2003–04 ULEB Cup
The 2003–04 ULEB Cup was the second season of the second-tier level European professional club basketball competition, EuroCup Basketball, organized by the Euroleague Basketball Company. The EuroCup is the European-wide league level that is one tier below the EuroLeague level. Thirty-six teams participated in thus expanded edition, including 7 league champions. The final was held on April 13, in Charleroi, Belgium, between Real Madrid and Hapoel Jerusalem, the latter winning it by a score of 83–72.
Team allocation
For the first time teams from Israel, Lithuania, Greece, Latvia, Bulgaria, Poland, Austria and England joined the competition which was undisputedly considered now the 2nd tier of European club basketball. Three out of the 36 teams were domestic champions.
Format
The 2003–04 ULEB Cup featured a total of 36 teams, divided into six groups of six. The round-robin group stage was followed by knock-out stages. The regular season began in November 2003.
All 36 teams in 6 groups played a round-robin competition, home and away. Two teams from each group advanced to the knockout stage. Four teams with best third place records in their respective groups also advanced to the knockout stage.
Eighth-finals
The winners from the eighthfinals advanced to the quarterfinals. The matches were played as two games, home and away. The match winners were determined by point differential.
Quarterfinals
The winners from the quarterfinals advanced to the semifinals. The matches were played as two games, home and away. The match winners were determined by point differential.
Semifinals
The winners from the semifinals advanced to the finals. The matches were played as two games, home and away. The match winners were determined by point differential.
Final
The match was played as one game.
Elimination rounds
Bracket
Source:
Final
April 13, Spiroudome, Charleroi