In a battle of two teams trying to claim the final remaining ticket to the Top 16 from Group D, Arka hosts Trento on Wednesday. Both can do so this week; Arka clinches fourth place if it wins and Buducnost VOLI Podgorica loses against Galatasaray Doga Sigorta Istanbul. Trento goes through if it wins by more than 20 points or it wins by more than 11 points and Buducnost loses. Trento is eliminated with a loss.
Earlier this season
Arka bested Trento 80-91 in Round 4 after taking charge with a 0-12 second-quarter run to lead 32-44 at halftime. Ben Emelogu led Arka with 17 points on 5-of-10 three-point shooting and Bartlomiej Woloszyn added 11 points and 8 assists for the winners. Justin Knox had a monster double-double of 21 points on 10-of-12 shooting and 14 rebounds in a losing effort
Keys to victory: Arka
Scoring has been Arka's Achilles heel this season; despite strong defense, it has struggled at times to get going on the other end and its 69.9 points per game are second-fewest in the competition. This week Arka faces a Trento defense that has allowed the fourth-most points (82.9). Raising its shooting numbers (45.3% 2FG, 29.1% 3FG), which are second-worst in the EuroCup, are vital to winning at home this week.
Keys to victory: Trento
With starting point guard Aaron Craft sidelined, Trento will lean on veteran playmaker Toto Forray and swingmen James Blackmon and Alessandro Gentile to guide the offense. While the trio is capable of making sure Trento is on the right offensive path, replacing Craft's EuroCup leading 2.7 steals per game and the pressure he puts on opposing play will be more difficult. Trento must step up as a team on defense to improve its chances.