Pre-game breakdown
The Army Men has to face two teams from Istanbul this week, both teams are among the regular season leaders. Fener is currently first, Efes is fourth.
13 players travelled to the Asian part of Turkey. Only the youngsters Andrey Lopatin and Ivan Ukhov stayed in Moscow.
Pre-game quotes
Dimitris Itoudis, CSKA head coach:
We visit the current EuroLeague leader, the team that plays good basketball this season, that plays physical and very deep on each and every position, having two or three high-quality players to cover every spot. We have to stay on the same level of competitiveness from first to last minute to win the game.
Kyle Hines, CSKA center:
Fenerbahce is a EuroLeague leader, it is tough and aggressive opponent. We have to match up their aggressiveness and stay focused all game long. Our games are always interesting, both of them came down to one last shot in the previous season. The game is very important for both teams mentally, confidence-wise, it will set the tone for what the team wants to achieve in the end of the season.
Important numbers
Coach Itoudis has used 11 different players in CSKA’s starting lineups; no player has started in every EuroLeague game.
Sergio Rodriguez has made at least 1 three-point shot in each of his last 19 games.
Sergio Rodriguez needs 6 more assists to become the EuroLeague’s fifth player ever to reach 1,000. Barcelona point guard Thomas Heurtel is fourth with 1,070 career assists and counting.
Cory Higgins has scored in double figures in 19 consecutive games. He is ranked third in scoring this season with 16.8 points per game.
Higgins has made at least 1 three-pointer in seven straight games.
Alec Peters has made at least 1 three-pointer each of his last 10 games.
Alec Peters leads the EuroLeague 57.5% three-point accuracy; Cory Higgins is second at 52.4%.
Will Clyburn has scored at least 10 points in eight straight games.
Clyburn has collected at least 1 steal in eight of CSKA’s last nine games.
Will Clyburn ranks fourth in rebounding with 6.9 per game.
Nando De Colo ranks first in free throw accuracy with 94.3%; Cory Higgins is fifth at 86.5%.
De Colo is the EuroLeague career leader in free throw accuracy at 93.69%.
Kyle Hines is ranked fourth in EuroLeague history with 191 blocked shots. Ioannis Bourousis is third with 194.
Hines is ranked 12th in competition history with 1,065 rebounds. His former CSKA teammate Victor Khryapa is 11th with 1,070.
Past matchups
Wins/losses: 22-10
Short dossier
Fenerbahce Istanbul, Turkey
Founded: 1913
Colors: yellow, dark-blue
Homecourt: Ulker Sports Arena (13800)
President: Azim Yildirim
Head coach: Zelimir Obradovic
Website: www.fenerbahce.org/fbulker/
Trophy case: EuroLeague champions (2017), Turkish champions (1991, 2007, 08, 10, 11, 14, 16, 17, 18), Turkish Cup winners (1967, 2010, 11, 13, 16), President’s Cup winners (1990, 91, 94, 2007, 13, 16)
