Spanish League rivals MoraBanc Andorra and Joventut Badalona will meet for the fourth time this season with the latter looking to clinch home-court advantage for the eighthfinals.

Keys to victory: Andorra vs. Joventut

### Rebounding is key for Andorra

Andorra defeated Joventut 91-72 the last time they played in the Spanish League, which was one month ago. The key to cracking the vaunted Joventut defense in that game was fantastic shooting and dominating the glass. Andorra made 73.5% of its two-pointers and 41.7% of its threes and outrebounded Joventut 37-26. Although repeating that shooting is unlikely, another strong game on the boards would be a big boost for the home team.

Keys to victory: Reyer vs. Virtus

### Offensive efficiency critical for Reyer 

It’s a classic offense versus defense tale. Reyer plays at a slow pace, has allowed the second-fewest points in the competition (74.1 ppg.) and holds opponents to relatively low shooting percentages (50.5% 2FG, 33.8% 3FG). Even if the hosts manage to slow down the Virtus attack, Reyer must be more efficient on offense to sting the visitors. Reyer has averaged 14.1 turnovers per game and is shooting 33.8% from behind the arc. Improvements in both areas would be of great benefit this week.

### Fast pace favors Virtus 

Virtus will try to push the pace and for good reason. Not only is the team third in the EuroCup in scoring (86.1 ppg.), but it is 7-2 this season when it has scored more than 80 points. Or in other words, it is winless when it has failed to score at least 81. One key to play at a fast pace will be controlling the rebounding battle. Virtus has been outrebounded by 2.7 rebounds per game this far this season, however, if Mam Jaiteh, Keven Hervey and Kyle Weems can make the difference on the glass, it would be a big boost for the visitors.

Isaia Cordinier - Virtus Segafredo Bologna - EC21

Umana Reyer Venice v Virtus Segafredo Bologna (2022-03-09T19:00:00.000Z)

### Controlling the glass helps Metropolitans

In a matchup where these teams have similar strengths, one glaring difference is on the glass. Hamburg attacks the offensive boards with abandon and ranks second in the EuroCup with 11.9 per game. However, it also allows opponents the same number of offensive rebounds and overall has been outrebounded by 6.2 rebounds per game. Metropolitans, with the trio of Vince Hunter, Miralem Halilovic and Tomer Ginat leading the way, has taken 2.6 more rebounds per game than its opponents. If the hosts can dominate the glass, it will be a big advantage against Hamburg.

### Hamburg’s defensive pressure is key 

Metropolitans point guard Will Cummings has been one of the top performers in the EuroCup this season as he leads an attack that has committed the second-fewest turnovers in the competition (11.4 per game). Hamburg has forced the most turnovers (16.5 per game) and collected the second-most steals (9.1 spg.). If the Hamburg defense, highlighted by Caleb Homesley, Jaylen Brown, Maximilian di Leo and Justus Hollatz, can put pressure on Cummings and the rest of the Metropolitans guards, it could make all the difference.

Boulogne Metropolitans 92 will seek its fifth consecutive win when it faces a stubborn Hamburg Towers side on Wednesday.

Keys to victory: Metropolitans vs. Hamburg

Boulogne Metropolitans 92 v Hamburg Towers (2022-03-09T19:30:00.000Z)

Gran Canaria will look to snap a two-game slide when it hosts Frutti Extra Bursaspor, which has lost its last six games on the road.

Keys to victory: Gran Canaria vs. Frutti Extra Bursaspor

### Gran Canaria will try to pressure the opposing guards 

Gran Canaria leads the EuroCup in steals (9.2 spg.) and is second in forced turnovers (15.9 per game). Those skills to pressure opposing guards and to pounce in the passing lanes could prove decisive against a Bursaspor squad that is led by its backcourt of Andrew Andrews and Derek Needham. If Andrew Albicy, Chris Kramer and Dylan Ennis can successfully pressure the opposing ballhandlers, Gran Canaria should be able to control the game.

### Bursaspor needs strong perimeter defense

Bursaspor has allowed opponents to shoot a EuroCup-high 39.6% from downtown this season and Gran Canaria is second in the competition in three-point accuracy at 39.0%. Given that Andrews and Needham will likely play long minutes, the stress on the Bursaspor guards will be even greater. Nevertheless, disrupting the Gran Canaria shooters is essential because if the hosts fire away at ease from downtown, it will be tough for Bursaspor to keep up.

Gran Canaria v Frutti Extra Bursaspor (2022-03-09T20:00:00.000Z)

Round 14 begins in Lithuania with a Group A clash between Lietkabelis Panevezys and Partizan NIS Belgrade. 

Keys to victory: Lietkabelis vs. Partizan

### Lietkabelis must take care of the ball 

Lietkabelis has won four straight home games and will put that record on the line against the team in second place in the group. One of the keys for success will be taking care of the ball. Lietkabelis has committed the second-most turnovers in the EuroCup this season, 15.4 per game. Its opponent, Partizan, has taken the fourth-most steals (7.9 spg.). To keep up with Partizan’s dangerous attack, the hosts must play efficient basketball and limit their turnovers. 

### Making threes could boost Partizan

Partizan has one of the strongest frontlines in the EuroCup as evidenced by the fact that the team leads the competition in two-point shooting (58.7%) and blocks (3.5 bpg.) and outrebounding opponents by 4.5 rebounds per game. Despite the attention those players force opponents to pay, Partizan’s perimeter players have not capitalized. Partizan’s 33.3% three-point shooting is among the lowest in the competition – and that drops to 27.1% in losses. If Keven Punter, Yam Madar and Dallas Moore heat up from deep, Partizan will be tough to stop. 

Lietkabelis Panevezys v Partizan NIS Belgrade (2022-03-08T17:00:00.000Z)

### Cedevita seeks fast-paced game

Cedevita is winless in three games against Buducnost this season. Coach Golemac’s side lost two of those games in the Adriatic League and one in the EuroCup. Cedevita is a team built around its attack and it has shown; the team has been worth 94.8 points in EuroCup wins this season and 77.1 points in EuroCup losses. Against Buducnost, it has averaged 76.7 points. One way to raise that number is to cut down on turnovers; Cedevita has committed a EuroCup-high 16.0 turnovers per game. As a team with very good shooting percentages, fewer turnovers would likely lead to more shots and more points scored.

### Buducnost undefeated when is scores 80

In contrast to Cedevita, Buducnost prefers a slower paced, control game. The Montenegrin champs have committed the fourth-fewest turnovers (12.0 per game) and are third-worst in the competition in three-point accuracy (31.5%). When Buducnost has held opponents to less than 80 points, it is 5-1 this season. However, when the pace is increased, Buducnost has also done fine. It is 6-0 this season when it has scored at least 80 points. Against Cedevita, relying on the skills of Justin Cobbs and Willie Reed to take what’s available and turnover the home team’s aggressiveness against it could be the recipe for victory.

Cedevita Olimpija Ljubljana will try to snap its losing streak against Adriatic League rival Buducnost VOLI Podgorica when they meet in Round 14.

Keys to victory: Cedevita vs. Buducnost

Jaka Blazic - Cedevita Olimpija Ljubljana - EC21

Cedevita Olimpija Ljubljana v Buducnost VOLI Podgorica (2022-03-08T19:30:00.000Z)

### It starts with offense for Promitheas 

Promitheas will try to use the recent break to turn things around after losing six of the last seven games. Scoring has been the team’s biggest problem this season; Promitheas is second from bottom in scoring (72.4 ppg.), third from last in two-point shooting (49.6%) and fourth from last in three-point shooting (32.3%). It has lost seven of its eight games when Promitheas has failed to score 80 points, so pushing the pace and making more shots will be critical against Ulm. 

### Controlling the boards is key for Ulm

Ironically, the fact that Ulm is among the worst turnover transgressors in the league has not hindered it much; Coach Lakovic’s team has committed even more turnovers in wins (15.8 per game) than losses (14.7). Ulm has partially made up for its turnover woes with strong rebounding; it has outrebounded teams by 3.8 boards per game. Promitheas, in contrast, has been outrebounded by 1.9 per game. If Jaron Blossomgame and Cristiano Felicio can ensure that Ulm controls the glass, the chances of gaining the club’s fourth road win this season rise. 

The first Round 14 game in Group B will be in Greece where Promitheas Patras takes on ratiopharm Ulm.

Keys to victory: Promitheas vs. Ulm

Promitheas Patras v ratiopharm Ulm (2022-03-08T17:30:00.000Z)

Promitheas Patras point guard Abdul Gaddy checks in before a crucial week for his team with the latest post on the EuroCupbasketball.com blog.

Abdul Gaddy, Promitheas: ‘We still have a chance’

For us, this is the most decisive part of the EuroCup season. We still have a chance, so we are focused on that. It's been a tough season. We lost some close ones, some games we wish we could have closed better. There was an adjustment to Coach Zouros. It's been tough, but I think that we are a team that wants to focus on the moment and right now we have an opportunity. So we want to focus on the next game at home against a really good Ulm team, very well-coached with great players. We beat them before, but we know that was a bad game for them. So we want to focus on each game and try to win each one if we can. We really have to stay in that moment because that's the only chance we have to make sure that we give ourselves an opportunity to make it. 

The break was actually good just to get everybody healthy. I was able to be here and get individual work. Our coach coached the Georgian national team, so he wasn't here, but he did come up with a great plan for us to do some individual skill work and improve so that we could be ready to go. But most of the guys were here and then some of our Greek guys with the national team, so they were getting good work there as well. So we should be prepared.

"We want to focus on each game and try to win each one if we can."

We have to make the most of our strengths. Our coach loves to play inside. It is a very old school style, but it is effective for us, we go inside a lot. We play out of our post and we do a lot of action out of that. And our two centers, Dario Hunt and Jerai Grant, are very, very unique and very talented players around the rim, ready to make a pass out of the post. They do a lot of things, so it's been really effective for us.

I am sure Nikolaos Rogkavopoulos surprised a lot of people, too. He has a ton of upside, has good size, good length. He can shoot it, is very confident, and he's improving each and every day. And one thing I really, really appreciate about him is that he loves the game of basketball. He doesn't let a lot of things deter him from that. He has a lot of passion. So he's willing to come in and work every day. So when you have that in a young guy, the sky's the limit for him. So he's a really good player for us and I know he's young and he has a long career ahead of him.

Abdul Gaddy Highlights

During the EuroCup break, I got to walk around Athens a little bit. I visited some of my good friends on other teams. So it was a good little break basketball-wise, just to be able to see the city and socialize a little bit. I am sure you know Okaro White, who plays for Panathinaikos. We know each other and played in Bologna together, so we were able to catch up. Steven Gray of Peristeri, too. We've known each other for a very long time, he is one of my closest friends. I was able to go around and see the Acropolis and eat some good food. I went to the Patras Castle to see some of the sights. It was really nice and I enjoyed it. 

But now, we are preparing for the game against Ulm. It's going to be tough. They've got good players. They have good playmakers, good big guys and athleticism. They are a really good team and they are very well coached. I played against their coach when I played in Germany, too, and they are very well-coached, they play hard. So we are going to have to be prepared. It's not going to be like our last game against them, so we have to come in and prepare for them. And Coach does a really good job of video and preparing and knowing their stuff. So we will be prepared. It's going to be about us coming in and playing really hard against him and hopefully being at home will help us. 

"It's always an adjustment and it's always intriguing to see how your style is compared to other teams."

Coach does a good job only focusing on whoever's in front of us, so we're really going to focus on Ulm now even though we play Cedevita two days later. And then once the Ulm game is over, we go to the next opponent. I know it's a short turnaround, but it's just too difficult to focus on another opponent when you have a tough one in front of you, so you only can focus on them because that's a win you have to get. We have to get this win first and then we can focus on the next. So that's kind of our focus right now, just Ulm. 

The EuroCup is really good. It's a very high level of basketball. It's a different style of play than the Greek League and there are so many good teams. That's the one thing that people respect about it. There are good teams and every time you play, there are no off nights or anything like that. It's like you're going to battle. Even if you're playing a team that doesn't have a great record, they are good. They may have lost by one or two points a couple of times and that's just how it is. I really respect the league, they run it really well. They have been very professional as far as handling all this stuff off the floor as well, too. So it's been an amazing experience. 

Another thing that I like is the different playing styles. That is pretty cool. And it's always an adjustment and it's always intriguing to see how your style is compared to other teams. When we play a team from Italy, it is different from playing a team from Germany or Spain. They all bring different aspects and you have to adjust and see whose style wins out. That's a great part about basketball, too. That's why it's so worldwide and it brings the world together.

I really hope we can reach the knock-out rounds. It is always a motivation to have those opportunities and to just to be able to play and get wins. When you play the game, you want to respect the game and as a competitor, you want to go out and win every game. We always have that extra motivation just to go out and prove ourselves each and every day and create more opportunities.

### Cedevita Olimpija head coach Jurica Golemac:

"Buducnost, who we know well, is coming to us in Stozice. We will definitely have to play good defense, above all we will have to raise the level of aggression if we want to parry our rivals. I invite all the fans to come and help us in these home games because we will definitely need help from the stands. We have to do our best on the home floor to record a new victory in the 7DAYS EuroCup, which would make it easier for us to continue the season."

### Cedevita Olimpija player Zach Auguste:

"In the past three games against Buducnost we didn't get the chance to beat them, so we have to come to this game locked in, determined and focused. We have to put a lot of focus on defense. Our offense will come, as we're a very talented team. We really have to focus on our defense and try to get the win."

### Buducnost VOLI Podgorica head coach Aleksandar Dzikic:

"Our opponents are a very aggressive team, capable of outscoring every team they play. They are very mobile, with great shooting potential, and few players with many points in their hands. We have to control their transition and limit number of touches of their go-to guys."

### Buducnost VOLI Podgorica player Petar Popovic:

"We want to enter the match with Cedevita Olimpija calmly and concentrated from the first minute, to forget the bad edition in Zadar as soon as possible. This season we defeated Cedevita Olimpija three times, we know each other very well, but it is always difficult to play in Stozice. They made some changes during the season and progress can be seen in the last games where they tied 9 wins in three competitions. Our energy must be at a much higher level and we will do our best to make a big step towards the end of the EuroCup group stage with a possible victory."

Here are some insightful comments about the game from the protagonists themselves.

Pre-game quotes: Olimpija vs. Buducnost

Jurica Golemac - Cedevita Olimpija Ljubljana (photo Larry Langer - Ulm) - EC21