Beşiktaş hosts Russian giant CSKA

ISTANBUL - Hürriyet Daily News

Beşiktaş’s American guard Patrick Christopher slam dunks against Serbia’s Partizan in a Euroleague match. Beşiktaş has two wins in three matches. AA photo

Beşiktaş takes its first big test at home in the Turkish Airlines Euroleague when it hosts championship hopeful CSKA Moscow tonight.

The Turkish champion hosts the Russian champion, and last season’s Euroleague runner-up at the Sinan Erdem Dome for a pivotal Group D contest.

The Euroleague newcomers seek to bounce back after their maiden loss last week at FC Barcelona Regal, while undefeated CSKA looks for a breakout performance after three tough wins so far.
With two wins in three matches, Beşiktaş follows CSKA and Barcelona in the group.

The game will be CSKA’s first since small forward Sonny Weems was named as the Most Valuable Player for October.

Last year, an unbeaten CSKA suffered its first defeat of the season in Istanbul, when Galatasaray crushed the Russians in front of a sold-out crowd at the Abdi İpekçi Arena. Equally ambitious Beşiktaş fans will try to power their team to another famous win.

Improved team

The two teams met in a preseason tournament in Munich, but CSKA coach Ettore Messina says that Beşiktaş developed a lot after that day.

“Beşiktaş has improved a lot; it is witnessed by the results of the two games they won and the competitive game, which they played in Barcelona,” he was quoted in the Euroleague website. “We know it will be difficult. They improved their chemistry, ball movement and shooting percentage. We will again face the team with shooting big men and we should be ready to make the adjustments.”

Point guard Curtis Jerrells has been hot for Beşiktaş all season. Guard Patrick Christopher has meshed well with Jerrells to form a lethal offensive tandem. Reserve guards Tutku Açık and Muratcan Güler give Besiktas coach Erman Kunter options off the bench.

The game starts at 8 p.m.

Also in the Group D, it is Germany’s Brose Baskets vs. Lietuvos Rytas.

In the Group A, BC Khimki meets Union Olimpija, Montepaschi Siena takes on Elan Chalon in the Group B and Olympiacos plays against Cedevita Zagreb in the Group C.