Eighthfinals clues: MoraBanc Andorra vs. Buducnost VOLI Podgorica

The matchup between Group A’s fourth-place team, MoraBanc Andorra, and Group B’s fifth-place side, Buducnost VOLI Podgorica, should be a tight one.

After starting out 7-2, Buducnost went 3-6 over during the second half of the regular season. Justin Cobbs and Willie Reed helped set a tone for Buducnost early, though the latter is likely out for the season. The team’s ability to regain the rhythm it established to start the year figures to determine how high its ceiling truly stands. Buducnost scored at least 80 points six times in its first nine games and did so only half as often after that, so monitoring its offense could be an indicator of the team’s chances to go far.

Andorra was one of the most balanced teams in the EuroCup this season, but when it has played its best, its perimeter defense has often been a bright spot. The team has done an impressive job of closing out shooters – opponents have made just 33.2% of their threes against Andorra, which is third-lowest in the league. Strong defense by the backcourt often leads to turning defense into offense and when Andorra is doing that, it becomes much more dangerous.