Jogi Ferel silenced the "Kalnapilio Arena" on his debut in a blue and white jersey two years ago, Buducnost was better than Litkabelis in the last three matches, and a new triumph over the team from Panevezys would be a real confirmation that Andrej Žakelj's boys have found the right rhythm.
The basketball players of Budućnost Voli, after a somewhat slower start, have tied three triumphs, and in Lithuania they will be chasing one of those victories that could be crucial for the knockout phase of the Eurocup and a better starting position.
The match in the country of basketball starts at 18 p.m., and unlike Buducnost, Litkabelis is coming into the game after two losses - to Juventus in the domestic championship and Burgas in Europe.
"As always, we are facing a difficult away game, and I think they have created a team that plays well and aggressively, with clearly defined roles," said Andrej Žakelj, coach of the "blue and whites" upon their arrival in the city on the Nevežis River.
Attention to Morris and Rubito
Buducnost brought one of the summer signings from Litkabelis, the new point guard of the Montenegrin champion Oleksandr Kovliar left Lithuania, while Nenad Čanak returned Dzamel Morris to Panevezys and brought in Augustin Rubit.
"Back Morris has a lot of the ball in his hands and the biggest focus will have to be on him, but of course on the other players as well," Žakelj is clear.
Džuvan Morgan, the "four" of Buducnost, thinks similarly.
"They play hard and aggressively, and they have two phenomenal players - Morris and Rubito, and we are aware that they are key to their team," says the American basketball player.
They have already demolished Žalgiris and Besiktas
Litkabelis has only won once in the Eurocup in the past four rounds, while they are 4-3 in the domestic championship, but they have shown how tricky they can be with victories against the great Euroleague team Zalgiris, as well as Besiktas in the Eurocup.
"They defeated Besiktas at home, which is enough to say that this is a dangerous team that should be respected. However, we came here to win and we will do everything to achieve it," Žakelj is clear.
Buducnost has suffered three defeats since the start of the season, some of which were unexpected, such as against Spartak and Trento in "Morača", but after the failure in the duel with Turk Telekom in Ankara, three triumphs in a row followed.
"We need to raise our level of play on defense, close the rebound, control the rebounds and try to run on the counter. This is no different than any other game - we just need to be ready," Morgan concluded.
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