|
Two-time Eurocup champion Valencia Basket enters the quarterfinals on a tear after running through the Last 16 with a perfect record, despite a coaching change that brought in Velimir Perasovic two games into the stage. Valencia was the Last 16 leader in average performance index rating (87.8 per game) and its biggest strengths have been on the defensive end. The team also led the Last 16 in steals (11.5 spg.) and blocks (4.3 ppg.) and allowed the second-fewest points (64.5 ppg.). Montenegrin powerhouse Buducnost Voli punched its quarterfinals ticket on the final day of the Last 16 with a victory over Krka Novo Mesto to finish Group K in second place with a 3-3 record. This marks the first time Buducnost has survived until the round of eight in this competition. Buducnost has also excelled in defense by allowing the third-fewest points in the Last 16 (66.3 ppg.) and the fewest offensive rebounds (6.5 orpg.). These teams have met only twice before with Valencia winning twice in the 1998-99 Saporta Cup regular season. Buducnost is 1-21 all-time against Spanish opposition.
|
|