U-BT Cluj-Napoca and Donar Groningen set to open Second Round on Tuesday

CLUJ-NAPOCA (FIBA Europe Cup) - The Second Round of the FIBA Europe Cup will get underway in Romania, where Group E winners U-BT Cluj-Napoca are set to host the grit and grind of Donar Groningen in the Group L opener.

The Dutch side, the best-ranked defense in the competition at 65.2 points allowed, were among the last to secure qualification, claiming second place in Group A after a spectacular 84-82 overtime win against Telenet Giants Antwerp on the last day of action in the Regular Season.

Ready to put the league-leading defense to the test is the second-ranked offense of U-BT Cluj-Napoca, who averaged 87.8 points per game despite shooting three-pointers at an underwhelming 29.7 percent clip.

There are strong indications of a classic clash between defensive-minded and offensive-minded clubs, with no major roster changes on either of the teams. However, their statistical DNA was also shaped by the style of their opponents and does not mean things may not change in the Second Round.

In particular, Donar Groningen have too much talent on their roster to be the 20th-ranked offense in the competition. With the likes of Evan Bruinsma, Brandyn Curry, Jason Dourisseau, Drago Pasalic, and Arvin Slagter, they should be able to keep up with Cluj-Napoca's offensive whirlpool, though the Romanians may still be the favorites to come out on top taking the home court factor into account.

For U-BT Cluj-Napoca, the key names to watch are Zeljko Sakic, Giordan Watson, Lasan Kromah, Rolland Torok and the up-and-coming Nandor Kuti, who has been one of the top young players in the FIBA Europe Cup this season.

U-BT Cluj-Napoca v Donar Groningen

Time: Tuesday, 19:00 CET
Key matchup: Zeljko Sakic v Evan Bruinsma
Regular Season: U-BT Cluj-Napoca finished first in Group E with a 5-1 record, while Donar Groningen earned second place in Group A with a 4-2 mark.
Domestic Form: Both of the teams are at the top of the table in their respective national championships, with U-BT Cluj-Napoca holding a 7-2 record in the Romanian Liga Nationala and Donar Groningen standing at 10-2 in the Dutch Basketball League.
Live Stream: YouTube.com/FIBA

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