Another high-powered matchup will see fifth-placed Monaco (15-10) aim to become the first visiting team since October to triumph at third-placed Virtus (16-9).
Luca Banchi, Virtus: 'A game that promises to be extremely important for both teams'
Seasons
3 Mins read
Regular Season
Round 26 of 34
Regular Season
Virtus Segafredo BolognaVIR
7881
AS MonacoASM
Overview
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Monaco is in great form with four straight victories, but was shocked by the Italian team, 59-83, when the teams met in October. Virtus claimed a massive 46 rebounds in that game, so the visitors will look for Donta Hall and Donatas Moteijunas to protect the backboards more strongly as they confront Bryant Dunston and Toko Shengelia. The game also features two of the league's most potent long-range shooters, Marco Belinelli (2.8 triples per game) and Mike James (2.7).
Luca Banchi, Virtus head coach
"Monaco is an opponent of the highest level and as witnessed by the four consecutive successes obtained in the last duels, they will arrive in Bologna in very good shape for a game that promises to be extremely important for both teams. Coach Sasa Obradovic has been able to build a solid team, around the creativity of great scorers and the consistency of a very deep and reliable staff, reproposing this club at the absolute top of the EuroLeague, after having hit the Final Four last year. We live this eve with great anticipation and concentration, knowing that we must guarantee a test of the highest level and offer our supporters another evening that will make them proud of our commitment."
Sasa Obradovic, Monaco head coach
"Against Virtus Bologna we're expecting a big battle. It's an important match for both teams, due to our proximity in the standings. I'm sure they'll play very aggressively, as they did in the first leg. We weren't able to respond to their physical impact. We know their key players, their strong points, but they're hard to counter."
Toko Shengelia, Virtus player
"We expect a very tough game tomorrow, they won the last four games, they are with a lot of confidence, everybody is in great shape. We have to come out and bring our 100 percent, be very concentrated, offensively and defensively. There is no possibility for error."
Mam Jaiteh, Monaco player
"Against Bologna it's an important game. Obviously, from a personal point of view, but also collectively because Virtus is a direct competitor. Beating our rivals is another step towards our goal. Bologna are a very solid team, who have won a lot of close matches. They have a core group of players who know each other well. For us, limiting ball losses and playing together in attack and defense is the priority."