Basketball Champions League: Trieste Faces Tenerife in Crucial Round of 16 Clash

PalaTrieste is set to host an exciting Basketball Champions League showdown as Pallacanestro Trieste welcomes La Laguna Tenerife for the final game of the Round of 16. Tenerife is a consistently strong and experienced team in European basketball, and remains a top contender in the competition.

Trieste’s Recent Form and New Addition

Pallacanestro Trieste comes off a home victory against Trento, a hard-fought game where Ramsey (25 points), Toscano-Anderson (21 points), and Candussi (15 points) led the scoring. Despite a recent loss to Era Nymburk in Prague (82-76), Trieste demonstrated resilience and competitiveness.

The team has bolstered its roster with the arrival of Josh Bannan, an Australian power forward from the Tasmania JackJumpers of the NBL. Bannan, standing at 208cm, brings physicality, energy, and basketball intelligence to Trieste, aiming to strengthen the team’s rotations.

Tenerife’s Dominance and Key Players

La Laguna Tenerife, coached by Txus Vidorreta, has already secured qualification to the quarterfinals as the first-place team in Group L. They recently defeated Gran Canaria (79-76) thanks to a stellar performance by Marcelinho Huertas (28 points, 5 assists) and Valencia Basket (89-71) in Liga Acb.

The team currently holds the eighth position in the Spanish league and has been further strengthened by the addition of NBA legend Patty Mills. Still, Tenerife will be without Joan Sastre and Gio Shermadini, the latter traveling to Georgia for a family matter.

The First Leg Recap

The first leg in Tenerife was a closely contested affair, with Trieste building a 15-point lead in the second quarter despite the absence of Sissoko and Moretti, and Ramsey dealing with an ankle issue. Tenerife rallied to win 84-82, showcasing their experience and composure.

Coach Taccetti’s Insights

Coach Francesco Taccetti emphasized the importance of defensive consistency and offensive clarity, building on the success against Trento. He highlighted the Basketball Champions League as a valuable platform for player development and international exposure.

Regarding Bannan’s arrival, Taccetti praised his quick integration into the team, his intelligence, and his eagerness to learn the team’s systems. He believes Bannan will facilitate extend the team’s rotations, a crucial factor in the current phase of the season.

Bannan’s First Impressions

Josh Bannan expressed his excitement about joining Pallacanestro Trieste, praising the team’s welcoming atmosphere. He highlighted his versatility, competitiveness, and ability to contribute both offensively and defensively.

Bannan also shared his initial conversations with Coach Taccetti, emphasizing his commitment to learning the team’s schemes and building chemistry with his new teammates.

FAQ

Q: When and where will the game accept place?
A: The game will be held on Tuesday, March 17, 2026, at 20:30 at PalaTrieste.

Q: Who are the key players for La Laguna Tenerife?
A: Marcelinho Huertas and Patty Mills are key players for Tenerife.

Q: What is Coach Taccetti’s outlook on the game?
A: Coach Taccetti views the game as a significant challenge and a valuable opportunity to compete against a top European team.

Did you know? La Laguna Tenerife has already secured a spot in the quarterfinals of the Basketball Champions League.

Pro Tip: Keep an eye on Josh Bannan’s impact on the game, as he’s a new addition to the Trieste roster with the potential to be a game-changer.

Stay tuned for updates and analysis following the game. Explore our other articles for more in-depth coverage of European basketball!