The Take
Two already-qualified teams from Group G will face each other in Round 5 when undefeated Lokomotiv Kuban Krasnodar (4-0) welcomes Buducnost VOLI Podgorica (3-1). Another win would grant Lokomotiv first place in the group, but if the visitors win, they could claim first place in the last round.
The last time these two sides met was in the opening week of the Top 16, when Loko won on the road 62-68 to keep their head-to-head historic series at a perfect 5-0. In that game, Ryan Broekhoff had 15 points and 10 rebounds.
The hosts will want to secure first place fast by looking to Joe Ragland (12.8 ppg., 5.0 apg.), Broekhoff (12.5 ppg.) and Trevor Lacey (10.8 ppg.).
Buducnost, already with a big goal under its belt, will turn to Nikola Ivanovic (13.9 ppg.), Nemanja Gordic (13.0 ppg.) and Kyle Gibson (13.0 ppg.).
Loko has the best defense in the league (an impressive 69.2 ppg. allowed) and outperforms Buducnost in nearly every front; the fact that the Montenegrin champs are ranked last in assists (only 12.9 apg.) makes it look like the hosts come into the game with the upper hand.
However, do not expect either side to slow down at a moment of the season where keeping momentum is paramount.
Quotes
The game takes place on January 31st, at 8:30 p.m. Moscow time in Baket-Hall, Krasnodar.