Name: Marko Simonovic: 'We changed the game in the fourth quarter'
Channel: Euroleague Basketball

Bahcesehir College Istanbul center Marko Simonovic spoke to EuroLeague TV after his team beat Cedevita Olimpija Ljubljana in the BKT EuroCup Quarterfinals. 

Marko Simonovic: 'We changed the game in the fourth quarter'

Bahcesehir College Istanbul v Cedevita Olimpija Ljubljana (2025-03-11T17:00:00.000Z)

Bahcesehir College Istanbul-Cedevita Olimpija Ljubljana | Quarterfinals Highlights | 2024-25 BKT EuroCup   

FC Barcelona announced on Tuesday that Juan Nunez underwent an arthroscopic procedure to treat a rupture of the lateral meniscus of his right knee

Barcelona: Juan Nunez done for season after knee surgery

FC Barcelona announced on Tuesday that [Juan Nunez](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/juan-nunez/010106/) underwent an arthroscopic procedure to treat a rupture of the lateral meniscus of his right knee. The surgery was performed by Dr. Joan Carles Monllau at Barcelona Hospital under the supervision of the club's medical services. Nunez is expected to be sidelined for six months.

Nunez averaged 5.0 points and 3.4 rebounds in 25 EuroLeague games this season, his first with the club. A product of the Real Madrid youth academy, Nunez won the NextGen EuroLeague in 2021 and played one season with Los Blancos' senior squad before heading to Germany and spending two seasons with ratiopharm Ulm. He joined Barcelona on a multi-year deal last summer.

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More FC Barcelona news

The promising playmaker's EuroLeague campaign ends early 

It was a rough night for Jaleen Smith until he bounced back with flying colors. 


Jaleen Smith stepped up for Bahcesehir when it mattered 

[Bahcesehir College Istanbul](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/teams/bahcesehir-college-istanbul/roster/bah/?season=2024-25) advanced to the BKT EuroCup Semifinals for the first time in club history thanks to [an 85-81 come-from-behind win](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/news/bahcesehir-rallies-past-cedevita-85-81/) over [Cedevita Olimpija Ljubljana](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/teams/cedevita-olimpija-ljubljana/roster/lju/?season=2024-25) in the single-game quarterfinals. It wasn't easy by any means, as Cedevita led most of the way. The visitors had managed to stop some of Bahcesehir's main pillars: [Tai Odiase](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/tai-odiase/011823/), [Mateusz Ponitka](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/mateusz-ponitka/004172/), [Axel Bouteille](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/axel-bouteille/003840/) and above all, [Jaleen Smith](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/jaleen-smith/011192/) were having a difficult night against Coach [Zvezdan Mitrovic](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/teams/cedevita-olimpija-ljubljana/lju/mitrovic-zvezdan?season=U2024)'s team. Smith had averaged 12.9 points and 5.6 assists in the regular season, starting all 18 games. At the end of the third quarter, he was scoreless.

Cedevita led 59-68 early in the fourth quarter when Smith took matters into his own hands. He found Odiase for a wide open dunk, made a pair of free throws and found [Furkan Korkmaz](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/furkan-korkmaz/005763/) for a layup that tied it at 69-69. Smith went on to bury a rainbow jumper and soon added a driving layup, putting Bahcesehir ahead for good. He had 6 points and 2 assists in a critical 16-1 run that allowed the hosts to take full control of the game. Smith still had time to hit a three-pointer that gave Bahcesehir 79-73 lead with 2 minutes remaining.

Jaleen Smith of Bahcesehir College Istanbul had all of his 9 points in the final quarter of his team's 85-81 quarterfinals wins over Cedevita Olimpija Ljubljana.

Smith gives Bahcesehir final push

When the dust settled, Bahcesehir had punched its semifinals ticket with the home-court advantage for its next series and Smith had played a key role with 9 points, 3 rebounds and 7 assists.

Smith has been outstanding all season long, reading games really well to find out how to be useful for his team. In Round 7, Bahcesehir topped Hapoel Tel Aviv 90-82. Smith was held to just 2 points but dished a career-high 15 assists. He reached the 20-point mark three times this season and also had a double-double (11 points and 11 assists) against Besiktas Fibabanka Istanbul in Round 11. His free throw accuracy makes him even more valuable in all important games going forward. Smith has hit 43 of 44 free throws so far this season, with a league-leading percentage of 97.7%.

Smith made the difference in crunch time against Cedevita, giving Bahcesehir plenty of reasons to celebrate a truly historic victory.

Game Videos

Game News

It was a rough night for Jaleen Smith until he bounced back with flying colors


Smith bends the rim on the alleyoop! Magic Moment

Hapoel Bank Yahav Jerusalem v Dreamland Gran Canaria (2025-03-11T19:00:00.000Z)

Wiley rocks the rim! Magic Moment

The hosts rallied from a 19-point deficit to advance to the semifinals


Bahcesehir rallies past Cedevita, 85-81!

Bahcesehir College Istanbul advanced to the BKT EuroCup Semifinals by downing Cedevita Olimpija Ljubljana 85-81 at Sinan Erdem Dome on Tuesday. Bahcesehir reached this stage for the first time in the competition, denying Cedevita the chance to play its first semifinals. The visitors led by as many as 19 and went into the fourth quarter up 9 before Bahcesehir came racing back. 

Marko Simonovic led the winners with 20 points. Tyler Cavanaugh added 14 while Furkan Korkmaz had 10 for Bahcesehir. Danilo Tasic paced Cedevita with 14 points, Devante Jones added 12, DJ Stewart and Devin Robinson each scored 11 and Aleksej Nikolic had 10 for the visitors.

CJ Massinburg got Bahcesehir going with a three-pointer. Nikolic answered with a backdoor layup and Robinson added an off-balance three-point play for a 3-5 Cedevita lead. Stewart followed a driving layup with a fastbreak basket as the hosts called a timeout. Andrija Stipanovic scored down low, Nikolic added a driving layup and Gregor Glas's three-pointer capped a 0-17 Cedevita run. Bahcesehir was held scoreless for over 7 minutes until Tai Odiase made free throws. Glas buried a highly-contested triple before Korkmaz got his team within 7-20. Tasic scored in the paint and Jones's buzzer-beating layup boosted the visitors' lead to 7-24 after 10 minutes.

Korkmaz followed a jump hook with a tip-in early in the second quarter. Nikolic and Stewart each struck from downtown, which prompted Bahcesehir to call timeout at 11-30. Mateusz Ponitka buried a baseline jumper and got help from Simonovic to trim the gap. Robinson stepped up with a layup in transition, but Korkmaz and Simonovic got Bahcesehir closer, 22-32. An unstoppable Simonovic scored twice in the paint but Cedevita regrouped. Nikolic stepped up with a three-point play and Tasic followed a triple with a layup-plus-foul for a 26-41 score. Cavanaugh found his first points and Axel Bouteille struck twice from downtown to bring Bahcesehir within 33-43. Stipanovic and Bouteille traded baskets before Massinburg's three-pointer brought Bahcesehir within 38-46 at halftime.

Bahcesehir found a new go-to guy in Kenan Sipahi, who brought the hosts even closer, 42-48, soon after the break. Lemar buried a step-back jumper before Bouteille and Simonovic made it a 4-point game. Cavanaugh erased Tasic's jump hook and soon brought his team within 51-52. After Jones stepped up with a three-point play, Simonovic answered with a put-back layup. Lemar came through for Cedevita and Dasic kept pushing the visitors with another layup-plus-foul. When Stewart buried a jumper, Bahcesehir stopped the game at 55-61. Rok Radovic and Stipanovic each dunked to boost the lead to 56-65 after three quarters.

Cavanaugh and Radovic each struck from beyond the arc early in the fourth quarter. Odiase dunked and Cavanaugh's driving layup made it 63-69 with 7 minutes left. Jaleen Smith scored his first points and Simonovic scored around the basket. Korkmaz ignited the crowd with a backdoor basket and Smith's rainbow jumper completed Bahcesehir's comeback, 71-69. Smith kept pushing the hosts with a driving layup and Cavanaugh capped a 16-1 run with a power basket. Jones made free throws and Stewart scored off the baseline, bringing Cedevita within 76-73 with 3 minutes left. Smith sank a critical triple and Sipahi added a floater, but Robinson got Cedevita within 81-77 with 1:09 left. Simonovic hit free throws to seal the outcome with 21.9 seconds remaining.

Bahcesehir rallies past Cedevita, 85-81

Stipanovic finds Radovic! Magic Moment

Massinburg beats the buzzer! Magic Moment

The latest episode of EuroLeague & Friends has landed, with Deniz Aksoy, Aleksandra Radivojevic, Lisa Ramuschkat and Lona Jackson discussing the first 10 players named to the All-25 EuroLeague Team, how tight the playoff race has become, this coming Friday's Greek derby between Olympiacos Piraeus and Panathinaikos AKTOR Athens, and much more.

The EuroLeague & Friends gang touch on All-25 Team, playoff race and Greek derby

The latest episode of EuroLeague & Friends has landed, with [Deniz Aksoy](https://www.instagram.com/denizzaksoy/), [Aleksandra Radivojevic](https://www.instagram.com/amazing__alex/), [Lisa Ramuschkat](https://www.instagram.com/lisa_ramuschkat/) and [Lona Jackson](https://www.instagram.com/lonajackson_/) discussing the first 10 players named to the All-25 EuroLeague Team, how tight the playoff race has become, this coming Friday's Greek derby between Olympiacos Piraeus and Panathinaikos AKTOR Athens, and much more.

FC Barcelona v Partizan Mozzart Bet Belgrade (2025-03-14T19:45:00.000Z)

FC Bayern Munich v Anadolu Efes Istanbul (2025-03-14T19:30:00.000Z)

Olympiacos Piraeus v Panathinaikos AKTOR Athens (2025-03-14T19:15:00.000Z)

Crvena Zvezda Meridianbet Belgrade v EA7 Emporio Armani Milan (2025-03-13T18:00:00.000Z)

Virtus Segafredo Bologna v Real Madrid (2025-03-13T19:45:00.000Z)

Maccabi Playtika Tel Aviv v AS Monaco (2025-03-13T19:05:00.000Z)

ALBA Berlin v Baskonia Vitoria-Gasteiz (2025-03-13T19:00:00.000Z)

Zalgiris Kaunas v Paris Basketball (2025-03-13T18:00:00.000Z)

Fenerbahce Beko Istanbul v LDLC ASVEL Villeurbanne (2025-03-13T17:45:00.000Z)

The BKT EuroCup quarterfinals will see the eight remaining teams continue their quest for glory in winner-takes-all battles. Here's your overview of the action.

## Wednesday, March 12

### [Hapoel Shlomo Tel Aviv 67-61 Turk Telekom Ankara](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/game-center/2024-25/hapoel-shlomo-tel-aviv-turk-telekom-ankara/U2024/188/#boxscore)

Hapoel reached the semifinals for the first time after a hard-fought win over Turk Telekom at Samokov Arena in Bulgaria. After getting stopped at the quarterfinal stage in each of the last two seasons, Hapoel is final through to the best-of-three semis where it will play Valencia Basket. Hapoel led for most of the night and took the lead for good midway through the third quarter. The margin reached 12 points in the fourth, before Hapoel held off Turk Telekom’s rally. Marcus Foster led Hapoel with 21 points plus 8 rebounds. Olivier Hanlan scored 17 points in defeat.

<center><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="iw" dir="rtl">הפועל בחצי גמר היורוקאפ 👹👹👹 <a href="https://t.co/JxUK8yNqsc">pic.twitter.com/JxUK8yNqsc</a></p>&mdash; Hapoel Tel Aviv BC (@HapoelTLVBC) <a href="https://twitter.com/HapoelTLVBC/status/1899909273313784310?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 12, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

### [Valencia Basket 98-74 U-BT Cluj-Napoca](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/game-center/2024-25/valencia-basket-u-bt-cluj-napoca/U2024/187/#boxscore)

Valencia held its home court in emphatic fashion for a victory over Cluj that sent the Spanish team into a semifinal meeting with Hapoel Shlomo Tel Aviv. Valencia quickly found its offensive rhythm to take a double-digit first-quarter lead, and raced into a 53-36 advantage by halftime. Cluj fought but never got within single digits, as the host cruised to a victory that was safe long before the final buzzer. Chris Jones orchestrated Valencia with 14 points and 9 assists, while Semi Ojeleye added 13 points. Zavier Simpson led Cluj with 12 points and 10 assists.

<center><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="es" dir="ltr">VAMOOOOOOOOOOOS 🧡<br><br>¡¡Estamos en semis EuroCup!! ¡¡Victoria pre Fallas!🔥<br><br>🟠 <a href="https://twitter.com/valenciabasket?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@valenciabasket</a> 98<br>⚪ <a href="https://twitter.com/UBTCluj?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@UBTCluj</a> 74<br><br>🏆 1/4 <a href="https://twitter.com/EuroCup?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@EuroCup</a> <br>🤝 Vitaldin Sport<br><br>Nos mediremos en semis al <a href="https://twitter.com/HapoelTLVBC?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@HapoelTLVBC</a> al mejor de 3 con formato 🏠✈️🏠<br><br>🏠 Partido 1️⃣<br>⌚ Martes 25 de marzo, hora por confirmar <a href="https://t.co/lkNaBvZ62o">pic.twitter.com/lkNaBvZ62o</a></p>&mdash; Valencia Basket Club (@valenciabasket) <a href="https://twitter.com/valenciabasket/status/1899933620548030504?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 12, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

## Tuesday, March 11

### [Bahcesehir College Istanbul 85-81 Cedevita Olimpija Ljubljana](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/game-center/2024-25/bahcesehir-college-istanbul-cedevita-olimpija-ljubljana/U2024/185/)

Bahcesehir advanced to the semifinals by downing Cedevita at Sinan Erdem Dome on Tuesday. Bahcesehir reached this stage for the first time in the competition, denying Cedevita the chance to play its first semifinals. The visitors led by as many as 19 and went into the fourth quarter up 9 before Bahcesehir came racing back. Marko Simonovic led the winners with 20 points and Tyler Cavanaugh added 14. Danilo Tasic paced Cedevita with 14 points.

<center><blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/DHEghhvuxKH/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14" style=" background:#FFF; border:0; border-radius:3px; box-shadow:0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width:540px; min-width:326px; padding:0; width:99.375%; width:-webkit-calc(100% - 2px); width:calc(100% - 2px);"><div style="padding:16px;"> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/DHEghhvuxKH/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" style=" background:#FFFFFF; line-height:0; padding:0 0; text-align:center; text-decoration:none; width:100%;" target="_blank"> <div style=" display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; 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overflow:hidden; padding:8px 0 7px; text-align:center; text-overflow:ellipsis; white-space:nowrap;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/DHEghhvuxKH/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none;" target="_blank">A post shared by Bahçeşehir Koleji Spor Kulübü (@bkbasketbol)</a></p></div></blockquote>
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### [Hapoel Bank Yahav Jerusalem 89-92 Dreamland Gran Canaria](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/game-center/2024-25/hapoel-bank-yahav-jerusalem-dreamland-gran-canaria/U2024/186/#boxscore)

Grand Canaria booked a semifinals berth and a best-out-of-three clash with Bahcesehir after ice-cold free throw shooting in a dramatic climax that saw the Spanish side edge Hapoel. Caleb Homesley paced Gran Canaria with 21 points, while Joe Thomasson chipped in 16 after scoring the opening 10 points for his team. At the other end, Jared Harper led Hapoel on a game-high 24 points and Khadeen Carrington amassed 20 and 5 rebounds. 

<center><blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/DHEtGv_RP-R/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14" style=" background:#FFF; border:0; border-radius:3px; box-shadow:0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width:540px; min-width:326px; padding:0; width:99.375%; width:-webkit-calc(100% - 2px); width:calc(100% - 2px);"><div style="padding:16px;"> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/DHEtGv_RP-R/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" style=" background:#FFFFFF; line-height:0; padding:0 0; text-align:center; text-decoration:none; width:100%;" target="_blank"> <div style=" display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; 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transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg)"></div></div><div style="margin-left: auto;"> <div style=" width: 0px; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-right: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(16px);"></div> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; width: 16px; transform: translateY(-4px);"></div> <div style=" width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-left: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px);"></div></div></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center; margin-bottom: 24px;"> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 224px;"></div> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 144px;"></div></div></a><p style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px; margin-bottom:0; margin-top:8px; overflow:hidden; padding:8px 0 7px; text-align:center; text-overflow:ellipsis; white-space:nowrap;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/DHEtGv_RP-R/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none;" target="_blank">A post shared by Dreamland Gran Canaria (@grancanariacb)</a></p></div></blockquote>
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The EuroCup semifials will pit Hapoel Tel Aviv against Valencia Basket and Gran Canaria against Bahcesehir

Game Center: Valencia, Hapoel advance to semifinals

Valencia Basket v U-BT Cluj-Napoca (2025-03-12T19:30:00.000Z)

Hapoel Shlomo Tel Aviv v Turk Telekom Ankara (2025-03-12T17:00:00.000Z)

Maccabi Playtika Tel Aviv's season will continue without center Jasiel Rivero, who suffered a broken ankle in an Israeli League game 

Maccabi loses Jasiel Rivero to broken ankle

Maccabi Playtika Tel Aviv's season will continue without center [Jasiel Rivero](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/jasiel-rivero/profile/011214/), who suffered a broken ankle in an Israeli League game on Monday. The club announced that the player underwent an MRI on Tuesday morning, which revealed a fracture. He is expected to miss multiple weeks.

In his second season with Maccabi, Rivero had averaged 10.2 points and 4.4 rebounds in 20 EuroLeague games. He missed time earlier this season with a torn hamstring.

More Maccabi news

The Cuban center will miss at least several weeks

For the third time this season, Valencia Basket and U-BT Cluj-Napoca go head to head in the EuroCup, this time with a spot in the semifinals up for grabs.

Valencia, Cluj, go at it again

A big crowd is expected at La Fonteta when four-time EuroCup champion [Valencia Basket](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/teams/valencia-basket/pam/) hosts [U-BT Cluj-Napoca](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/teams/u-bt-cluj-napoca/clu/) in the last of the quarterfinal showdown on Wednesday at 20:30 CET. It is the only quarterfinal game in which both teams have already played against each other earlier this season.

Indeed, both teams faced each other for the first time on October 9, 2024. Valencia rallied from a 16-point first-half deficit to grab [a 96-105 road victory](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/news/valencia-stays-perfect-after-storming-comeback-win-at-cluj-96-105/) in front of 9,600 fans at BT-Arena. [Semi Ojeleye](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/semi-ojeleye/011982/) and [Xabi Lopez-Arostegui](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/xabi-lopez-arostegui/005356/) paced the winners that night with 22 points apiece. A couple of months later, [Valencia thrashed Cluj 108-80](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/news/valencia-thrashes-cluj-at-home-108-80/) at home. Ojeleye, [Jean Montero](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/jean-montero/010042/) and [Josep Puerto](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/josep-puerto/006643/) led eight Valencia players in double digits with 14 points each.

Valencia has posted impressive numbers all season long, opening the regular season with 12 consecutive victories and finishing with a competition-best 16-2 record. It leads all teams in scoring (96.4 ppg.), rebounds (41.0 rpg.), assists (23.2 apg.), three-point shooting (39.0% 3FG) and PIR (115.5). Until now, Paris Basketball holds the record for the best-ever average in points (97.0 ppg.) and PIR (113.6), which it achieved last season. Valencia has reached 100 points or more in 11 of the 18 games it has disputed in this campaign.

Cluj started the 2024-25 season with three consecutive losses and bounced back after that, finishing fifth in Group B with a 10-8 record. It went on to [down Wolves Twinsbet Vilnius 99-100 in a double-overtime classic](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/news/cluj-eliminates-wolves-in-2ot-99-100/) in the EuroCup Eighthfinals behind 26 points and 14 assists from [Zavier Simpson](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/zavier-simpson/013302/). It was the first postseason double-overtime game since 2016 and the club's first-ever EuroCup playoff victory.

Even when Valencia ranks first in most statistical categories, Cluj has players ranking higher in the individual rankings. Simpson is the competition's leader in assists (7.8 apg.) and ranks third in scoring (18.2 ppg.), way ahead of any Valencia player. Ojeleye is Valencia's leader scorer with 12.8 points per game, while [Zach Hankins](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/zach-hankins/013304/) (6.1 rpg.) and the injured [De'Shawn Stephens](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/de-shawn-stephens/006618/) (5.9 rpg.) are ahead of any Valencia player in the rebounding charts. [Jaime Pradilla](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/jaime-pradilla/010393/) is Valencia's leading rebounder with 5.8 boards per night.

<center>
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overflow:hidden; padding:8px 0 7px; text-align:center; text-overflow:ellipsis; white-space:nowrap;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/DHBGdP8NOFN/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none;" target="_blank">A post shared by Valencia Basket (@valenciabasket)</a></p></div></blockquote>
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Cluj also had some experienced players in the competition, which has added value in do-or-die games like this. [Sasu Salin](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/sasu-salin/002820/) ranks fifth all-time in three-pointers made (222), [Gediminas Orelik](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/gediminas-orelik/002012/) is sixth (212) and [D.J. Seeley](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/dennis-seeley/004862/) 11th (175). Fun fact: Salin needs two three-pointers to go past Valencia legend [Rafa Martinez](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/martinez-rafa/001351/) (223) in the three-point charts, and can do it at La Fonteta. Seeley ranks seventh all-time in scoring with 1,334 points. Salin and Seeley helped Gran Canaria reach the semifinals in 2016, losing against Galatasaray Istanbul.

Playing at La Fonteta is always good news for Valencia. Valencia has played 126 games in its favorite building, getting 109 wins (86.5%). It has only registered four postseason home losses there: against Virtus Bologna in the 2022 semifinals, Unicaja Malaga in Game 3 of the 2017 Finals, Khimki Moscow Region in the 2015 quarterfinals, Lokomotiv Kuban Krasnodar in the 2013 semifinals. All four of those teams were champions at the end of the season.

In other words, the game has a little bit of everything: a heavy favorite looking to take a crucial step towards its fifth crown and a fearless Cinderella with experienced players ready to make some more noise in arguably the most historic arena in competition history. My advice? Cancel your plans on Wednesday night and make sure you watch what promises to be a very interesting showdown.

It will their third matchup of the season as Valencia already beat Cluj twice in regular-season action

Check out what the protagonists are saying ahead of the BKT EuroCup Quarterfinals.

Quarterfinals: Pregame quotes

## Tuesday, March 11

### Bahcesehir College Istanbul vs. Cedevita Olimpija Ljubljana (18:00 CET)

**Zvezdan Mitrovic, Cedevita Olimpija Ljubljana head coach**

"My friend and brother, Dejan Radonjic, took over the Bahcesehir team during this past season, when I was also still working in Turkiye. He has put together a serious team with the highest possible goals. Their ambitions are evident, and throughout the EuroCup season, it is clear that they are very focused on performing in this competition. In the challenging Group A, they were extremely dominant. They are well-covered in all playing positions, with a large number of experienced and quality players who have experience from the EuroLeague and even the NBA. It is evident that they are working well and seriously, and that the club has high ambitions."

**Aleksej Nikolic, Cedevita Olimpija Ljubljana guard**

"We will prepare for the quarterfinal as we do for every game this season. We are used to a demanding schedule, especially after two hellish weeks in January when the games came one after another. Nothing unusual – good rest after Sunday's game against Crvena Zvezda, recovery, and then back to work."

**Devin Robinson, Cedevita Olimpija Ljubljana forward**

"Every game is important, and the upcoming away game against Bahcesehir even more so. We are playing against a good team, which gives us additional motivation, and the last two home victories also help in that regard. We need to rest, focus, and continue in this style."

### Hapoel Bank Yahav Jerusalem vs. Dreamland Gran Canaria (20:00 CET)

**Jaka Lakovic, Dreamland Gran Canaria head coach**

"“We have a difficult game ahead of us, as it should be. We are in the quarterfinals of the BKT EuroCup, where the best eight teams have been selected. We are happy to be there, but our work is not done yet. We have a lot of ambition and enthusiasm to play this game and try to do everything we can to win it and qualify for the semifinals. Hapoel Bank Yahav Jerusalem is a physical, athletic and talented team. The dangers of this team come from \[Jared\] Harper and \[Khadeen\] Carrington. Harper has had an MVP season in the EuroCup. Something that is rarely seen is that he goes to the free-throw line 11 times per game and draws 8 fouls per game. Collective defense on him will be very important. Another creator that stands out is Carrington. These two scorers and team builders are, in my opinion, the best. We don't have to forget about the rest of the players because they all have a lot of quality. That's why I think we have to be prepared and play focused and with intensity from the first minute to the 40th."

## Wednesday, March 12

### Hapoel Shlomo Tel Aviv vs. Turk Telekom Ankara (18:00 CET)

**Dimitris Itoudis, Hapoel Shlomo Tel Aviv head coach**

"We are approaching this game as if it were a final. We need to play aggressively, work together as a team, perform at the highest level, and try to win."

**Bar Timor, Hapoel Shlomo Tel Aviv forward**

"We are facing a talented team that convincingly defeated Buducnost in the Round of 16. They have eight high-quality foreign players, along with local talented players who bring great energy and add depth to their squad. We expect an intense game, and in order to win, we will need to dictate the pace from the very start."

### Valencia Basket vs. U-BT Cluj-Napoca (20:30 CET)

**Pedro Martinez, Valencia Basket head coach**

"Both teams want to win. We have to do our job. All matches are equally important. We don't have to think that this game is more important than the one we played in Round 1. The consequences of winning or losing, we don't have to give much importance to this or think too much about it. We will play our game, prepare ourselves against a very good team and give our best. This is a team that plays very well on offense. They have a lot of points and a lot of small, skilled players, who score from the outside, who penetrate. It will be complicated, but we know that and we will try to do the best defense possible against these players. Let's see if \[Jean\] Montero can train and in what conditions. And we hope he can help us. It's not an injury that we are afraid he might relapse. But if he is well today and does an important part of the training session, we are counting on him."

Check out what the protagonists are saying ahead of the BKT EuroCup Quarterfinals

U-BT Cluj-Napoca captain Patrick Richard spoke with Eurohoops's Cesare Milanti to reflect on his game-winning shot against BC Wolves and the club's upcoming quarterfinal clash with Valencia Basket.

Patrick Richard talks biggest win in Cluj's history, quarterfinal clash against Valencia

With the clock ticking down in the final minutes of the second overtime period, everybody was biting their nails inside Twinsbet Arena. Zavier Simpson is handling the ball and being covered by Anthony Cowan Jr., with [U-BT Cluj-Napoca](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/teams/u-bt-cluj-napoca/clu/) up by a single point.

This was the matchup of the night as Wolves Twinsbet Vilnius’s leader tried to answer whatever was coming from his main opponent. Two double-doubles – 23 points and 12 assists for Cowan, 26 points and 13 assists for Simpson – had been already registered up to that point.

The home fans feared another penetration towards the basket, maybe concluding with Simpson’s special trick: the hook shot. Karel Guzman points toward his right side just before running to set a screen at the top of the key, freeing up some room.

Jeffery Taylor, who has never been a liability on defense even in his Real Madrid days, loses a millisecond of attention and Cluj’s No. 3 opts for what is likely the quickest two-handed pass of his career, finding [Patrick Richard](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/patrick-richard/011801/) with enough freedom. He just has to let it go and hope for the best outcome.

“When the ball came to me, I didn't second guess or even think twice about it: I just let it fly, shot it with confidence and I was able to knock down a big shot,” Richard tells Eurohoops. The first three-pointer made after two misses and Cluj, importantly, up by four points.

It was *the* shot of the EuroCup Eighthfinals as it secured qualification for another do-or-die game in the quarterfinals, a stage the Romanian side has now reached in back-to-back seasons. “I was super excited, happy to be there, be a part of it, and be able to help the team advance to the next round,” he adds.

Read more [HERE](https://www.eurohoops.net/en/eurocup/1795055/patrick-richard-ubt-cluj-napoca-bkt-eurocup-interview/).

Finding his "home away from home" in Romania, he had the shot to beat Wolves in the eighthfinals

Wolves Twinsbet Vilnius v U-BT Cluj-Napoca (2025-03-04T17:00:00.000Z)

Zalgiris Kaunas has confirmed that Sylvain Francisco has renewed his contract until the end of the 2026-27 season.

Sylvain Francisco renews at Zalgiris until 2027

[Zalgiris Kaunas](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/teams/zalgiris-kaunas/zal/) has confirmed that star guard [Sylvain Francisco](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/sylvain-francisco/007975/) has penned a new contract at the club until the end of the 2026-27 season. 

The deal includes an option for the Frenchman to leave in the summer of 2026 should a buyout be paid.

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Francisco, in his second season in the Turkish Airlines EuroLeague, is in the midst of an excellent first campaign with Zalgiris, having averaged 14.4 points, 2.4 rebounds, 4.3 assists and 1.0 steal per game across 28 appearances.

The 27-year-old has had his five best scoring games in the EuroLeague while wearing Zalgiris's jersey, beating the previous best mark of 21 points he twice reached during his rookie campaign with [FC Bayern Munich](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/teams/fc-bayern-munich/mun/). 

In the last five rounds alone, Francisco has achieved his three highest-scoring performances after posting a career-best 33 points against Bayern in Round 24, 29 points against EA7 Emporio Armani Milan in Round 26, and 25 points at Crvena Zvezda Meridianbet Belgrade in Round 27.

Zalgiris fans can now look forward to seeing Francisco on the Zalgirio Arena floor for potentially another two seasons.

More Zalgiris News

The 27-year-old has committed his future to the Lithuanian club

Two ex-Hapoel Tel Aviv BC players could get some payback against their former team in the EuroCup Quarterfinals, as Turk Telekom Ankara duo Braian Angola and Kyle Alexander look to cause an upset.

Angola, Alexander are key to Turk Telekom's hopes against Hapoel

[Hapoel Shlomo Tel Aviv](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/teams/hapoel-shlomo-tel-aviv/hta/) made no bones about its goals this summer. And every day since. The club is targeting a spot in the Turkish Airlines EuroLeague and the most direct way to do that would be to win the BKT EuroCup.

Renewable energy tycoon Ofer Yannay has spared no expense to turn his club into a winner with shock move after shock move of players from the Turkish Airlines EuroLeague and the NBA. The first big move over the summer was the signing of star center [Johnathan Motley](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/johnathan-motley/011157/) from Fenerbahce Beko Istanbul. Then came [Patrick Beverley](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/patrick-beverley/001927/) (who has since left the club) from the NBA. And [Bruno Caboclo](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/bruno-caboclo/012096/) from Partizan Mozzzart Bet Belgrade. Two-time EuroLeague champion [Dimitris Itoudis](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/teams/hapoel-shlomo-tel-aviv/hta/itoudis-dimitris/) took over as head coach in November. And then [Yam Madar](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/yam-madar/011052/) left FC Bayern Munich shortly after that to return to the club.

Of course, those moves have had ripple effects. The signing of Motley spelled the end of [Kyle Alexander](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/kyle-alexander/011973/)'s time in Tel Aviv. He would end up with [Turk Telekom Ankara](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/teams/turk-telekom-ankara/ttk/). [Braian Angola](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/braian-angola/010465/), like Alexander, played for Hapoel last season. Unlike Alexander, he had a contract for 2024-25. However, he was never a part of the team's plans and after appearing in just one EuroCup game for 5:30 minutes in the first four rounds of the season, Angola left and signed for Turk Telekom.

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On Wednesday, Turk Telekom will lean heavily on Angola and Alexander as the team tries to upset Hapoel in the quarterfinals.

While the duo may have not been what Hapoel wanted this season, they have been just what the doctor ordered for Turk Telekom. Alexander leads the EuroCup in blocked shots (2.1 bpg.), is third in rebounds (7.0 rpg.) and 10th in PIR (16.8). Angola is 13th in PIR, but his 18.2 average with Turk Telekom would rank sixth if it weren’t dragged down by the sole appearance with Hapoel. Likewise, his 16.2 points per game would be seventh.

Alexander will match up head-to-head with Motley, who has been a force with 16.9 points and 5.0 rebounds for a PIR of 19.8. Angola will likely re-enact his duels with [Ish Wainright](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/ishmail-carzell-wainright/013284/) from early-season scrimmages in Tel Aviv.

Those players are not the only ones upon whom the fate of this game rests. Turk Telekom shooting guard [Anthony Brown](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/anthony-brown/009025/) is second in the EuroCup in scoring (18.4 ppg.), [Yoan Makoundou](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/yoan-makoundou/011935/) (11.6 ppg., 5.0 rpg.) is second to only Alexander in blocks (1.6 bpg.) and point guard [Speedy Smith](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/kenneth-smith/010587/) is another mid-season arrival from Israel with him starting the campaign with another EuroCup quarterfinalist, [Hapoel Bank Yahav Jerusalem](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/teams/hapoel-bank-yahav-jerusalem/jer/).

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Even the head coaches know each other well, with Itoudis having faced off against [Erdem Can](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/teams/turk-telekom-ankara/ttk/can-erdem/?season=U2024) many times when the latter coached Fenerbahce.

Only [Tomer Ginat](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/tomer-ginat/010550/) and [Bar Timor](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/bar-timor/004846/) remain among the rotation players on Hapoel’s roster from last season, so the mostly-rebuilt squad will look to carry the team into the semifinals, which is merely one step on the path to glory management has the team set on. Last season, Hapoel stumbled in the quarterfinals, blowing a 21-point lead against another Turkish foe, Besiktas Fibabanka Istanbul.

If Hapoel falls at this stage again, it could well be because of some Israeli League cast-offs on the other end of the floor.

The former Tel Aviv players will look to end Hapoel’s season again in the quarterfinals

The All-25 EuroLeague Team is taking shape, with the third set of inductees being confirmed as Luka Doncic, Milos Teodosic, Dejan Bodiroga, Georgios Printezis and Walter Tavares join the 10 already honored players. 

The third batch of players for the All-25 EuroLeague Team are announced

The All-25 EuroLeague Team is taking shape, with the third set of inductees being confirmed. [Luka Doncic](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/luka-doncic/005929/), [Milos Teodosic](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/milos-teodosic/jdr/), [Dejan Bodiroga](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/bodiroga-dejan/apn/), [Georgios Printezis](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/georgios-printezis/amm/) and [Walter Tavares](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/walter-tavares/005791/) join fellow honorees Dimitris Diamantidis, Mike James, Vasilije Micic, Anthony Parker, Sergio Rodriguez, Nando De Colo, Sergio Llull, Ramunas Siskauskas, Vassilis Spanoulis and Nikola Vujcic.

The selection process combined the votes of EuroLeague head coaches who had won a championship, past All-Decade Team members and MVPs, media representatives and fans. The coaches and playing greats each made up 40% of the final vote, and the media and fans were 10% each.

### Luka Doncic

Despite his brief tenure in the EuroLeague, [Luka Doncic](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/luka-doncic/005929/) made an indelible impact, leading Real Madrid to the 2018 EuroLeague championship as a teenager. His historic season saw him become the youngest EuroLeague MVP and Final Four MVP in history at just 19 years old. It was a meteoric rise for the Slovenian, who as a 16-year-old was the MVP after leading Real to win the NextGen EuroLeague. He made his EuroLeague debut months later and in his second season was the 2016-17 EuroLeague Rising Star. When he torched Anadolu Efes Istanbul for 27 points on opening night in 2017, Doncic was off to the races on an incredible campaign and he hasn’t stopped yet, whether in the NBA or with his national team.

Doncic's versatility, court vision, and scoring ability revolutionized the modern guard role, paving the way for his transition to global stardom. His impact on Real Madrid and European basketball remains undeniable. A member of the 2010-20 EuroLeague All-Decade Team, Doncic will forever be connected to Real Madrid and the EuroLeague for the brilliance he displayed in those first three seasons of his career.

From the archive: Luka Doncic highlights

### Milos Teodosic

Ever since first stepping into the EuroLeague in the 2007-08 season, [Milos Teodosic](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/milos-teodosic/jdr/) has been wowing basketball fans on the continent. Whether it has been with Olympiacos Piraeus (2007-11), CSKA Moscow (2011-17), Virtus Segafredo Bologna (2022-23) or Crvena Zvezda Meridianbet Belgrade (2023-present), the Serbian point guard’s incredible vision has brought joy to viewers in EuroLeague arenas and on TV screens, and also his teammates, having dished 1,477 assists and counting – the fifth most all-time – in his 305-game career.

His breakout season at Olympiacos saw him secure the EuroLeague MVP award in the 2009-10 season, which was also the same year he was named to the All-EuroLeague First Team for the first time. Another two selections came in 2014-15 and 2015-16 during his time at CSKA, as well as three All-EuroLeague Second Team picks in 2011-12, 2012-13 and 2016-17. It was in 2016 that Teodosic finally got his hands on the EuroLeague trophy after a memorable performance in CSKA’s 96-101 overtime win against Fenerbahce Beko Istanbul. Part of the EuroLeague 2010–20 All-Decade Team, Teodosic’s highlight reels will continue to be watched for decades and decades to come.

From the archive: Milos Teodosic highlights

### Dejan Bodiroga

[Dejan Bodiroga](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/bodiroga-dejan/apn/) is to this day one of the best examples of what European basketball historically has been all about. An elite scorer with an otherworldly understanding of the game, Bodiroga is one of the most accomplished basketball players in the history of the game. During a career that took off in the 1990s and then peaked over five seasons on EuroLeague floors between 2001 and 2007, the Serbian all-round forward accomplished what no one before or after him has done.

Bodiroga is the only player in EuroLeague history to lead two different clubs to EuroLeague titles as a Final Four MVP in back-to-back seasons. First was with Panathinaikos AKTOR Athens in 2002 and then a year later with FC Barcelona. Bodiroga played one EuroLeague season with the Greens and three with Barcelona before ending his career with Lottomatica Roma in the 2006-07 season. He was chosen to the EuroLeague 2000-10 All-Decade Team, and his 16.1 points per game across 100 appearances rank fifth all-time.

From the archive: Dejan Bodiroga highlights

### Georgios Printezis

A natural-born winner with great versatility and know-how, [Georgios Printezis](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/georgios-printezis/amm/) hit arguably the most iconic shot in competition history. His floater off the baseline with 0.7 seconds left allowed Olympiacos Piraeus to beat CSKA Moscow 61-62 in the 2012 EuroLeague Championship Game, with the Reds having rallied from a 19-point deficit in the final 13 minutes. A lifelong Olympiacos fan, Printezis joined the Reds in 2001 and finished his first stint with the club in 2009. After two seasons with Unicaja Malaga, Printezis returned to Olympiacos, where he played until his retirement in 2022.

In 17 EuroLeague seasons with Olympiacos, Printezis made it to six Final Fours, winning back-to-back EuroLeague titles in 2012 and 2013, as well as reaching two other championship games in 2015 and 2017. Having retired in 2022, Printezis still ranks 10th all-time in scoring (3,599 points) and rebounds (1,452). He was chosen to the 2016-17 All-EuroLeague First Team and also made it to the 2010-20 EuroLeague All-Decade Team. In September 2024, Olympiacos retired his No. 15 jersey, naming the event "A Moment To Remember" in reference to his championship-winning shot against CSKA. 

From the archive: Georgios Printezis highlights

### Walter Tavares

A defensive titan, [Walter Tavares](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/walter-tavares/005791/) has redefined interior defense over his eight seasons in the EuroLeague and the Real Madrid center filled a trophy case in that time. Tavares is a five-time All-EuroLeague selection, which is tied with Nikola Vujcic for the most of any center. He has won three EuroLeague Best Defender trophies, which is tied for the second-most in competition history. Tavares also helped *Los Blancos* raise the EuroLeague crown in both 2018 and 2023 and was the Final Four MVP in the second of those triumphs. Real Madrid has missed only one Final Four in his time with the club.

Standing at 2.20 meters, Tavares's shot-blocking ability and rebounding dominance have made him a game-changing presence in the paint. While his influence extends beyond statistics, the numbers help make his case; he is the career leader in blocked shots, ranks third in rebounds and fourth in two-point shooting accuracy. Tavares's ability to control the rim on both ends has secured his place in the history books as one of the most dominant centers ever in European basketball.

Walter Tavares | Best Plays | 2022-23 Turkish Airlines EuroLeague

Doncic, Teodosic, Bodiroga, Printezis and Tavares are the latest five to be recognized among the 25 greatest players from the competition’s history