Avtodor Saratov hosts Lokomotiv-Kuban Krasnodar on Sunday in the VTB United League.
Who
Avtodor, 2015-16 VTB United League quarterfinalists
vs.
Lokomotiv-Kuban, 2015-16 Euroleague Final Four, 2015-16 VTB United League quarterfinalists
Where
Kristall (capacity 5,500), Saratov, Russia
When
5:00 PM (5:00 MSK), November 20, 2016
TV
Match! Nash sport, VTB-League.com
Face to Face
These two teams first met in the VTB United League in December 2014, with Avtodor picking up a win. The victory sparked Saratov’s first winning streak in the League and did a lot to establish the team’s reputation. Loko, however, has come out on top in the last three meetings.
Looking Back
Stakes
Both teams are looking to make up lost ground after unexpected setbacks to open the season. Avtodor and Loko have work to do in the Champions League and Eurocup, if they want to make it to the next round. Both teams have also struggled in the VTB United League: Kuban is 3-2, including a loss to Enisey at home, while Saratov is second-to-last with a 1-5 record.
Streaks
Despite a disappointing start overall, Loko has won three straight in the League. Combined with a recent win over Olimpija in the Eurocup, a victory in Saratov would suggest that Krasnodar has survived the worst of the crisis.
Avtodor, on the other hand, is mired in a four-game losing streak. Since debuting in the League in 2014, the Black-Whites have never lost five in a row.
The historic game against CSKA in late October demonstrated once again that Saratov saves its best for big-name opponents. With its back against the wall, Avtodor will do everything it can to make life miserable for Kuban on Sunday.
Who’s Next?
Avtodor and Loko have the hottest coaching seats in the League.
Coaching changes in Saratov, of course, are a fairly routine matter: Sergei Mokin was brought in to replace Nikolajs Mazurs after the first game of the season and the club went through three bosses last season.
Krasnodar, on the other hand, has traditionally been a bit more patient. That said, Georgios Bartzoka’s summer exit came as a shock to the club and Fotios Katsikaris only lasted three and a half months. Sasa Obradovic is the new man in charge as he prepares for his first game in the VTB United League.
Old Acquaintances
Lokomotiv-Kuban youth academy product and two-time Russian champion with Loko’s reserve team, Maxim Kolyushkin, spent a lot of years in Loko’s system and was a fan favorite in Krasnodar. His first game against his former club will be extra special.
Avtodor center Artem Zabelin played for Loko during the 2011-12 season.
Spotlight
Avtodor’s win over Maccabi Rand Media in the Champions League belonged to Nick Minnerath as he put up 39 points and 8 rebounds in Israel! On Sunday, Lokomotiv needs to find an answer for the League’s leading scorer.
Krasnodar has some dangerous weapons, too. Mardy Collins has had a big impact in recent games. He may not score as much as Minnerath, but Collins’s overall stats are equally impressive: 15.5 points, 6.5 rebounds, and 8.5 assists per game in his last two outings.
Quotes
Avtodor guard Maxim Kolyushkin:
– We are preparing for a battle, because it’s time to fix our situation in the VTB United League. Playing against your former club is always special, but our team’s success is my first priority. Lokomotiv-Kuban didn’t have the strongest start this season and changed coaches this week. Under Sasa Obradovic, the Railwaymen are trying to find their game. Krasnodar has a good team with talented players on the roster. The meeting should be very interesting!
Lokomotiv-Kuban center Ian Vougioukas:
– Avtodor has demonstrated this season that it can compete with absolutely any opponent. This team is very dangerous, especially on offense. They play up-tempo basketball. If we want to leave Saratov with a win, we need to prepare for a serious struggle.
