One regular-season game will take place on Friday.
CSKA (Moscow) vs. Avtodor (Saratov)
Time: 7:30 p.m. (7:30 p.m. Moscow Time)
Venue: Russia, Moscow, “Basket Hall Moscow”
Broadcast: Kinopoisk
CSKA: The Army Men had successful road games in Vladivostok and Krasnoyarsk. They remain the only undefeated team this season, reaffirming their status as the defending champions. The team has picked up momentum, and Amath M’Baye, who has returned to CSKA, is gradually finding his rhythm. The Muscovites lead the league in steals per game (10.8), and it is precisely this reliable defense that could play a key role in the matchup against Avtodor.
Avtodor: Saratov defeated MBA in the last round. Rostislav Vergun’s players made up for their limited rotation with sheer determination, which allowed them to overcome a 22-point deficit during the game against the Moscow team. Now they face another team from the capital—CSKA. Winning in Moscow will be difficult, but the Volga-based team has shown character and a willingness to fight under any circumstances. Of the thirty meetings between the teams, the Army Men have come out on top in twenty-nine. The last time Avtodor came close to victory was at the start of last season, losing in a tense finish, 82–86.
CSKA Head Coach Andreas Pistiolis: “Our opponent has proven to be a formidable team that plays with energy and displays an aggressive style of basketball. We need to show them respect and continue to improve our game. We hope that the fans’ support will help us play better and better.”
Avtodor Head Coach Rostislav Vergun: “CSKA traditionally sets high standards for basketball on both ends of the court. This always poses a challenge for all opponents. Games against CSKA are always in a league of their own, especially early in the season, when every game carries significant implications for everyone in the standings.
From the sidelines, it’s clear that the backcourt is finding its rhythm and is currently causing a lot of problems for opponents; they’re capable of turning games around and deciding the outcome. For us, this is our top priority. We want to find a way not only to react to our opponent’s moves but also to influence the flow of the game.
As always, it’s important not to lose the structure of our game under pressure. When we control the ball, defend as a unit, and attack with purpose—we have good stretches of play that can lead to a positive result.”
