Pre-game breakdown
It is interesting that the Army Men visit to Latvian capital in the last season happened exactly on March 12. Also, coincidently the teams met on Monday (rare day for basketball schedule) in the first leg.
Pavel Korobkov (foot) remains out. Mikail Kulagin stayed at home for the tests on injured foot. Victor Rudd is not on team’s VTB League roster.
Word to coach
Dimitris Itoudis, CSKA head coach:
We have another tough road game in front of us. VEF is a completely new team in comparison to the one we played against in the first round, they added new players, they have size, athleticism, they run and defend well. This is a serious opponent so we will approach the game seriously.
Past matchups
Wins/losses: 11-0
Game of 2017-18 VTB United League season:
30-Oct-2017. CSKA – VEF: 94-69 (+25)
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: Janis Gailitis
Website: www.vefriga.com
Accomplishments: 5-time Latvian champion (2011-13, 15, 17), Baltic League vice-champion (2011), Baltic League bronze winner (2012), 3-time USSR championship bronze winner (1960, 1966, 1991)
