Fourth hosts second as Barcelona (9-2) looks to maintain a two-game lead over its nearest chasers with a trip to Virtus (7-4).
Luca Banchi, Virtus: 'We will need to oppose great physicality'
Seasons
3 Mins read
Regular Season
Round 12 of 34
Group Regular Season
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The Italian team has won five straight at home and will look to maintain the same smooth offensive rhythm which has yielded 19.8 assists per game, the third-best mark in the league and just ahead of Barca’s 18.6. Veteran shooter Marco Belinelli is a key piece of Virtus’s offense, knocking down multiple triples in eight consecutive games. The visitors will also try to control the league’s top ranked player, Toko Shengelia (21.9 PIR per game), through the defensive strength of Jabari Parker. On the other side, Nico Laprovittola showed his incredible firepower in last week’s win over ASVEL by downing a career-high 8 triples on 10 attempts.
Luca Banchi, Virtus head coach
"To face a team like Barcelona we will have to start with our identity of play and the knowledge that we will need to oppose great physicality, aggressiveness and courage to contain such a richly talented opponent. Barca is having a very positive moment and every element on the roster, including the new additions, is providing an excellent performance. They have a style of play that has been established over the years to which Coach Grimau, a former Blaugrana player, is giving added impetus. Our task will be to make life difficult for them by putting on the court all the energy that Virtus Segafredo Arena will be able to transmit to us, as well as the tough face, which is indispensable to challenge our opponents in a duel that we hope will be as hard-fought and balanced as possible."
Roger Grimau, Barcelona head coach
"It is a very tough game. Obviously, all games are difficult but they are in very good shape, especially at home, where they have one extra gear. They have players in very good shape and we have to do things very well. The week, and the weeks ahead, will be very hard. I am trying to think on the game against Virtus and that's it, but I know we have two more games this week. We cannot think about anything else. It is such a difficult game that it doesn't allow us to think about anything else. They have a player who we know well, Shengelia, who is playing very well, with a very big role in many ways, playing pick-and-roll, in the low post, in the open court... He is playing really well and is hard to stop right now, but not just him. They have many more players able to hurt us."
Jordan Mickey, Virtus player
"It will be a tough game, we have in front of us one of the best teams in the EuroLeague right now. They’re playing extremely well. We have to improve our defense and to do our job with the rebounds, ready to play with the right balance."
Jan Vesely, Barcelona player
"They are in very, very good moment. And this is also one of the toughest courts. The fans are pushing them forward. We know that I think we are ready. So I hope that we'll stay focused and do our jobs to win the game. They always had the talent and quality win the games. Last year, was up and down but I'm not surprised they are playing like this right now."