Two teams jostling for position in the playoff places go head to head as Partizan (9-7) welcomes Virtus (11-5).
Zeljko Obradovic, Partizan: 'Everything is known, it is clear who are their first options in offense'
Seasons
3 Mins read
Regular Season
Round 17 of 34
Regular Season
Partizan Mozzart Bet BelgradePAR
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Virtus Segafredo BolognaVIR
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Partizan will look to recover its usual offensive potency after being held to 72 and 75 points in the last two games and can look for Bruno Caboclo to lead the way from deep after he scored 18 points on 4 of 7 long-range shooting in the Round 16 loss to Real Madrid. Virtus is a similar story, netting just 71 and 69 points in the last two games, despite Marco Belinelli doing his usual job by sinking multiple triples. Despite those recent wobbles, the two teams are still respectively the third and sixth-highest scorers in the league, so hopes are high for an entertaining shootout.
Zeljko Obradovic, Partizan head coach
"We were out of Belgrade for seven days, it seems that it left consequences, and that was seen in the match against Zadar. Anyway, we are satisfied, we are happy to be back in the Arena, to play against a team that is in outstanding form and has exceptional quality. We will have to play very well to get a good result. Virtus plays great. Everything is known, it is clear who are their first options in offense. In relation to the opponent, they set some things, but that's something we all generally do."
Luca Banchi, Virtus head coach
"We close the first leg with a certainly challenging match in a unique environmental setting. Partizan is going through an excellent moment of form, confirmed by 5 successes in the last 6 EuroLeague games and only one defeat on the home floor. That confirms that it will be decisive for us to be able to play a game of great combativeness and consistency to confirm our current ranking position, consolidating ambitions and team values, as much as ever under stress, against opponents of such caliber."
Zach LeDay, Partizan player
"Tough opponent. Veteran team. They have some great veterans and some hungry guys. We have to get out and do our thing. Follow instructions from our coaches and stick to the game plan."
Toko Shengelia, Virtus player
"We know that very important and very tough games coming up. They play great basketball. They're in a great run right now. We understand also how strong they are when they play home. And we understand also that when we go there, if we are not at our 100 percent, it's going to be a long night for us. So for us, every position matters, defensively or offensively, and we're going to go there very concentrated and try to win the game and finish the first half of the regular season in a strong way."