Tuesday preview: Can Istanbul BBSK get redemption against ESSM Le Portel?

ISTANBUL (FIBA Europe Cup) - Only one victory separates ESSM Le Portel from the Round of 16 in the FIBA Europe Cup with the French standouts testing Istanbul BBSK in Group I on Tuesday.

Having defeated their Turkish rivals with a hefty margin back home in Le Portel, the undefeated group leaders will be trying to replicate their winning performance to add another win to their eight-game winning streak.

Meanwhile, the in-form Alba Fehervar will be looking to make it three in a row in the Second Round with a home fixture against Nevezis Kedainiai in Group J.

Group I: Istanbul BBSK (2-1) v ESSM Le Portel (3-0)

After being on the receiving end of a 37-point blowout in France, Istanbul BBSK will be looking for some revenge against ESSM Le Portel, when the sides meet in Turkey. It will not be just an ordinary FIBA Europe Cup game for coach Ertugrul Erdogan and his side, who could restore all of the pride they lost in the big away defeat with a positive result at home. However, that will be easier said than done with the French side undefeated in the competition since the opening-day loss to Donar Groningen in the Regular Season.

Time: Tuesday, 15:00 CET
Key Matchup: Michael Thompson v Trae Golden
Previous Meeting: ESSM Le Portel +37 (86-49)
Domestic Form: Istanbul BBSK did not play in the Turkish Basketball Super League this week. They remain in 9th place of the standings with a 7-8 record. Meanwhile, Le Portel registered their third straight win in the French Pro A, defeating Elan Chalon 87-83 to improve to an 8-9 mark, which puts them in a three-way tie for 9th place.
Permutations: A win would guarantee ESSM Le Portel a place in the Round of 16; Istanbul BBSK can neither clinch a place in the next round nor be eliminated.
Live Stream: YouTube.com/FIBA

Group J: Alba Fehervar (2-1) v BC Nevezis (1-2)

Alba Fehervar have rebounded well after suffering an overtime defeat in Kedainiai before the Christmas break. Following nice wins over Demir Insaat and Egis Kormend, the Branislav Dzunic-coached Hungarians lead Group J midway through the Second Round, while Nevezis are on an exactly opposite trend. Having suffered back-to-back losses for the first time in the FIBA Europe Cup this season, the Lithuanians enter the return leg in Hungary at the bottom of the pack.

Time: Tuesday, 18:30 CET
Key Matchup: Akos Keller v Vladyslav Koreniuk
Previous Meeting: BC Nevezis +3 (90-87 in OT)
Domestic Form: Alba Fehervar improved to an 11-5 mark in the Hungarian league, downing DEAC 83-65 to stay in a knot for 3rd place with Falco Vulcano. Nevezis came up flat against Juventus in the Lithuanian championship, losing 110-81 in a high-scoring game. They are in 9th place with a 5-15 record.
Permutations: Neither team can clinch a place in the Round of 16 nor be eliminated this week.
Live Stream: YouTube.com/FIBA

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