Jasikevicius: ‘We always have to respect the opponent but most importantly, respect ourselves’ / News - Basketnews.com

Credit BasketNews/D.Repečka

FC Barcelona (6-2) will face Bitci Baskonia Vitoria-Gasteiz (3-5) in the 9th round of the Turkish Airlines Euroleague on Thursday night at Palau Blaugrana.

FC Barcelona / Schedule

AX Armani Exchange Milan FC Barcelona75-70 FC Barcelona Bitci Baskonia Vitoria-GasteizThu20:00 FC Barcelona CSKA Moscow11-1720:00

The Blaugranas, which are unbeaten at home this season, are seeking a victory after two consecutive losses on the road against Maccabi Playtika Tel Aviv and AX Armani Exchange Milan.

"Baskonia are in a difficult moment, but they have character, from the players to the coach, who knows how to deal with these situations," said Sarunas Jasikevicius in the press conference before the upcoming game.

The Lithuanian coach asked theirplayers to have more respect for themselves.

"We always have to respect the opponent but most importantly, respect ourselves. We need a win in the EuroLeague, and this has to be a big motivation," he added.

In the same line as his coach was Rokas Jokubaitis. The 19-year-old youngster was clear about the importance of getting a win.

"There is no doubt that we have to bounce back and win again in the EuroLeague. In Tel Aviv, it was a very bad loss. In Milan, we could play better, but it was not so bad. But you know, two losses in a row is unacceptable," said the guard.

Jokubaitis expects a difficult game against Baskonia, which has a positive balance against FC Barcelona in the Euroleague (11-10).

"All teams are motivated against us. We will have to show our best basketball. It will be difficult, but this is the EuroLeague, and we know that."

On the other hand, Baskonia have struggled since the beginning of the season. Dusko Ivanovic could use Lamar Peters, who is set to make his Euroleague debut after signing with the Vitorians until the end of the season.

"He needs to get in rhythm before helping us. I hope he can play a little bit. He is new, and he needs time", admitted Dusko Ivanovic.

The Montenegrin briefly explained which can be the game's keys.

"FC Barcelona is always a dangerous team. They play so aggressively on defense with big guys. In offense, they can run or find Mirotic when something goes wrong. Or even Davies in the low post. Our mission is to exert good pressure and control the rebound", he concluded.

Cory Higgins will miss the game against Bitci Baskonia due to alow back injury.

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