Two direct rivals just outside the playoff places go head to head as Partizan (12-14) welcomes Efes (11-15).
Zeljko Obradovic, Partizan: 'Talking about their quality is redundant'
Seasons
3 Mins read
Regular Season
Round 27 of 34
Group Regular Season
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Partizan needs to give its season fresh impetus after losing three in a row, while the Turkish team gave a reminder of its awesome offensive potential by blasting 105 points against Maccabi in the last game before the break, powered by 22 points and 6 assists from Shane Larkin. He was also the key performer when Efes edged a high-scoring thriller in November, 100-94, netting 27 points to overcome a career-best 24 points from Partizan big man Frank Kaminsky. PJ Dozier also shined in that game with 21 points, and his defensive skills will be fundamental on this occasion to slow down Larkin and playmaker Darius Thompson.
Zeljko Obradovic, Partizan head coach
"We will play against a team that has a new coach. They had excellent results in the previous period, except for that cup final where they lost to Fenerbahce. Some players got new roles. Coach Mijatovic been an assistant coach at Efes for a long time, he trusts the players who have been there for years. Compared to the first game, the roster has been changed in the sense that some players have recovered. They play well and talking about their quality is redundant. Partizan fans are known for always giving huge support to the players and to all of us who are here. I will ask them to support the team and let's try to get results from that energy and what they give to the team. This is the most important."
Tomislav Mijatovic, Efes head coach
"We are approaching our first EuroLeague game after the national team break. We are obviously facing a very challenging opponent in a great basketball atmpsosphere in Belgrade. We have to be at our absolute best for 40 minutes. We have to bring our A game in order to compete with the team that is greatly coached and having great individual players. Therefore we are looking for a new challenge in Belgrade and we have to bring absolutely our A game both offensively and defensively for 40 minutes in order to reach our goal."
Aleksa Avramovic:, Partizan player
"Next up is the game against Efes, one of the most talented offensive teams in Europe. We know that tomorrow 20,000 people will come to support us again, just like they always have done. It is up to us to increase our aggressiveness and win all the games. We are all motivated and can't wait to get on the field tomorrow."
Justus Hollatz, Efes player
"It will be a tough game with almost 20,000 people. We have to be focused, take care of the ball and play hard. They are a good team, we have to force them to difficult shots and box out then. We must not allow them for second chances to get into rhythm with their crowd, if so everything can be difficult."