“We face another VTB League playoffs team which is very athletic and runs the court,” CSKA head coach Dimitris Itoudis. They got their injured players back in comparison to our first meeting and they signed Lowery who controls the team game. We had to play tough game on Friday and Riga players had some time to rest so this will be the game of energy. We have to be energetic to match our opponents fastbreaks.”
Looks likely that the Army Men roster will remain unchanged for the game. Manuchar Markoishvili stays out with right leg injury so it’s the coach decision to choose 12 players for the game.
Past matchups
Wins/losses: 5-0
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)
2014-15. VTB United League. VEF – CSKA: 72-85 (+13)
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)
