USK Prague basketball players will also lack American support in Moscow
Updates: 10/12/2021 12:26 PM
Released: 12.10.2021, 12:26
Moscow – we still have to do without American support Alyssa Thomas and Brionna Jones, USK Prague basketball players want to win the first victory in the new year of the European League on the Moscow MBA board. Although both podkošové players have already been eliminated in the semifinals of the WNBA overseas competition, the Czech champions will also be missing on Wednesday due to administrative matters.
“They haven’t joined the team yet and we would still not be able to issue them visas. Today it is the case that even the express of a visa to Russia takes three days in Prague,” coach Natália Hejková told ČTK. “Even without Alyssa and Brionna, we would like to lift our spirits with some decent consequence and we will see how we will do in Moscow. In the next match, however, we should be with them,” we can.
A week ago, the Czech champions entered the European League defeated in France with Montpellier 74:75, collecting the decisive basket in the last second. After a foul by Dragana Stankovičová, Olivia Époupaová turned the free throw six tenths before the end.
The newcomer from Moscow lost 64:70 on the field of the acting vice-champions from Salamanca. The Russian team is one of USK’s main competitors in the fight for one of four places to advance to the quarterfinals. “We saw the Moscow match in Salamanca and it is clear to us that it will not be an easy opponent at all. It is a team that is composed of the home players themselves, but they are Russians who play in the national team,” said Hejková.
One of the main faces is pivot Nina Glonti, who gave Salamanca 16 points. Another double pod player, Žosselina Majgová, added a double double for 10 points and 11 rebounds. “They play very well and aggressively in defense. We will see what will be behind the edge and what will be whistled. In the attack, it is typically Russian basketball, except that their players are very run. We have to prepare for the fact that they can shoot for three points and they are very fast for that, “Hejková described.
In addition to the missing Americans, the Slovak coach should have a complete team at her disposal. The Spaniard Mária Condeová, who shone 23 points against Montpellier but has been working with an injured ankle in recent days, should also start. “She had a small outburst, but it will happen. She is a fighter and she will not give up,” said Hejková, who is a five-time European League winner.
In seven days, the Prague team will play the second match on the opponent’s field. “It’s a shot, but that’s usually the case in this competition. Unfortunately, we caught two matches outside at the beginning, but we have to play the same as in Montpellier, only with a better result for us,” compare Hejková.
The duel will start on Wednesday in Moscow at 18:00 CEST.