### The Greek Cup remains with Olympiacos

Olympiacos Piraeus successfully defended the Greek Cup with a resounding 57-85 victory over Peristeri Athens at Heraklion Indoor Sports Arena. Alec Peters knocked down 8 of 11 three-pointers en route to 26 points to lead the winners, who claimed the Greek Cup for the 11th time. Sasha Vezenkov added 20 points and Moustapaha Fall contributed 13. Dimitrios Moraitis scored 16 to lead Peristeri. 

Vezenkov and Fall each scored twice in a game-opening 2-12 run that set the tone. A triple by Kostas Papanilolaou made it 10-26 after 10 minutes. The Reds then opened the second quarter on a 1-15 tear in which Peters netted 3 three-pointers to go up by 30. Peristeri trimmed the deficit to 21-45 at halftime, but never threatened in the second half as Olympiacos cruised to victory.

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="und" dir="ltr">Greek Cup Winners 2023 - Κυπελλούχος Ελλάδας 2023<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://twitter.com/hashtag/CupMenHellas?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#CupMenHellas</a> <a href="https://t.co/FFNTSQhIsZ">pic.twitter.com/FFNTSQhIsZ</a></p>&mdash; Olympiacos B.C. (@olympiacosbc) <a href="https://twitter.com/olympiacosbc/status/1627401013626822656?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 19, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

### France: ASVEL overpowers Bourg for cup

LDLC ASVEL Villeurbanne captured the French Leaders Cup with a 74-83 triumph over Mincidelice JL Bourg en Bresse in St. Etienne. Nando De Colo scored 20 points to lead ASVEL. Retin Obasohan tallied 16 points and 7 rebounds, Charles Kahudi had 13 and 9 and Dee Bost added 12 points for the winners. Bourg's Jordan Floyd scored a game-high 23 and James Palmer had 20 in defeat. 

ASVEL never trailed, but Bourg kept it close for much of the first quarter, which ended with the score 17-22.  ASVEL took control with a 2-18 second-quarter charge, in which De Colo scored a third of his team’s points. It was 25-45 at halftime and 47-64 after three quarters. ASVEL’s lead peaked at 47-73 before Amida Brimah helped Bourg make a late run to cut the difference to single figures. But it was too little, too late, as ASVEL began to celebrate.

<center><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="fr" dir="ltr">LA COUPE À LA MAISON ! 🏆<br><br>En mode patron, les Villeurbannais s’imposent face à la <a href="https://twitter.com/JLBourgBasket?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@JLBourgBasket</a> et remportent la <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/LeadersCup?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#LeadersCup</a> 2023 ! 👏<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/LDLCASVEL?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#LDLCASVEL</a> <a href="https://t.co/16hghNGiQA">pic.twitter.com/16hghNGiQA</a></p>&mdash; LDLC ASVEL (@LDLCASVEL) <a href="https://twitter.com/LDLCASVEL/status/1627391390836563970?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 19, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

### Zalgiris defends the Lithuanian Cup

Zalgiris Kaunas won Lithuania's King Mindaugas Cup for the fourth year in a row by defeating Jonava 77-81 in the final in Siauliai. Edgaras Ulanovas scored 22 points for the winners, Arnas Butkevicius added 17 and Rolands Smits and Lukas Lekavicius contributed 10 apiece. Edvinas Seskus led Jonava with 17 points and Glynn Watson scored 15.

Zalgiris started strong and led 17-26 after 10 minutes. Jonava turned the tables in the third quarter and entered the fourth up 56-55.  Butkevicius scored twice in a 0-10 Zalgiris run to open the fourth quarter. Goran Huskic helped Jonava rally to within 70-73 and Watson made it 74-76 in the penultimate minute. Free throws by Ulanovas and Smits helped Zalgiris seal the outcome.

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Champions. The trophy is heading back to Kaunas! 🍾 <a href="https://t.co/af94fmVEFW">pic.twitter.com/af94fmVEFW</a></p>&mdash; BC Zalgiris Kaunas (@bczalgiris) <a href="https://twitter.com/bczalgiris/status/1627402238963449857?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 19, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

### Bayern triumphs in Germany 

FC Bayern Munch won the German Cup for the fourth time – and the second time in three years – by defeating tournament host EWE Baskets Oldenburg 78-90 on Sunday. Corey Walden and Vladimir Lucic scored 18 points apiece, Nick Weiler-Babb added 14 and Freddie Gillespie posted 9 points and 9 boards for the winners. Dewayne Russell paced Oldenburg with 28 points and 5 assists and Trey Drechsel posted 21 points and 8 rebounds in defeat.

Threes by Isaac Bonga and Niklas Wimberg helped Bayern to a 0-7 lead which reached double figures on a triple by Lucic, 9-20. A three by Alen Pjanic drew Oldenburg within 16-24 after 10 minutes. Oldenburg closed the gap to 6 points a few times in the second quarter, which finished with Bayern ahead 35-43. Freddie Gillespie scored 4 points in a 1-10 start to the second half. The margin stood at 54-65 through three quarters and Bayern held on the rest of the way.

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="de" dir="ltr">DEUTSCHER POKALSIEGER 2023 <a href="https://t.co/nnvyOzu6sH">pic.twitter.com/nnvyOzu6sH</a></p>&mdash; FC Bayern Basketball (@FCBBasketball) <a href="https://twitter.com/FCBBasketball/status/1627337905340583936?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 19, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

### Italy: Virtus falls in final

Germani Brescia conquered the Italian Cup for the first time on Sunday with a 76-84 victory over Virtus Segafredo Bologna. Amedeo Della Valle starred with 26 points and 6 assists, John Petrucelli scored 13 and Kenny Gabriel posted 9 points and 10 rebounds to lead the winners. Marco Belinelli scored 24 points to lead Virtus in defeat. Toko Shengelia added 12 points, Jordan Mickey 11 and Daniel Hackett 10.

Della Valle, Christian Burns and Petrucelli led a 5-16 run to close the second quarter that put Brescia up 30-40 at halftime. Brescia scored the first 5 points of the second half and the lead reached 42-59 on a Tai Odiase free throw. Virtus fought back to 51-61 at the end of the third quarter. Belinelli helped Virtus on a 9-0 spurt to get within 60-64 and Shengelia made it 71-72 with less than 4 minutes remaining. But Virtus was unable to score on its next four possessions as Della Valle stretched the lead to 7 from the foul line to all but put the game on ice.

<center><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="it" dir="ltr">SCONFITTA ❌<br>La Segafredo cade in finale contro Brescia nonostante i tentativi di rimonta fino alla sirena finale<br><br>🔢 Belinelli 24, Shengelia 12, Mickey 11, Hackett 10<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AmoreInfinito?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AmoreInfinito</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/LBAF82023?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#LBAF82023</a> <a href="https://t.co/QjWGTYqQHC">pic.twitter.com/QjWGTYqQHC</a></p>&mdash; Virtus Segafredo Bologna (@VirtusSegafredo) <a href="https://twitter.com/VirtusSegafredo/status/1627383664161030144?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 19, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Domestic cups: ASVEL, Olympiacos, Bayern, Zalgiris take trophies home

### Zvezda wins Serbian Cup!

 

Crvena Zvezda Meridianbet Belgrade has won the Serbian Cup for the third year in a row – and for the 12th time in total – after downing Mega Basket 96-79 in the final. Ognjen Dobric and Nemanja Nedovic were the stars of the show on offense for Zvezda, scoring 24 and 20 points, respectively.

 

Mega made life difficult for Zvezda in the first quarter and was able to close the first 10 minutes ahead, 22-23. However, Zvezda then put its foot on the gas on offense in the second and third quarters, scoring 29 and 27 points, respectively. Mega was unable to keep pace in that time, scoring 21 points in each quarter. Entering the fourth quarter, Zvezda led 78-65. The last period saw each team score their lowest total of points, yet Zvezda was able to put 18 on the board compared to Mega's 14.

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="und" dir="ltr">Kup je naš! 🔴⚪️<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/kkcz?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#kkcz</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TogetherWeCan?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TogetherWeCan</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WeAreTheTeam?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WeAreTheTeam</a> <a href="https://t.co/uUmgExzwnr">pic.twitter.com/uUmgExzwnr</a></p>&mdash; KK Crvena zvezda Meridianbet (@kkcrvenazvezda) <a href="https://twitter.com/kkcrvenazvezda/status/1627064554567139331?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 18, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

### Olympiacos beats Panathinaikos to reach final

Olympiacos Piraeus will play in the final of the Greek Cup after beating Panathinaikos Athens 81-65 in Irakleio. Sasha Vezenkov paced Olympiacos with a 22-point, 10-rebound double-double, while Kostas Papanikolaou scored 15 points and Isaiah Canaan finished with 14 points.

Panathinaikos looked the better team in the first quarter and was able to open a 10-14 lead, but a Vezenkov-inspired 8-0 run from Olympiacos saw it nudge in front. By the close of the first 10 minutes, the Reds were 3 points ahead, 22-19. In the second quarter, Panathinaikos's defense caused plenty of problems for Olympiacos, while the Greens also capitalized on offense and went into halftime with a 35-40 advantage. After the break, though, Canaan and Papanikolaou struck from deep as the Reds went on a 20-1 run to start the third, 55-41. The gap extended to as many as 17 points, 60-43, before Panathinaikos made it a 64-50 game entering the final period. However, Olympiacos did enough in the fourth quarter to ensure that it came away with an 81-65 victory.

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="el" dir="ltr">Τελικό 🏀 <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/OlympiacosBC?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#OlympiacosBC</a> - Παναθηναϊκός <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/OLYPAO?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#OLYPAO</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/CupMenHellas?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#CupMenHellas</a> <a href="https://t.co/gFOkA81qN1">pic.twitter.com/gFOkA81qN1</a></p>&mdash; Olympiacos B.C. (@olympiacosbc) <a href="https://twitter.com/olympiacosbc/status/1627024436007165953?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 18, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

### ASVEL dominates in semifinal tie

 

LCLC ASVEL Villeurbanne has the chance to add a second French League Cup to its title case after beating Le Mans 65-90 in the semifinals. Nando De Colo led ASVEL with 15 points, while Charles Kahudi and Antoine Diot had 11 points apiece. Dee Bost scored 10 points, too.

 

ASVEL was able to open a 21-26 lead after the first 10 minutes, before it took advantage of a 8-22 second quarter to find itself 29-48 at halftime. Le Mans responded after the interval by winning the third quarter 21-20, but it still found itself down by 18 points, 40-58. It was always going to be a tough task to overturn that deficit, and ASVEL didn't allow Le Mans to get close, outscoring its opponents 15-22 to come away with a dominant 65-90 win.

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="fr" dir="ltr">🤩 Direction la finale après cette rencontre maîtrisée ! <br><br>RDV demain (18h30) face à la <a href="https://twitter.com/JLBourgBasket?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@JLBourgBasket</a> pour aller chercher le trophée ! <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/LDLCASVEL?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#LDLCASVEL</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/LeadersCup?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#LeadersCup</a> <a href="https://t.co/PaXYS6PpIC">pic.twitter.com/PaXYS6PpIC</a></p>&mdash; LDLC ASVEL (@LDLCASVEL) <a href="https://twitter.com/LDLCASVEL/status/1627064886114258946?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 18, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

### Virtus through to Italian Cup final

 

Virtus Segafredo Bologna beat Derthona Basket 90-65 on Saturday night to reach the final of the Italian Cup. Virtus guard Marco Belinelli scored a game-high 20 points in his 19 minutes on the floor. Tornike Shengelia added 18, while Kyle Weems and Semi Ojeleye had 11 points apiece.

 

Virtus took an early lead, 11-2, and never looked back as it finished the first period with a 29-12 lead. It was a tighter affair in the second quarter, with Virtus outscoring Derthona 23-21, but its first-quarter advantage saw it go into halftime 52-33 ahead. Derthona lost both the third and fourth quarters by 3 points – 21-18 and 17-14, respectively – as Virtus ensured its name would be in Sunday's Italian Cup final.

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="it" dir="ltr">VITTORIA ⚪️⚫️<br>La Segafredo al comando sin dall’inizio della gara abbatte Tortona e si guadagna l’accesso alla finale di Coppa Italia ✅😎<br><br>🔢 Belinelli 20, Shengelia 18, Weems 11, Ojeleye 11<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AmoreInfinito?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AmoreInfinito</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/LBAF82023?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#LBAF82023</a> <a href="https://t.co/yS8mDcUYzf">pic.twitter.com/yS8mDcUYzf</a></p>&mdash; Virtus Segafredo Bologna (@VirtusSegafredo) <a href="https://twitter.com/VirtusSegafredo/status/1627017968549765120?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 18, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

### Bayern into final at ALBA's expense

 

FC Bayern Munich beat fellow EuroLeague team and German Cup holder ALBA Berlin 77-83 to make sure of its place in Sunday's final. Cassius Winston had a team-high 21 points for Bayern, who also had Nick Weiler-Babb and Andreas Obst reach double figures with 14 and 11 points, respectively. For ALBA, Jaleen Smith scored an impressive 31 points, but the team's next highest scorer was Yanni Wetzell with 9.

 

Bayern had the better start to the game and managed to open a 21-17 advantage after the first quarter, but ALBA – led by Smith – managed to cut the deficit at halftime, 40-38. However, a slow start to the third quarter for ALBA, in addition to some impressive Bayern defense, allowed Andrea Trinchieri's team to outscore Israel Gonzalez's side 20-13 and enter the final period 60-51 ahead. ALBA had a strong finish, winning the fourth quarter 23-26, but it was not enough to overturn the deficit.

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">𝙊𝙣𝙚 𝙨𝙩𝙚𝙥 𝙘𝙡𝙤𝙨𝙚𝙧 𝙩𝙤 🏆<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/FCBB?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#FCBB</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/BBL?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#BBL</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Pokal?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Pokal</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/FourTheCup?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#FourTheCup</a> <a href="https://t.co/uYSeBnJLTz">pic.twitter.com/uYSeBnJLTz</a></p>&mdash; FC Bayern Basketball (@FCBBasketball) <a href="https://twitter.com/FCBBasketball/status/1627044745917734912?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 18, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

### Zalgiris downs Lietkabelis in semis

Zalgiris Kaunas has secured its place in the final of the Lithuanian Cup following a 67-77 win against 7Bet-Lietkabelis Panevezys. Lukas Lekavicius led the way for Zalgiris with 16 points, while Rolands Smits had 13 and Ignas Brazdeikis and Edgaras Ulanovas scored 12 apiece.

It was an even first quarter which finished 17-17 at the close of the first 10 minutes, but Zalgiris leaned on a 12-21 second quarter to put itself in the driving seat at halftime, 29-38. After the break, it became incredibly tight once again, with Zalgiris winning the third quarter 16-17 to enter the final period 45-55 ahead. Lietkabelis was unable to chip into the deficit in the fourth quarter, with both teams scoring 22 points each en route to a 67-77 final scoreline.

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Final score: Zalgiris - 7bet-Lietkabelis 77-67. Zalgiris advances to King Mindaugas Cup final! ✅ <a href="https://t.co/LwObB8U9iT">pic.twitter.com/LwObB8U9iT</a></p>&mdash; BC Zalgiris Kaunas (@bczalgiris) <a href="https://twitter.com/bczalgiris/status/1627007114349621249?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 18, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

### Real Madrid exits Spanish Cup

 

Real Madrid has fallen in the semifinals of the Spanish Cup, following an 82-93 defeat to Unicaja Malaga. Walter Tavares scored a team-high 19 points, while Gabriel Deck had 15 and Dzanan Musa added 10. Real led 19-17 after the first quarter, but the two teams went into the break level at 39-39. In the second half, though, Unicaja scored 54 points – 27 in each quarter – compared to just 43 for Real.

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="es" dir="ltr">🏀 Los nuestros caen ante <a href="https://twitter.com/unicajaCB?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@unicajaCB</a> en la semifinal de la <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/CopaACB?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#CopaACB</a>.<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/RMBaloncesto?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#RMBaloncesto</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/UnicajaBanco?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@UnicajaBanco</a> <a href="https://t.co/22lsZGJR4I">pic.twitter.com/22lsZGJR4I</a></p>&mdash; Real Madrid Basket (@RMBaloncesto) <a href="https://twitter.com/RMBaloncesto/status/1627028225263079425?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 18, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Domestic cups: Zvezda becomes champ; five teams into finals

### Zvezda downs Partizan in semis

 

Crvena Zvezda Meridianbet Belgrade earned bragging rights over archrival Partizan Mozzart Bet Belgrade in the semifinals of the Serbian Cup, winning 75-83. Luca Vildoza had 15 points for Zvezda, followed by Filip Petrusev and Nemanja Nedovic with 14 apiece. For Partizan, James Nunnally scored 19 points and Zach LeDay ended with 16.

 

It was Partizan who finished the first quarter ahead, 21-15, and it then built on that lead in the second quarter by going into the break with a 44-34 advantage. However, Zvezda was able to overturn that 10-point deficit in the third by outscoring Partizan 14-25, which set the score at 58-59. In the final 10 minutes, Zvezda continued its momentum by winning the quarter 17-24 to make it 75-83 and book its place in Saturday's final against Mega Basket.

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="und" dir="ltr">Crvena zvezda Meridianbet je u finalu Kupa 🔴⚪️<br><br>Bravo, Zvezdo! 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/kkcz?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#kkcz</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TogetherWeCan?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TogetherWeCan</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WeAreTheTeam?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WeAreTheTeam</a> <a href="https://t.co/P2r4DBW3Xt">pic.twitter.com/P2r4DBW3Xt</a></p>&mdash; KK Crvena zvezda Meridianbet (@kkcrvenazvezda) <a href="https://twitter.com/kkcrvenazvezda/status/1626712911430438912?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 17, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

### Olympiacos reaches semifinals

Olympiacos Piraeus has booked its place in the semifinals of the Greek Basketball Cup after beating Aris BC 82-51 at Heraklion Indoor Sports Arena. Sasha Vezenkov led the way for the Reds with 15 points and 8 rebounds, while Tarik Black was not far behind with 14 points and 7 rebounds.

Kostas Sloukas made his return to action in this quarterfinal tie, which Olympiacos dominated from start to finish. The Reds finished the first quarter with a 22-4 lead, before Aris outscored Georgios Bartzokas's team 17-20 in the second. At halftime, though, Olympiacos was ahead 39-24. Olympiacos then won the third and fourth quarters, 21-13 and 22-14, respectively, as it came away with an 82-51 victory.

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">The game <a href="https://twitter.com/COSMOTE?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@COSMOTE</a> stats 📈 | <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/OLYARIS?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#OLYARIS</a><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/OlympiacosBC?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#OlympiacosBC</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/CupMenHellas?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#CupMenHellas</a> <a href="https://t.co/gATdY7bQl7">pic.twitter.com/gATdY7bQl7</a></p>&mdash; Olympiacos B.C. (@olympiacosbc) <a href="https://twitter.com/olympiacosbc/status/1626608871014899712?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 17, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

### Panathinaikos takes care of business

Panathinaikos Athens is into the semifinals of the Greek Basketball Club following an 87-80 victory against Kolossos. The two leading players for Panathinaikos were Georgios Papagiannis, who paired 16 points with 7 rebounds, and Paris Lee, who had 15 points and 6 assists.

The Greens had a strong start to the game, opening a 27-10 lead after the opening 10 minutes. It was a more even second quarter, with Panathinaikos outscoring Kolossos 25-23, but its first-quarter explosion meant it went into halftime 52-33 ahead. Panathinaikos closed the third quarter with a 71-49 lead, before it held off a late surge by Kolossos to win 87-80.

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Full time <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/paobc?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#paobc</a> - <a href="https://twitter.com/KolossosHHotels?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@KolossosHHotels</a> 87-80<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WeTheGreens?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WeTheGreens</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/OPAP_Final8?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#OPAP_Final8</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/CupMenHellas?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#CupMenHellas</a> <a href="https://t.co/q50MghQdh6">pic.twitter.com/q50MghQdh6</a></p>&mdash; Panathinaikos BC (@paobcgr) <a href="https://twitter.com/paobcgr/status/1626663538595926018?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 17, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

### ASVEL sees off Wembanyama

 

LCLC ASVEL Villeurbanne ran out 65-72 winners against Metropolitans 92 to rubber stamp its place in the last four of the French League Cup. Despite a 29-point, 16-rebound double-double from Metropolitans star Victor Wembanyama, who is formerly of ASVEL, TJ Parker's team was able to rely on 18 points from Nando De Colo, 11 from Dee Bost and 10 from Jonah Mathews.

 

After a good start to the game, ASVEL ended the first quarter 17-25 ahead. The team from Lyon managed to outscore Metropolitans 15-18 in the second quarter, which meant that it was able to go into halftime with a 32-43 advantage. Metropolitans closed the gap after winning the third quarter 23-17, making it 55-60 in the process, but ASVEL held its nerve to win 65-72.

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="fr" dir="ltr">QUALIFIÉS ! ✌️<br><br>Devant tout le match, nos Villeurbannais s’imposent face aux <a href="https://twitter.com/Metropolitans92?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Metropolitans92</a> et filent en demi-finale de <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/LeadersCup?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#LeadersCup</a> ! <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/LDLCASVEL?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#LDLCASVEL</a> <a href="https://t.co/uORn0eZIF0">pic.twitter.com/uORn0eZIF0</a></p>&mdash; LDLC ASVEL (@LDLCASVEL) <a href="https://twitter.com/LDLCASVEL/status/1626703663488987138?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 17, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

### Monaco falls to Bourg in French League Cup

AS Monaco has been eliminated from the French Basketball League Cup at the quarterfinal stage after losing 92-102 to Mincidelice JL Bourg en Bresse at Arena Saint-Etienne Metropole. Mike James scored a team-high 26 points for Monaco, who also had Jordan Loyd add 14 points and Chima Moneke contribute 13.

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">The Roca Team is forced to go out of the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/LeadersCup?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#LeadersCup</a> in the quarter-finals 😞<br><br>Mike James 26 PTS, 6 AST<br>Jordan Loyd 14 PTS, 4 REB<br>Chima Moneke 13 PTS, 7 REB <a href="https://t.co/FvRa2t3Do1">pic.twitter.com/FvRa2t3Do1</a></p>&mdash; AS Monaco Basket EN 🏀 (@ASMBasket_EN) <a href="https://twitter.com/ASMBasket_EN/status/1626622513806561281?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 17, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

### Baskonia exits Spanish Cup

 

Cazoo Baskonia Vitoria-Gasteiz's journey in the Spanish Cup has come to an end at the quarterfinal stage after losing 94-81 to Joventut Badalona. Rokas Giedraitis was Baskonia's leading scorer with 13 points, while Tadas Sedekerskis added 12 and guard duo Markus Howard and Darius Thompson scored 11 each. Baskonia led 35-42 at halftime, but a 59-39 second-half swing saw Joventut win the game.

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="es" dir="ltr">Final. Se termina la <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/CopaACB?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#CopaACB</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SutanBKN?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#SutanBKN</a> <a href="https://t.co/2CvGVQY1SH">pic.twitter.com/2CvGVQY1SH</a></p>&mdash; Baskonia (@Baskonia) <a href="https://twitter.com/Baskonia/status/1626710415966363648?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 17, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Domestic cups: Zvezda into final; Greek teams, ASVEL reach semis

EA7 Emporio Armani Milan has announced that guard Devon Hall will be out of action for at least the next four weeks after suffering an osteochondral lesion in his right knee. The injury came during his team's Italian Cup game against Germani Brescia on Wednesday night.

Milan to be without Devon Hall for at least four weeks

EA7 Emporio Armani Milan has announced that guard [Devon Hall](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/devon-hall/011205/) will be out of action for at least the next four weeks after suffering an osteochondral lesion in his right knee. The injury came during his team's Italian Cup game against Germani Brescia on Wednesday night.

The best scoring plays of EA7 Emporio Armani Milan guard Devon Hall in the 2022-23 Turkish Airlines EuroLeague Regular Season.

Devon Hall's best scoring plays, 2022-23

Hall has played in all 23 of Milan's Turkish Airlines EuroLeague games this season, starting 20 times and averaging 8.2 points, 2.5 rebounds and 2.4 assists. The 27-year-old American is in his second campaign with Milan, having made his EuroLeague debut in 2021-22, when he averaged 9.9 points, 2.1 rebounds and 2.2 assists in 36 appearances.

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="it" dir="ltr">📝 Comunicato Olimpia su Devon Hall ➡ <a href="https://t.co/qDBWwIZJBG">https://t.co/qDBWwIZJBG</a><br><br>📝 Olimpia press release regarding Devon Hall ➡ <a href="https://t.co/zo9EJYnsed">https://t.co/zo9EJYnsed</a><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/insieme?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#insieme</a> <a href="https://t.co/GKdFHj6KRo">pic.twitter.com/GKdFHj6KRo</a></p>&mdash; Olimpia Milano (@OlimpiaMI1936) <a href="https://twitter.com/OlimpiaMI1936/status/1626545192164638721?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 17, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Milan's Devon Hall out at least four weeks with injury

[Mike James](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/mike-james/005985/)**, AS Monaco**

Nikola Mirotic was named the EuroLeague MVP in 2022, but James was one of the main contenders for the award after leading Monaco to the playoffs in its first-ever season in the competition. The nine-season EuroLeague veteran is Monaco's go-to player and leader on the floor, and he has helped lead it to fourth in the standings with a record of 15-9. James, who was named the MVP of the Month for October, is averaging 17.3 points, 3.6 rebounds, 4.8 assists, 1.2 steals and a PIR of 18.0, as he does a bit of everything for a team with big ambitions. Monaco is just two games back of EuroLeague leader Olympiacos, so some big performances by James down the stretch could help it rise further up the standings.

Mike James | 2022-23 Awards Candidate | MVP

[Mathias Lessort](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/mathias-lessort/003842/)**, Partizan Mozzart Bet Belgrade**

Perhaps one of the surprise nominees to be in the MVP race is Lessort, who is playing in his fourth season in the competition and has represented a different club in each of those campaigns. The Partizan center is enjoying his best season to date in Europe's premier club basketball competition, having averaged 12.8 points, 7.2 rebounds, the joint-second highest total in the EuroLeague, and the second-highest average PIR with 20.1. Lessort has been a menace for opposition big men all season long, and he is one of the main reasons why Partizan finds itself in the playoff spots. Should Lessort have a strong end to the season, he could see his MVP case gain even more support.

Mathias Lessort | 2022-23 Awards Candidate | MVP

[Vasilije Micic](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/vasilije-micic/002580/)**, Anadolu Efes Istanbul** 

The only previous winner of the MVP award in this list is Micic, who took home the prize back in 2021. That season, he played a key role as Efes won its first-ever EuroLeague title, and last year he was once again instrumental in his team grabbing back-to-back championships. This current campaign has not quite gone how Efes would have liked, with the team outside of the playoffs with an 11-12 record, but Micic has helped it stay afloat in Shane Larkin's absence with average stats of 16.8 points, 3.3 rebounds, 5.8 rebounds and a 19.0 PIR. Micic will be looking to end the regular season on a high note by leading Efes to the playoffs, which would improve his MVP odds in the process.

Vasilije Micic | 2022-23 Awards Candidate | MVP

[Johnathan Motley](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/johnathan-motley/011157/)**, Fenerbahce Beko Istanbul**

Despite playing in his rookie EuroLeague season, Motley has been one of the main reasons behind Fenerbahce's turnaround from 2021-22 to 2022-23. The 27-year-old center is one of just three players to have earned MVP of the Round honors on two occasions in this campaign, while he has posted season averages of 14.4 points, 6.0 rebounds, 1.5 assists and a 16.5 PIR across his 20 appearances. Motley came out of the blocks fast, scoring a double-digit number of points in seven of his first eight games, before enjoying a season-high 26 points on his return from injury in Round 16. Fenerbahce, which is fifth in the standings after going 14-9, will no doubt lean on Motley to help it wrap up a playoff spot.

Johnathan Motley | 2022-23 Awards Candidate | MVP

[Kostas Sloukas](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/kostas-sloukas/001926/)**, Olympiacos Piraeus**

Vezenkov may be the star for Olympiacos, but Sloukas is the one that helps the team tick. The 33-year-old guard is leading the league in assists with 6.5 per game, even though he has come off the bench in all 20 of his appearances this season. Olympiacos leans on Sloukas for his creativity, while he has also shown that he can step up in the clutch, notably executing a pump fake on Edy Tavares before scoring the game-winner at Real Madrid in Round 3. In addition to his playmaking and ability to step up in the clutch, Sloukas has averaged 11.6 points, 2.3 rebounds and a 16.7 PIR. He has been out injured since Round 21, but his return will no doubt see Olympiacos's offense go to another level.

Kostas Sloukas | 2022-23 Awards Candidate | MVP

[Walter Tavares](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/walter-tavares/005791/)**, Real Madrid**

There is no denying Tavares's influence for Real Madrid, with 'Sergeant Swat' once again protecting the paint in his sixth EuroLeague campaign, all of which have come with Los Blancos. Tavares is comfortably this season's blocks leader with 2.5 per game, and in December he became the all-time leader for blocks. What's more, Tavares has the joint-second most rebounds with 7.2 per contest, and he also saw himself earn MVP of the Round honors in Round 18 in a big win at Crvena Zvezda Meridianbet Belgrade. With Real having gone 16-7, leaving it second in the standings, Tavares's presence inside is a large reason why Los Blancos are once again looking on course to book their place in the playoffs.

Walter Tavares | 2022-23 Awards Candidate | MVP

[Sasha Vezenkov](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/sasha-vezenkov/003469/)**, Olympiacos Piraeus**

After a breakout season in 2021-22 that saw him earn All-EuroLeague First Team honors, Vezenkov has taken his game to another level in this current Turkish Airlines EuroLeague Regular Season. Olympiacos has been one of the most enjoyable teams in the entire EuroLeague, and Vezenkov has played a key role in helping the Reds set a league-best 17-7 record. In addition to becoming just the fifth player to ever secure five MVP of the Round awards in one season, Vezenkov is the EuroLeague's second-leading scorer (18.4 ppg.), the best rebounder (7.4 rpg.) and he also has the highest average PIR (23.5). With the November Player of the Month playing as he has done in these first 23 games, Olympiacos will have its sights set on another Final Four appearance.

Sasha Vezenkov | 2022-23 Awards Candidate | MVP

EuroLeague MVP candidates

### Spain: Real outlasts Valencia; Barcelona falls to Unicaja

Real Madrid outlasted Valencia Basket 86-85 in a thrilling opening game to the Spanish Copa del Rey in Badalona. Chris Jones missed two tough shots to win the game for Valencia in the closing seconds. Gabriel Deck led the way for Los Blancos with 19 points and 9 rebounds, including a go-ahead three-pointer and a key layup that put Real ahead 85-81 with less than 2 minutes to play.

Mario Hezonja added 16 points, Walter Tavares posted 11 points and 8 rebounds and Guerschon Yabusele tallied 10 and 8. Jones led the way for Valencia with 20 points and 5 assists and Jared Harper scored 16 in defeat.

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="es" dir="ltr">👏 ¡Estamos en las semifinales de la <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/CopaACB?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#CopaACB</a>! 👏<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/HalaMadrid?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#HalaMadrid</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/UnicajaBanco?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@UnicajaBanco</a> <a href="https://t.co/KcsvLIhRQv">pic.twitter.com/KcsvLIhRQv</a></p>&mdash; Real Madrid Basket (@RMBaloncesto) <a href="https://twitter.com/RMBaloncesto/status/1626301358574804992?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 16, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Unicaja Malaga came back from a 10-point fourth-quarter deficit to force overtime before defeating FC Barcelona 87-89 in the second semifinal on Thursday. Kendrick Perry scored the game-winning layup with 9.3 seconds remaining in overtime and Nicolas Laprovittola was fouled with 0.8 left and had a chance to tie it from the foul line, but missed the first and intentionally missed the second.

Dario Brizuela scored 27 points to lead Unicaja and Perry added 22.  For Barcelona, Nikola Mirotic scored 15, Laprovittola had 12 and Tomas Satoransky 11. Barcelona seemed to have the game under control with a 67-57 lead with 5 minutes remaining, but Unicaja scored the next 8 points to get back in the game and Dylan Osetowski tied it at 74-74 with a three with 55 seconds remaining. After free throws made at both ends, Cory Higgins missed a shot to win it for Barcelona and the game went to an extra session, where it was only decided in the final second.

### Virtus beats Reyer in Italy's quarterfinals

Virtus Segafredo Bologna dominated the second half to beat Umana Reyer Venice 82-68 in the quarterfinals of the Italian Cup in Turin. Marco Belinelli made 6 of 7 three-pointers en route to 21 points to lead the winners. Toko Shengelia added 19 points and Daniel Hackett 13. Jordan Parks produced 18 points and 10 rebounds for Reyer and Mitchell Watt added 13 points in defeat.

Threes by Kendrick Ray Derek Willis helped Reyer grab a 27-35 lead late in the second quarter, but Virtus closed the gap to 34-36 at the break. Virtus then scored the first 9 points of the second half to take the lead for good and pulled away even more in the fourth quarter.

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="it" dir="ltr">La <a href="https://twitter.com/VirtusSegafredo?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@VirtusSegafredo</a> fa suo il match e conquista la semifinale! ✨<br>Il capitano delle Vu Nere <a href="https://twitter.com/marcobelinelli?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@marcobelinelli</a> top scorer con 21 punti!<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/LBAF82023?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#LBAF82023</a> <a href="https://t.co/reuw69xSvC">pic.twitter.com/reuw69xSvC</a></p>&mdash; Lega Basket Serie A (@LegaBasketA) <a href="https://twitter.com/LegaBasketA/status/1626297685954162691?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 16, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

### Zvezda rolls into Serbian semis

Crvena Zvezda Meridianbet Belgrade set up a Belgrade derby in the Serbian Radivoj Korac Cup semifinals with an 89-64 victory over Borac Mozzart Cacak in Cair on Thursday. Zvezda will face Partizan Mozzart Bet Belgrade in Friday's first semifinal. Luca Vildoza paced the winners with 18 points, Nemanja Nedovic added 13, Filip Petrusev 11 and Facu Campazzo and Ognjen Dobric had 10 each. Djordje Gagic and Marko Radonjic sored 14 each to lead Borac.

Borac rode the hot hand of Gagic, who led a 2-13 run to give his team the lead. Zvezda narrowed the gap to 17-19 after 10 minutes and went ahead on a Campazzo triple at the start of the second quarter. The margin reached 8 and Zvezda went into halftime with a 35-31 advantage. A three by Vildoza pushed the difference to double figures 4 minutes into the second half. It was 53-36 after three quarters and grew to 28 late in the game as Zvezda cruised to victory.

<center><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="und" dir="ltr">Pobeda! Crvena zvezda Meridianbet je u polufinalu Kupa Radivoj Korać! 🔴⚪️<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/kkcz?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#kkcz</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TogetherWeCan?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TogetherWeCan</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WeAreTheTeam?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WeAreTheTeam</a> <a href="https://t.co/BhRLDhfsNL">pic.twitter.com/BhRLDhfsNL</a></p>&mdash; KK Crvena zvezda Meridianbet (@kkcrvenazvezda) <a href="https://twitter.com/kkcrvenazvezda/status/1626290207250165764?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 16, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

### Jerusalem defeats Maccabi for Israeli Cup

Hapoel Jerusalem won the Israeli State Cup for the seventh time by beating Maccabi Playtika Tel Aviv 67-61 in the final in the Israeli capital. Speedy Smith shined for Jerusalem with 16 points and 9 assists and Oz Blayzer added 12 points for the winners. Bonzi Colson and Lorenzo Brown scored 15 points apiece for Maccabi and Josh Nebo and Wade Baldwin each scored 10.

Domestic cups: Real, Virtus, Zvezda win quarterfinals 

The 2022-23 Turkish Airlines EuroLeague season is already in its fifth month of action and many young talents have shown what they are capable of. In order to be eligible for this year's Rising Star award, a player must have been 21 years of age or younger entering this season and been born after July 1, 2000. This is our selection of the top candidates – in alphabetical order – in the race to receive this trophy, which is chosen by EuroLeague head coaches at the end of the campaign.

[Rokas Jokubaitis](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/rokas-jokubaitis/007519/)**, FC Barcelona**

Jokubaitis was named as the EuroLeague Rising Star last season and he has a chance to be the fourth player to hear his name called for a second consecutive year, following Nikola Mirotic, Bogdan Bogdanovic and Luka Doncic. So far this season, he is averaging 5.2 points on 42.9% shooting from three-point range, 2.2 assists and a PIR of 5.6. In the last six games, though, Jokubaitis has boosted his numbers up to 8.7 points, going 62.5% on his three-pointers, along with 2.8 assists and a 10.0 PIR. Fast, athletic and with a really high basketball IQ, Jokubaitis is even more dangerous with an extra year of experience.

Rokas Jokubaitis | 2022-23 Awards Candidate | Rising Star

[Yam Madar](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/yam-madar/011052/)**, Partizan Mozzart Bet Belgrade**

Madar has made sure his name is widely known in his first EuroLeague season. In his second campaign with Partizan and working under legendary head coach Zeljko Obradovic, Madar has made the most out of his playing time. The point guard has played over 20 minutes seven times this season, scoring in double digits in six of those games. Madar had career highs of 15 points and a PIR of 18 in Round 17 against AS Monaco, while he is averaging 6.1 points on 87.0% free throws, 1.4 assists and a PIR of 4.8. Most importantly, he has been anything but intimidated in his debut campaign in Europe's premier club basketball competition.

Yam Madar | 2022-23 Awards Candidate | Rising Star

[Nico Mannion](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/niccolo-mannion/011064/)**, Virtus Segafredo Bologna**

Mannion was struggling with injury problems at the beginning of the season, but slowly and steadily, he has found his scoring rhythm and gained head coach Sergio Scariolo's trust. Mannion, whose father Pace is a European basketball legend, had 13 points against Fenerbahce Beko Istanbul and also 11 against Crvena Zvezda Meridianbet Belgrade and Cazoo Baskonia Vitoria-Gasteiz. He is averaging 5.4 points on 45.5% three-pointers and 84.6% free throws in 11 games, despite stepping onto the court less than 11 minutes per night.

Nico Mannion | 2022-23 Awards Candidate | Rising Star

[Jaime Pradilla](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/jaime-pradilla/010393/)**, Valencia Basket**

Pradilla came off a fantastic 2021-22 7DAYS EuroCup season and is now showcasing his potential in his second EuroLeague season, running the floor really well and confirming he is an elite finisher around the rim. Like Madar, Pradilla is proving that he belongs at this level, particularly when he sees extended playing time. He is averaging 4.2 points, 2.5 rebounds and a PIR of 4.4 until now, but those numbers went up to 8.8 points on 15-of-19 two-point shots, 3.0 rebounds and a PIR of 11.5 in his last four games, in which Valencia's frontcourt had injury problems.

Jaime Pradilla | 2022-23 Awards Candidate | Rising Star

[Gabriele Procida](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/gabriele-procida/008384/)**, ALBA Berlin**

Procida is a tall shooting guard with good explosiveness and unlimited range. He hit the ground running in Round 1, scoring 12 points in 13 minutes in a win against Partizan, his first-ever EuroLeague game. Procida has had four other double-digit scoring games, peaking at 16 against AS Monaco in Round 22. Despite stepping onto the court less than 15 minutes per night, Procida averages 5.9 points and a PIR of 4.2. Without the injured Marcus Eriksson, ALBA needed him to be a player who could provide instant offense, and Procida has been his team's X-factor in many games.

Gabriele Procida | 2022-23 Awards Candidate | Rising Star

[Alen Smailagic](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/alen-smailagic/011051/)**, Partizan Mozzart Bet Belgrade**

Smailagic started the season injured and he even tried to help his team while he was not 100%. In recent games, Smailagic has found his shape and rhythm, playing a critical role off the bench. In the last four games, he has averaged 6.3 points, 2.8 rebounds and a PIR of 7.8, comfortably above his season-long numbers (4.2 ppg., 2.0 rpg., 4.4 PIR). Partizan has a deep frontcourt, but Smailagic has found a way to be effective, opening the floor with his three-point shots and thrilling his team's fans with his dunks and blocked shots.

Alen Samilagic | 2022-23 Awards Candidate | Rising Star

EuroLeague Rising Star candidates 

Partizan Mozzart Bet Belgrade blasted Spartak Office Shoes Subotica 91-69 in the first quarterfinal in the Serbian Radivoj Korac Cup on Wednesday in Cair. Partizan will face the winner of Thursday’s game between Crvena Zvezda Meridianbet Belgrade in the semifinals on Friday. Mathias Lessort led the way with 17 points on near-perfect shooting, Zach LeDay posted 14 points, 11 rebounds and 3 blocks, Danilo Andjusic also scored 14 and Aleksa Avramovic contributed 13 points and 6 assists. Andrija Bojic led Spartak with 17 points.

Lessort scored half his team's points in a 12-3 run to end the first quarter that gave Partizan the lead for good, 23-16. Kevin Punter dished 3 assists in a 13-0 second-quarter run as the margin grew to 53-34 at halftime and Partizan never looked back.

<center><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="und" dir="ltr">Crno - beli su se plasirali u polufinale Kupa Radivoj Korac!⚫️⚪️<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/KKPartizan?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#KKPartizan</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/KupRadivojKorac2023?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#KupRadivojKorac2023</a> <a href="https://t.co/wYSEVip0ei">pic.twitter.com/wYSEVip0ei</a></p>&mdash; KK Partizan Mozzart Bet (@PartizanBC) <a href="https://twitter.com/PartizanBC/status/1625930881146683398?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 15, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

### Brescia edges Milan in thriller

Germani Brescia outlasted EA7 Emporio Armani Milan 72-75 in the first game played in this season’s Italian Cup Final Eight in Turin, Italy. There were four lead changes and three ties in the fourth quarter alone. John Petrucelli scored the game-tying and go-ahead free throws in the penultimate minute and C.J. Massinburg made 4 free throws in the final 10 seconds to seal the outcome.

Massinburg led the winning attack with 16 points, Kenny Gabriel added 13, Petrucelli 11 and Christian Burns and Amedeo Della Valle scored 10 each. Della Valle also dished 7 assists. Billy Baron was Milan’s top scorer with 18 points, Shabazz Napier and Timothe Luwawu-Cabarrot had 13 apiece and Luigi Datome 10.

Brescia dominated the second quarter, which it finished on a 2-11 tear, to lead 29-45 at halftime.  Milan stormed back with a 19-2 third-quarter run led by Datome and Napier. Baron completed the comeback with free throws in the final minute of the quarter, but Burns left Brescia 55-56 edge heading into the fourth quarter. Baron opened the fourth with a triple and the teams went back and forth until the closing minutes when Brescia finished stronger.

Domestic cups: Partizan cruises in Serbian quarters 

In the second episode of EuroLeague Diaries, Sofia del Prado and Dane Arlauckas take a trip to Monaco to discover the basketball scenery, the go-to places and a lot more, before taking in the French Derby between AS Monaco and LCLC ASVEL Villeurbanne. They find out some of the secrets behind the rise of Monaco, as well as the glamour and appeal of the Principality in this exclusive, behind-the-scenes video that features some very special guests. Where will they go next? Welcome to the second episode of EuroLeague Diaries!

EuroLeague Diaries heads to Monaco for the French Derby!

AS Monaco v LDLC ASVEL Villeurbanne (2023-02-10T18:00:00.000Z)