European Basketball Round-up: Joventut, Efes, Milan and Paris Lift Super Cups
Joventut Badalona, Anadolu Efes, Milan, and Paris triumphed in their respective domestic super cups this weekend, with standout performances from Nico Laprovittola, Mike James, Moses Wright, and Nadir Hifi.
Joventut Wins Spanish Super Cup
Joventut Badalona claimed the Spanish Super Cup last night (Sunday) with an impressive 101:87 victory over Barcelona, leading from wire to wire. Nico Laprovittola was the standout star, scoring 31 points, dishing out seven assists, and sinking an incredible nine three-pointers—following his 27-point performance in the semifinals against Baskonia—earning him tournament MVP honors.
Joventut exploded for 32 points in the first quarter, took a six-point lead into halftime, and successfully fended off every Barcelona comeback attempt. Emir Sulejmanovic added 19 points and nine rebounds, while Joel Parra (24 points) and Kevin Punter (20 points) led the way for Barca. This marks Joventut's first title since winning the Copa del Rey in 2008.
Mike James Leads Anadolu Efes
Mike James is already making his mark at Anadolu Efes. The American guard led the Turkish side to the VTB United League Super Cup title with an 88:82 victory over Lokomotiv Kuban in the final, finishing with 27 points and a decisive performance in the clutch.
"With 13 seconds remaining and the game still on the line, James nailed a three-pointer and drew a foul for a crucial four-point play that effectively sealed the contest."
Thanks to his stellar play throughout the tournament, James was named MVP, while Efes became the first non-Russian team to win the VTB Super Cup.
Milan Claims Italian Super Cup
Armani Exchange Milan won the Italian Super Cup for the third consecutive time and the seventh in its history, defeating Venezia 94:87 in overtime. Milan started strong, building a 14-point lead after the first quarter, but Venezia clawed its way back, forcing overtime after Leandro Bolmaro tied the game at 79:79 from the free-throw line.
In the extra session, Milan regained control, pulling away by seven points to secure the trophy. Moses Wright led the winners with 23 points and six rebounds, earning tournament MVP honors. Bolmaro added 17 points and eight rebounds, and Marko Guduric contributed 15 points.
Paris Basketball Dominates in France
Paris Basketball captured the French Super Cup with an 81:59 victory over Rouen in the final. The first half was notably sluggish, with Paris managing just 21 points before the break, but the team exploded offensively in the second half, putting up 36 points in the third quarter and 60 total points after halftime.
Tyson Etienne led the charge with 21 points and a flawless six-of-six shooting night from beyond the arc, while Nadir Hifi and Jared Roden added 15 points each. Hifi was named tournament MVP.
