Laboral Kutxa entered the Mercedes Benz Arena for practice with heavy eyes and frowns as they prepare for Sunday’s third place game against Lokomotiv Kuban.
The Liga Endesa side squandered a late advantage, ultimately losing to Fenerbahce in overtime on Friday night.
“We are empty right now, after Friday’s loss, we were blank and when we woke up today [Saturday], the majority of us didn’t sleep,” Baskonia guard Jaka Blazic said.
“I think I got about an hour of sleep, if that.”
But the Slovenian international said that following practice and the usual team dinner, he will be fine.
“As a team, we will move forward and prepare for the game against Lokomotiv Kuban and finish the Euroleague season strong. We have to. We owe that to our fantastic supporters.”
One of Laboral Kutxa’s bright sparks on Friday night was veteran Ioannis Bourousis, who after falling out of favour last season with Real Madrid, came to the Vitoria and has discovered his form once more. He got a game-high 22 points and collected 10 rebounds in the loss to Fenerbahce.
“The players around me have made me feel better about my play,” Bourousis said.
“But I’m not really worried or talking about my season. It’s about third on Sunday. That’s what counts for me, and my team.
Photo: Euroleague Basketball
