Match Preview
These two sides locked horns in the EuroCup group stages last season too, with Cluj-Napoca winning 103-102 at home in an overtime thriller, while Venezia claimed a 90-83 win at home. The Italian club is tagged as the favorite on paper to win on Wednesday.
Cluj-Napoca Looking to Bounce Back in Europe
Cluj-Napoca had a disastrous performance last week in the EuroCup opening round, arguably their worst game in years, suffering a heavy 89-55 loss against Maxima Roma in Italy after shooting just 31% from the field.
The Romanian side responded in the best way possible, earning a 95-84 road victory against Vienna in the Adriatic Basketball League clash last weekend, landing 21 of 31 two-pointers. Javonte Smart was named man of the match with 17 points, seven rebounds and eight assists.
Cluj-Napoca had two great runs in their last two EuroCup appearances, reaching the quarterfinals last season and losing to Bahcesehir, while also making it to the playoffs in the 2024/25 campaign.
Venezia Starting the Season in Strong Form
Venezia fully justified their role as favorites in the EuroCup first round last week, earning a commanding 104-72 victory in front of the home crowd against Frankfurt Skyliners, winning all four quarters, while five players contributed double digits.
They started the new campaign with solid performances in the Italian Super Cup, beating Tortona 98-90 in the semifinals, then losing the final in overtime to Milano 94-87.
Venezia's results in the Italian top flight have been fantastic so far, outplaying Cantu 85-73 at home in the opening round, while also edging out Trieste 87-82 on the road last weekend after a big fourth-quarter comeback.