EuroCup Round 14: Cluj/Napoca, Cedevita and Trento Hold Firm

Round 14 recap

Cluj/Napoca stayed on track with a 103-92 victory over struggling Hamburg. Daron “Fatts” Russell paced the hosts with 23 points and five assists, while Mitchell Creek chipped in 20. Kevin Guzman finished with a double-double (12 points, 12 rebounds). Hamburg’s Zacharrie Perrin produced 19 points and 13 rebounds, but the German side remain without a win this campaign. Cluj/Napoca improved to 8-6 in the EuroCup and will turn their attention to domestic action next.

Cedevita rolled to a 104-85 road win over Neptunas, with five players reaching double figures. Umaja Gibson led the charge with 25 points as the starting five clicked from the opening whistle. The victory moved Cedevita up in the standings, while Neptunas dropped to 6-8. Cedevita now shift focus to an important domestic clash that will shape the top of their group.

Trento escaped a dramatic scare to edge Panionios 88-87. The home side were carved up in the third quarter but rallied late, with D.J. Steward and Khalif Battle delivering in the fourth. Battle’s tip-in at the buzzer — upheld after review — completed the comeback. Giorgos Tsalmpouris finished with 19 for Panionios and Joe Thomasson added 17 and eight assists, but the Greek club remain near the bottom of the table. Trento sit at 8-6 after the thriller.

Notes and voices

Across the competition, coaches and players have been sharing blunt, sometimes emotional takes. One veteran pointed out how certain coaches push players to live and breathe the game, while others reflected on tough choices that have nonetheless paid off for their clubs. Several figures mentioned clear ambition — teams aiming to build toward higher continental goals over the next seasons.

There’s also talk about leadership styles: some say domestic talent remains the backbone of successful squads, and a few veterans admitted to learning late in their careers how much they owe to influential coaches. Overall, the chatter around the league mixes tactical praise with personal reflections as the season heads into its decisive phase.