The tournament leaders followed their normal scheme: the practice took place in USH CSKA, then the Army Men went to Sheremetyevo and took the OrenAir flight to Latvian capital. Besides injured Aaron Jackson and Victor Khryapa, the away roster misses Anton Astapkovich who works with junior team, and Viacheslav Kravtsov who left his foreign player position to Joel Freeland.
“We play against aggressive, energetic, athletic, young squad, that presses full court, play high-tempo and aggressive in all aspects of the game, go on boards,” CSKA head coach Dimitris Itoudis said. “They currently lead the league with 13 offensive rebounds per game. We have to match their energy and play focused all 40 minutes.”
Past matchups
Wins/losses: 6-0
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)
2014-15. VTB United League. CSKA – VEF: 107-78 (+29)
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: Carlos Frade
Website: www.vefriga.com
Accomplishments: 4-time Latvian champion (2011-13, 15), Baltic League vice-champion (2011), Baltic League bronze winner (2012), 3-time USSR championship bronze winner (1960, 1966, 1991)
