Banvit could be forgiven for suffering fatigue even before they step on the court to face Azovmash Mariupol of Ukraine.

Mete Babaoglu's men faced a gruelling journey to get to their first EuroCup Group C match of the season, travelling first to Kiev, then by plane to Donetsk and then by bus on to Mariupol.

Things are unlikely to get any easier on the court.

Banvit, 3-2 in the Turkish league, face a Mariupol side who are on a high coming off the back of a 114-70 destruction of Politekhnik.

"This game is very important being our first game at Europe for 2006 2007 season," said Banvit general manager Turgay Cataloluk.

"Our opponents are one the best in their country. But we want to make a good start by winning this game."