The last team to reach the Top 16 will also be one of the most dangerous. Scavolini Pesaro has huge support, no pressure, and has shown it likes must-win situations by qualifying with seven victories out of tough Group B.
The fact that Scavolini survived despite a midseason coaching change will make it all the more confident that its best days are still ahead. What Scavolini does well is maximize its number of possessions. In the regular season it took care of the ball as well as any team, with the lowest turnover rate in the Euroleague, plus stole it away from opponents at the third-highest rate (10.5 spg.). However, as the Top 16 team with the third-lowest ranking in rebounds, assists and three-point accuracy, Scavolini will be tested again and again now by what are likely to be even tougher defenses.
Scavolini certainly has answers in terms of talent and experience. Regular season scoring leader Charles Smith proved unstoppable at times. His new running mate, Scoonie Penn, has been to this level before and gets teammates involved. Veterans like Marko Milic, Alessandro Frosini and Hanno Mottola bring competence to the floor with a variety of skills, while newcomer Robert Archibald has given a jolt of energy to the frontcourt. Shooting and scoring will not be a problem for Scavolini, but the third-worst defense among Top 16 qualifiers (83.4 ppg. allowed) will certaiunly be something high on this team's list of chores for improvement. With a little better defense and a confidence that comes from lack of pressure, Scavolini will aim to make its fans in Pesaro enjoy the Top 16 to the fullest with as many victories as possible.
The head coach of Scavolini Marco Crespi:
We are facing the easiest game of the season. CSKA Moscow has won its last 38 games in a row, and it's an easy game because we have nothing to lose. CSKA is incredible, with great players working for the team, a project born to win. They have the best roster in Europe and everybody makes sacrifices to become a winning team. We have just to play our best and have a look at the scoreboard at the final buzzer.
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