his sweet moment after scoring 20 points on 6-of-7 three-point shooting in last week's solid win at Zvezda.

[Barcelona Stats](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/teams/fc-barcelona/statistics/bar/?season=2023-24&phase=All%20phases) | [ALBA Stats](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/teams/alba-berlin/statistics/ber/?season=2023-24&phase=All%20phases)

Jabari Parker vs. Louis Olinde: Two star forwards will go to battle at Palau Blaugrana.

Barça wish to restore its usual defensive high standards after allowing at least 80 points in each of the last five, with former ALBA forward Oscar Da Silva likely to play a key role. Berlin hope that Johannes Thiemann can continue his great season and dominate the inside battle to help secure a shock win.

Last game: ALBA Berlin-FC Barcelona | Round 15 Highlights | 2023-24 Turkish Airlines EuroLeague

Second hosts second-bottom as Barcelona (17-8) looks for a sixth straight home win with a visit from ALBA (5-15), which has just one road victory all season.