betprepare.com

Markovic's debut for Banvit, Stojanovski is back for MZT

The Macedonians have a run of 0-2 and a new defeat would put them in a difficult situation and leave them very little chance to progress. But the Turks cannot relax, they have 1-1 and this is a very important game for them as well

Banvit quickly recovered after their shocking defeat in Kazanj, when they were up by 2 points with only a second to go and then UNICS scored a 3-pointer that you don't see every day. Just a few day later, they had to face the tricky Türk Telekom at Ankara, but Telekom were missing Ramel Bradley and Nalga.

Their defense did an excellent job, Itouidis once again mobilized his team after they dropped out of the Cup and they haven't conceded over 75 points in 5 games after the Cup game. Even though they had some difficulties with Luksa Andric against Telekom (21 p), they only allowed 3 offensive rebounds and dulled their attack. The 23-year-old center Dusan Cantekin (221 cm) played the game of his season, getting 15 points and 6 rebounds and Chuck Davis added 15 points. Even though Stefan Markovic arrived in mid-week, he wasn't in the game due to regulated number of foreign players. Such a thing does not exist in the Eurocup and the Serbian point guard is expected to get his debut tonight, and Itoudis will put even more pressure on the opposing playmakers with him, as Markovic is a better player than Rowland, a man whose attack is his strong side. 

If  they press the Macedonians, and Kuqo and Davis do their defensive tasks on Gecevski and Cekovski, this could be a very long night for MZT. 

The Macedonian team have two defeats in this competition, and they got a very unfortunate defeat against Partizan  Belgrade at their home court in the ABA League. A potential defeat on this tough away fixture would leave them with minimal chances to go through to the second round of the Eurocup. 

In their last Eurocup game against Maccabi Haifa, MZT missed a great chance for a historic victory on their court. They had the lead for the entire game, and then missed several chances to put things level or even win near the end. The experienced center Todor Gecevski was once against the best player with 17 points, and he constitutes the biggest threat for the Turkish team along with his partner Cekovski.

Stefan Sinovec also added 17 points and replaced Damjan Stojanovski who is coming back for this game. With him, MZT will get an even wider offense, but the question is whether he will make a difference against the experienced Banvit. 

- Banvit are definitely a real test for any team, especially at home where they are really impressive. They had an excellent start of the season, and they've only had one defeat in the Eurocup at home. They are very good in all positions but we don't intend to give up without a fight - said Vukoicic, the Macedonian team's coach.

The Macedonians cannot count on the injured Cade Davis, and Pavlov is also in doubt as he missed the game against Partizan, but he will definitely travel to Turkey.

Banvit have been very convincing at their home court, while the Macedonian team has been much weaker away than at home. Banvit want a step forward in Europe this year and they will take this game seriously and I don't think they should have too many problems. The Macedonians are without Davis, Stojanovski is back, but it is questionable just how ready he is and how much his coach is ready to use him. Eurocup is not a priority for MZT and they will look for their chance at home, while I think they have nothing to hope for against experienced and powerful Banvit. A 14,5 handicap is a good option as points difference is an important factor, and Banvit might end up in the battle for the fist spot with Unics so I don't think they will be too relaxed.