CSKA — Avtodor, 04 January 2022

PRE-GAME BREAKDOWN

The Saratov team has suffered only one defeat so far and is ranked first in the standings. Still, the Volga team have not met the Muscovites yet.

Red-and-blues got two days off on New Year's days - December 30 and 31, after which they returned to full-time work.

WORD TO THE COACH

Dimitris Itoudis, CSKA head coach:

We are playing with a very serious rival, Avtodor has shown consistency this season, especially on offense. This is the team that leads the league in scoring, including shooting percentage, so they win, plus they defend using zone pressure and matchups. But in general, their best qualities are based on high percentage shooting. We need to keep this in mind and focus on the details we were working on.

PAST MATCHUPS

Wins/losses: 57-16
Game of 2020-21 VTB League season:
10-Oct-2020. CSKA – Avtodor: 100-66 (+34)
18-Jan-2021. Avtodor - CSKA: 82-98 (+16)

SHORT DOSSIER

Avtodor Saratov

Founded: 1960
Colors: black, white
Home court: Kristall Ice Palace (5,500)
President: Vladimir Rodionov
Head coach: Emil Rajkovic
Website: www.avtodor.ru
Trophy case: 4-time Russian League runner-up (1994, 97, 98, 99), 2-time Russian League bronze winner (1992, 96), EuroCup semifinalist (1998), Superleague A champion (1997, 98), Superleague B champion (2009), Superleague champion (2013/14)