Partizan host Vienna targeting ABA League win ahead of grueling EuroLeague double-round week
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- The Black-and-Whites look to secure their second regional win in front of the home crowd
- Vienna suffered a home defeat against Cluj in their ABA League opener
- Live TV coverage is broadcast on Arena Premium 1
Joan Peñarroya's squad enters the contest looking to bounce back from their first EuroLeague defeat of the season against Real Madrid, which halted a three-game winning streak in the premier European competition. In the ABA League, however, the Black-and-Whites have maintained their momentum following a commanding 83-59 victory over Mega in the previous round.
Meanwhile, Vienna fell 95-84 to Cluj in their domestic campaign opener and suffered a narrow 66-65 defeat away to Nancy in France during midweek FIBA Europe Cup action.
Where to watch the game live?
Live television broadcast is available on Arena Premium 1, while fans unable to tune into the TV broadcast can follow live play-by-play text coverage on Sportal.
What did Peñarroya say?
Despite the contrasting recent forms of both sides, Partizan head coach Joan Peñarroya warned that his team cannot afford to underestimate their upcoming opponents, highlighting the quality within Vienna's roster.
"We have our second ABA League game ahead of us before a crucial EuroLeague 'double round' next week. As for Vienna, they have played well in their last two outings. They put in a strong performance in their ABA opener against Cluj, as well as in European competition where they lost by just a single point to Nancy in France. They are a quality team featuring several foreign players, and we will need to play at a very high level." — Joan Peñarroya
Partizan guard Arijan Lakić echoed his coach's sentiments, stressing the importance of full concentration following the demanding trip to Madrid.
"We need to rest, focus on Sunday's game, and take Vienna very seriously. After such a grueling away fixture against Real Madrid in the EuroLeague, we cannot let our standards slip and must stay locked in. They can easily capitalize on our mistakes, which is something we must not allow. We have to stick together, as we always do."
Here is what Vienna's coach had to say
Vienna head coach Dragan Bajić acknowledged that his team faces a formidable task against EuroLeague opposition, but emphasized that his players will not lack motivation against the Belgrade powerhouse.
"We are up against a top-tier team that showed its quality right from the start of the season. Facing a EuroLeague side is always a unique challenge, and I don't think my players will need any extra motivation. Traveling to France and now to Belgrade is physically demanding, and our limited number of competitive matches has affected our rhythm. However, games like this offer an ideal opportunity to grow and improve our performance on both ends of the floor. I expect my players to give everything, learn from the mistakes made against Nancy, and put up a strong fight against a very good Partizan team." — Dragan Bajić
ABA League Standings
BONUS VIDEO: How Real Madrid defeated Partizan in dominant fashion
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