Permutations: Who stands to become the first team to qualify for the Round of 16?
MUNICH (FIBA Europe Cup) - There is still a lot basketball to be played in the Second Round, but a handful of teams could be on their way to the Play-Offs by the time the week draws to a close.
Avtodor Saratov, Bakken Bears, Dinamo Sassari, s.Oliver Wurzburg and Pallacanestro Varese will have a shot to clinch early bird tickets to the Round of 16, but don't be surprised if none of them do. Only the Denis Wucherer-coached Wurzburg side are in control of their own destiny, with all remaining clubs needing other results to go their way as well.
There are eight dedicated spots for FIBA Europe Cup teams in the Play-Offs, with the other half set to arrive from the Basketball Champions League, providing the qualified teams had exercised their opt-ins.
Group I
In action
- Pinar Karsiyaka v Szolnoki Olaj (H2H: Karsiyaka +4, 74-70)
- Z Mobile Prishtina v s.Oliver Wurzburg (H2H: Wurzburg +18, 95-77)
Permutations
- s.Oliver Wurzburg would secure a top-two finish in the standings with a win, clinching a Play-Off berth.
- No matter the results, the fate of Pinar Karsiyaka and Z Mobile Prishtina will not be decided this week in Group I.
- In case of a defeat, Szolnoki Olaj would no longer be in position to contend for a top-two finish in the standings.
Group J
In action
- Alba Fehervar v Balkan (H2H: Balkan +6, 88-82)
- Ironi Ness Ziona v Lukoil Levski (H2H: Ness Ziona +9, 98-89)
Permutations
- No matter the results, none of Alba Fehervar, Ironi Ness Ziona and Balkan BC can clinch a spot in the Play-Offs this week.
- In case of defeat, Lukoil Levski would no longer be in a position to contend for a top-two finish in the standings.
Group K
In action
- Petrolina AEK v Pallacanestro Varese (H2H: Varese +35, 109-74)
- Dinamo Sassari v Donar Groningen (H2H: Sassari +6, 84-78)
Permutations
- If they both win, Pallacanestro Varese and Dinamo Sassari would both secure top-two finishes in the standings, clinching Play-Off berths.
- Donar Groningen either have to beat Dinamo Sassari or Pallacanestro Varese have to lose to Petrolina AEK for the Dutch side to remain in the running for a top-two finish.
- Petrolina AEK either have to beat Pallacanestro Varese or Dinamo Sassari have to lose to Donar Groningen for the Cypriot side to remain in the running for a top-two finish.
Group L
In action
- Kataja Basket v Avtodor Saratov (H2H: Avtodor +41, 98-57)
- ZZ Leiden v Bakken Bears (H2H: Bears +40, 111-71)
Permutations
- If they both win, Avtodor Saratov and Bakken Bears would both secure top-two finishes in the standings, clinching Play-Off berths.
- ZZ Leiden either have to beat Bakken Bears or Avtodor Saratov have to lose to Kataja Basket for the Dutch side to remain in the running for a top-two finish.
- Kataja Basket either have to beat Avtodor Saratov or Bakken Bears have to lose to ZZ Leiden for the Finnish side to remain in the running for a top-two finish.
FIBA