MATCH OF THE ROUND: Who rules Skopje?

The opening game of the 19th round is already going to be a big one, as the match of the round brings us the Skopje city derby between Karpoš Sokoli and MZT Skopje Aerodrom. The clash that could already give plenty of answers in the battle to avoid relegation.

ABA League 19th round, Friday, 20.1.2017:

KARPOŠ SOKOLI – MZT SKOPJE AERODROM

Where? Boris Trajkovski Arena, Skopje

When? 20:00

Story of the game: The nineteenth round of the ABA League will open up with a derby of the Skopje city between Karpoš Sokoli and MZT Skopje Aerodrom. The derby of two city rivals where MZT are currently sharing the bottom of the standings with five games won so far, while Karpoš Sokoli are just one position above, with a win more. The win, therefore, is a must for both sides and could bring up many answers in the battle to avoid relegation, seven rounds before the end of the regular season.

The thing that the Falcons are currently counting on is the fact that they are in a middle of a six-game winning streak at home court. On the other side, MZT Skopje Aerodrom have just ended their losing streak last round with a convincing home court win over Zadar and hope to continue in the same fashion.

The first time the two sides met this season in the ABA League, MZT were better with the score of 74:71 after a major comeback.

Match-up in focus: It will be interesting at the point guard position, as Karpoš Sokoli’s leader Kendrick Perry will match-up against excellent Xavier Thames of MZT. It will be a contest of MZT’s top scorer (13.15 points per game) and Karpoš Sokoli’s top passer (4.72 assists per game). Let’s see which playmaking style will be victorious this time.

Head to head in regional league: In total 0:1; at Karpoš Sokoli's home court 0:0.