Maccabi Tel Aviv drew Regal Barcelona as part of Group F, but they are still expected to reach the next stage.

“On the one hand, you never want to face Barcelona,” Maccabi coach David Blatt said. “Barca is clearly one of the favorites to make it through to the Final Four and is a top quality team with endless resources, talent and experience.

“But on the other hand, at least we know we can’t meet them in the quarterfinals.”

Maccabi’s 9-1 regular season record was the best in the competition, with Barcelona losing three times in the first group stage to finish in a disappointing third place.

“It will not be easy to play Barcelona, but it will be a good challenge,” guard Doron Perkins said.

“We’ve got to take all the good things from the first round and take them to the second round and also try and improve what we can.”