Friday's first tipoff will see one of the league's hottest teams seeking to extend its winning run as red-hot Virtus (4-1) welcomes inconsistent Efes (2-3). Virtus's efficiency is reflected in the fact that the Italian team ranks second in the league in both two (57.9%) and three-point (42.2%) shooting efficiency, with Toko Shenglia excelling in all aspects on his way to 18.4 points per game. Efes needs to reignite an offense that was held to just 57 points at Olympiacos last week, with only Elijah Bryant netting in double digits as he scored 10 points. Efes will need its leaders like Will Clyburn and Shane Larkin to step up against a confident and highly effective Virtus which is looking to best the Turkish team for the first time since 2002.
Pre-game quotes: Virtus vs. Efes
Luca Banchi, Virtus head coach
"We are coming in a good way, from four wins in a row, but we are aware that we will be facing one of the candidates for the Final Four. Efes is a team that has won two titles in the last five years and, despite the change of coach and some new players, has a team structure that makes it a protagonist. It will be a special night, in front of our audience for the first time at the Segafredo Arena."
Erdem Can, Efes head coach
"Virtus Segafredo Bologna is a team that plays very consistent basketball in both the EuroLeague and the Italian League and has a winning habit. We will play on the road in a very tough atmosphere. We must be very well concentrated for 40 minutes."
Bryant Dunston, Virtus player
"We’re playing against my old team, Efes, a team with a lot of history that recently had a lot of success. A lot of talent on that team, it’s going to be difficult for them coming here. They’re going to be hungry, they lost their last game so we have to come with a lot of energy, play together with a strong defensive presence. We have to play together, it’s also our first game in the new arena so it’s gonna be great having all the fans here supporting us, we’re gonna give everything we have."
Derek Willis, Efes player
"This week we have had two really good practices getting ready for Virtus Segafredo Bologna game. Virtus is a physical team that is playing very well together. Shengelia is a much-improved shooter and playing a lot of minutes. To win we have to secure rebounds and match the energy Virtus will bring."