Second hosts second-bottom as Barcelona (17-8) looks for a sixth straight home win with a visit from ALBA (5-15), which has just one road victory all season.
Israel Gonzalez, ALBA: 'Every player is able to make a difference'
Seasons
3 Mins read
Regular Season
Round 26 of 34
Regular Season
FC BarcelonaBAR
9377
ALBA BerlinBER
Overview
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The Spanish side won't be taking the task lightly after suffering a shock defeat in Berlin, 74-70, in December. Barca will look to control the outside shooting threat of Matt Thomas, who led ALBA with 13 points on that occasion and has netted multiple triples in seven of the last 11 games. The host will also hope that shooting guard Dario Brizuela can stay in his sweet moment after scoring 20 points on 6-of-7 three-point shooting in last week's solid win at Zvezda.
Roger Grimau, Barcelona head coach
"ALBA beat us in Berlin, and we do not take them lightly. They play a fast-tempo game. They have lots of one-on-one situations and move the ball very well. We have to get back to defense basics to be solid and compete in this game."
Israel Gonzalez, ALBA head coach
"Barcelona is a great team. They are very dangerous because every player is able to make a difference. From a tactical standpoint, they are a well-coached team. On defense, we need to do a consistent job and control the rebound. Offensively, we have to share the ball throughout the full 40 minutes."
Willy Hernangomez, Barcelona player
"Seasons are very long. We had good moments and not-so-good moments, but the day to day work is great. We have a crucial game here at home, ALBA beat us in Berlin. We want to play a good game and do a good job in front of our fans to keep moving forward in this season. We still have to improve a few things, especially being able to be concentrated for 40 minutes. This team can still improve a lot, and that's a good thing."
Matteo Spagnolo, ALBA player
"Barcelona is a very well-functioning team and also made up of strong individual players. We have to be ready as a team and give everything! We brought a lot of energy on the court in the game in Berlin. That was the key to win and a really great moment for us. Of course we want to repeat that."