Classic Rivalry Returns With Force

Avtodor Saratov hosts CSKA Moscow in the Game of the Week.

Who:
Avtodor, 2014-15 VTB United League playoff participants
vs.
CSKA, 2014-15 VTB United League champions

Where:
Kristall Sports Palace (capacity 5,500), Saratov, Russia

When:
4:00 PM (4:00 PM MSK), January 10, 2016

TV:
NTV+, United League TV

Face To Face
Few Russian basketball rivalries can match the history between Saratov and Moscow, which dates back to the late 90's, when Avtodor established itself as CSKA's biggest challenger on the domestic stage. Twice, Saratov finished first during the regular season, but couldn't solve CSKA during the postseason, dropping four playoff series to the Army Men between 1997 and 2001.

In 2002, Avtodor finally got revenge, sweeping CSKA in the quarterfinals. But the fairytale ended there, as Saratov lost to eventual champions Ural-Great in the semifinals. The 2002 playoffs would mark the end of an era. Avtodor's fortunes began to decline the following season and in 2004 the once feared club dropped to Russia's second division. Despite the team's struggles in the mid-2000's, Saratov continued to produce elite talent, including long-time CSKA and Russian national team captain Viktor Khryapa.

Avtodor and CSKA have met twice in the VTB United League. CSKA picked up a win in the first meeting, pulling away for a 91-79 win in Saratov last season. The Black-Whites struck back in Moscow, scoring 38 points in the 4th quarter to shock CSKA, 107-104, on the final day of the regular season. The Army Men lead the all-time series, 46-16.

Looking Back

Intrigue
CSKA will not take the trip to Saratov lightly, given Avtodor's excellent record at home and rabid fans. Nonetheless, the Army Men should be favored on the road: Dimitris Itoudis's men have won 11 straight in the league and enjoy a two-game lead over 2nd-place UNICS.

Despite the underdog status, injuries to CSKA big men Pavel Korobkov and Joel Freeland will make Avtodor's task a bit easier. The team has also put together its own six-game winning streak and can count on incredible support from the Saratov fans. Most importantly, Avtodor knows what it takes to beat the Army Men, having done it last spring in Moscow. With Avtodor progressing game by game, Sunday's showdown could be an instant classic as the home team looks to notch its 10th win and knock off the league leaders.

Both teams played in Europe mid-week. Avtodor enjoyed a win in the Eurocup Top 32, knocking off Hapoel Jerusalem on Wednesday. CSKA, meanwhile, defeated reigning Euroleague champs Real Madrid at home on Thursday to improve to 2-0 in the Top 16.

Question
Will Avtodor's offense sizzle or fizzle against the Army Men?

According to Rodionov, Alexey Vasilyev got the head coaching job because the club wanted to implement a more explosive offense. With the team averaging 88.3 points per game during its winning streak, it would appear Rodionov's wish has been granted, but Vasilyev continues to challenge his team to play with even more speed and aggression. On Sunday, however, Saratov will face the league's stingiest defense. CSKA knows how to control the tempo, apply stifling ball pressure and shut down the perimeter. Who will come out on top at the Kristall Sports Palace: Avtodor's offense or CSKA's defense?

Duel
Travis Peterson (Avtodor) vs. Nando De Colo (CSKA).

Peterson and De Colo starred in the Eurocup and Euroleague this week. The Avtodor captain recorded a double-double in the first half against Hapoel (24 points and 10 rebounds) and finished with 29 points, 14 rebounds and three assists. De Colo didn't quite match Peterson in the box score, but still posted an impressive 28 points, seven assists and two rebounds in the win over Real Madrid. The Avtodor and CSKA stars are playing excellent basketball and will likely have an outsized impact on Sunday's game.

Quotes
Avtodor head coach Alexey Vasilyev:
- We are playing against the best team in the VTB United League. The Army Men have several excellent players at every position. What are you supposed to do when your opponent boasts two guards like De Colo and Teodosic?! But we are ready to take on CSKA. Our players are hungry to play their best in front of the home fans.

CSKA head coach Dimitris Itoudis:
- Avtodor is a very good team. They are quick and athletic and we respect them. They're leading the Eurocup in scoring, averaging 95 points per game. They've only lost once at home, falling to Lokomotiv in a game in which they only scored 70 points. Everyone on the team--whether it's Stoll, Lukashov, Chappell, Kolesnikov, Klimenko, Zabelin, Brooks, Peterson, Fidiy or someone else--poses a threat. The fast break is their biggest weapon, plus the team is excellent on the offensive glass. We need to be focused entering the game; it won't be an easy contest.

Prediction
- Although Avtodor is playing very well right now, I think CSKA will beat them, - says 2007 EuroBasket champion Nikita Morgunov, who played for both clubs during his career. - The Army Men have more talent and have won 11 straight in the VTB United League. At the same time, I'm confident that Saratov will create an amazing atmosphere for the game. The Avtodor fans are extremely passionate about their team. It's not easy to play in front of a crowd like that, but I still think CSKA will have an advantage in this game.