Quarterfinals analyst: Marijonas Petravicius, Lietuvos Rytas
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One of the best European big men has his second shot to lift Europe's second competition title. Marijonas Petravicius already helped Lietuvos Rytas to make it to the ULEB Cup final in 2007 - and hopes to do even better in the Eurocup Final Eight. Petravicius has been L. Rytas' biggest reference in the paint, averaging 11.6 points and 6.1 rebounds in 12 Eurocup games so far this season in just 25 minutes per night. At age 29, Petravicius has just entered the prime of his career and is ready to lead L. Rytas to its second continental title. "This is where we start our game," Petravicius says. "If we play good defense, offense comes to you."
In what condition is Lietuvos Rytas in as you get ready for the Final Eight?
"Of course, we are very excited, because I think we played pretty well in the Last 16, especially at home. We won an away game, too, and are happy to make it to the Final Eight. This is a very high-level competition and eight very strong teams are going to be there. L. Rytas always did well in this competition and it is not our first time at this level. The Eurocup gets stronger and stronger every season, so every year becomes a bigger challenge for everybody."
What is the most important thing to take into account about Benetton Basket?
"So far we haven't studied their game and the plays yet, because we have some important games here at home, too. When we get closer to Final Eight we will start preparing our game and defense against them. Of course, every Final Eight team is good and ready to beat anyone else. We haven't analyzed their roster because we were concentrated in our Last 16 group and did not know our opponent until the phase was over. When we get closer to the Final Eight, we will start preparing the game and of course, we will be ready for their individual and team strengths."
How much on an advantage for Benetton is to play the Final Eight in Italy?
"I wouldn't say it is a significant advantage. It is true that they play in Italy but not in their home court, so of course they will have a lot of fans but at the same time the pressure to perform well in front of them. You can look it in two ways."
What do you have to do to beat Benetton?
"All this year, we have won games when we played good team basketball. It all starts with aggressive defense. When we play aggressive defense and put pressure on their players, then we make them work harder in offense and that is not easy for any team. This is where we start our game. If we play good defense, offense comes to you. We have a scoring team, with a lot of players able to make three-pointers. If they double-team any of us, someone else will be open and ready to score."
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