The Fernando Buesa Arena is a classic venue of Spanish and European basketball. Caja Laboral’s court is a place where matches are experienced with intensity, both by the players and the fans. This Thursday (20.15, Esport3) Barça Regal will face the undefeated Caja Laboral team knowing full well that victory would secure their position in Group F.
Ever since the Croat Zan Tabak took over, the team from Vitoria have won 17 matches in a row - in the Liga Endesa and the Euroleague - in addition, they sit atop Group F in the Top-16 with four wins and no defeats.
Navarro makes the trip to Vitoria
Barça Regal won’t have an easy go of it against Caja Laboral. However, a Blaugrana victory would certainly be a show of strength and it would be a demonstration that this Barça Regal is dangerous. If Xavi Pascual’s men play at their best level, and if Marcelinho, Lorbek and Pete Mickeal play like they did against Valladolid, the Basque side will have a tough time containing the Blaugrana.
Barça Regal have the chance to break an historic unbeaten steak, secure their spot in the TOP-16 and demonstrate that they’re capable of taking on tough challenges.
Cook, Nocioni, Lampe ...
Caja Laboral have an extremely powerful team: Omar Cook marks the tempo of the team, while San Emeterio, Andrés Nocioni and Maciej Lampe supply the power. The Basques are known for their versatility, their devastating accuracy, fast ball movement and lethal efficiency. In addition to all of this, their defence is very solid.
