Full roster boarded Orenair charter plane. Vitaly Fridzon is back in action after having full practice before the departure. The junior team is represented by Mikhail Maleyko this time. Victor Khryapa, Manuchar Markoishvili and Alexey Zozulin continue their rehabilitation.
“Riga has serious team, they built good roster this year and we have big respect to our opponents,” CSKA head coach Dimitris Itoudis said. “They have a lot of young players, who are very mobile and talented. First of all I talk about Latvian guys like Mejeris, Jakovics, Strelnieks, Berzins. VEF also have some experienced players like Zakis and Timma who help the team to pull some energy, they have Fall who is very athletic, plays above the rim. And of course Riga has Robinson, currently the league’s best scorer. We analyzed VEF’s games thoroughly and we expect difficult game. The opponents are very competitive, and even in the lost games they were close with good chances to win. We have to match their aggressiveness and motivation to be successful.”
Past matchups
Wins/losses: 4-0
2012-13. VTB United League. VEF – CSKA: 67-75 (+8)
2012-13. VTB United League. CSKA – VEF: 83-75 (+8)
2013-14. VTB United League. CSKA – VEF: 80-63 (+17)
2013-14. VTB United League. VEF – CSKA: 84-88 (+4)
Short dossier
VEF Riga, Latvia
Founded: 1958 (bankrupt in 1992, re-opened in 2007)
Colors: black, white
Home court: Arena Riga (12,500)
President: Maris Martinsons
Head coach: Nikolajs Mazurs
Website: www.vefriga.com
Accomplishments: 3-time Latvian champion (2011-13), Baltic League vice-champion (2011), Baltic League bronze winner (2012), 3-time USSR championship bronze winner (1960, 1966, 1991)
