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Uleb Cup Quarterfinal: Akasvayu Girona vs. Unics Kazan |
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Written by Alleks
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Friday, 11 April 2008 |
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 VS  Akasvayu Girona - Unics Kazan Akasvayu Girona looks to continue its impressive ULEB Cup debut season by reaching the semifinals, but faces a massive challenge in a semifinalist from last season, Unics Kazan. Head coach Pedro Martinez's Akasvayu advanced to the quarterfinals by sweeping Hemofarm in the Last 16, winning by 9 on the road before wrapping up the series at home. The focal point for Martinez has been center Marc Gasol, who collected 19 points 7 rebounds, 6 assists and 3 blocks in Game 1 and played a big part in holding Hemofarm big man Vladan Vukosavljevic scoreless in the first game. Unics, which lost to eventual champion Real Madrid in the semis last year, earned a spot by beating Artland Dragons in the Last 16. Center Darjus Lavrinovic was outstanding in both games, averaging 22 points, 12 rebounds, 2.5 assists and 2.5 blocks. The talent and recent play of each team’s center sets up a mouth-watering duel between two of the finest pivotmen on the continent.
Betting overview
Unics did a great job in 2nd half of the season but right before the start on Final 8 sad news came from Unics clubhouse. According to Unics coach interview in russian newspaper "Sport-Express" D.Lavrinovic will miss this tournament because of back injury. He is very important player for this team and I doubt that without him Unics will be the same team as we used to see in the last few months. While he was injured they were losing everywhere and now again he is out of the game. Sure now under new coach they are playing more collective basketball but in playoff matches every small detail is important, and taking into consideration that Chikalkin also was not able to train for several days right before this tournament it will be extremely hard for Unics to find new leaders in offense in such short term.
As for Girona everything goes fine. Only problem is that San Emeterio was operated and will play with mask in this game. All others players are in good form and prepared for this game. Girona have M.Gasol who should outplay Unics centers and also Girona have a bit more experience and winning mentality that this Unics squad.
Prediction: With such injury problems I see Girona more clear favorite to win this game than line suggest. Sure Unics playing good defense these days and I don't expect one-sided game here but in the end Girona should win this game by 4-8 points. Over/under scenario is hard to predict because Girona sometimes looks unstopable in offense.
Predicted score: Girona 78 - 72 UnicsPick: Girona to win @ 1.75 PinnacleSports
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