Let us remind that it was the “steelers” who kicked CSKA out in the quarterfinals of the Russian Cup after big win in Moscow. Yes, the red-blues got a piece of revenge in the United League game in Volgograd where the Muscovites played zone defense most of the time and won by 27. Still the lonely defeat stays in memory as it was the last game of the teams in Russian capital.
In comparison to the game in Zagreb the changes in CSKA roster are not expected. Victor Khryapa and Manuchar Markoishvili continue their rehab and stay out.
“We play the team which recently signed new coach and just added their former player Culpepper,” CSKA head coach Dimitris Itoudis said. “I don’t know if he will play against us but the fans remember his good performance against CSKA last season. A lot of things in opponents’ offense are executed off the King’s hands. Other guards like Liggins, Kennedy and Ponkrashov support them, Zavoruev and Komissarov are able to add quality minutes on the backcourt. They have good stretch four in Victor who spreads the floor or goes down to the block. Their center Cousin had the highest ranking of the last week in Eurocup and experienced Likholitov comes to substitute him. As a team they are offense-oriented, like to run the open floor and use their athleticism. We hope that our fans will come and that they will be additional factor that helps us a lot.”
Past matchup
Wins/losses – 3-1.
VTB United League. Regular championship
08.12.2013. CSKA – Krasny Oktyabr: 101-87 (+14)
Russian Cup. 1/4 finals
08.02.2014. Krasny Oktyabr – CSKA: 75-81 (+6)
16.02.2014. CSKA – Krasny Oktyabr: 73-84 (-11)
VTB United League. Regular championship
16.03.2014. Krasny Oktyabr – CSKA: 57-84 (+27)
Short dossier
Krasny Oktyabr Volgograd
Founded: 2012
Colors: white, red
Home court: The Palace of Sports of Volgograd Labour Unions (2500)
President: Dmitriy Gerasimenko
Head coach: Dirk Bauermann
Website: bcredoctober.com
