Idman.biz
Tonight, Baku will once again become one of the centers of attention for European basketball.
Idman.Biz reports that "Sabah" will face the French representative "Chalon" at the National Gymnastics Arena at 20:00.
This match may decide the fate of the Baku club in the group stage of the FIBA Champions League. Currently, the French team's performance is perfect - three wins, zero losses. "Sabah", on the other hand, has not been able to win after three games (0-3). Therefore, this meeting can be considered the last chance to revive the team's tournament hopes.
The situation in Group D before the fourth round is as follows: "Chalon" - 6 points, "Alba" - 5, "Nymburk" - 4, "Sabah" - 3. The group leader advances directly to the 1/8 finals, while the teams that take second and third place face representatives of other groups in the play-in stage.
In the first match held in France, Rimas Kurtinaitis' team showed that they are capable of fighting any opponent. That match ended with an 84:71 victory for "Chalon". "Sabah" lost mainly due to failure in the second half and a tense ending.
The fate of the match was determined by a few minutes - a 12:0 series by the French and slightly higher shooting accuracy. In particular, in long-range shots, the Baku team was able to accurately execute only one in every five shots. However, "Sabah" performed better in the third quarter, winning this stage with a score of 23:8 and almost returned to the game.
To win today, the team must not repeat the same mistakes. You can't let go of the beginning of the game, because the lag in the first half was decisive in the match in France. "Sabah" must play tougher under the basket and not allow the opponent to get the ball and score points from second attempts. After taking each ball, it is important to advance with fast attacks so that "Chalon" does not have time to build a defense. Another important point is to simplify attacks and find cleaner, more accurate shots from long distances. Because this element can become the Baku club's hidden advantage.
The home field factor should not be forgotten either. "Sabah" has already proven this in the match with "Alba" (Berlin) - the team fought worthily against a strong opponent. This time, Baku fans can play the role of the sixth player. The French are coming after a busy game schedule, and in such circumstances, the support of the stands is often an important factor in favor of the home team.
Yes, bookmakers consider "Chalon" the favorite - their chances are approximately 85-90 percent. But in sports, numbers do not always reflect fighting spirit and the desire to win. The third part in France showed that "Sabah" has both character and potential. If the team endures the start, maintains its composure at the end and maintains its tempo, a surprise is possible in Baku.
Today's game will be a test not only of skill, but also of spirit. For "Sabah", this means more than just the numbers in the tournament table. This is an opportunity for the Baku club to prove that it can compete with European teams on an equal level in the FIBA Champions League.
If the team can show the same energy and dedication as in the third part in France, Baku can witness the club's first major victory this season. A victory that will keep the play-off hopes alive.
Teymur Tushiyev
