NLB MATCH OF THE ROUND: Can Igokea stop Zvezda’s winning run?
This week’s NLB Match of the Round takes us to Laktaši where Igokea m:tel are about to host Crvena zvezda mts on Monday evening.
Bryant Crawford (Photo: Marija Vuruna)
AdmiralBet ABA League Round 5, Monday, 31 October 2022:
IGOKEA M:TEL - CRVENA ZVEZDA MTS
Where? Laktaši Sports Hall, Laktaši
When? 18:00
Story of the game: This week’s NLB Match of the Round takes us to Laktaši where Igokea m:tel are about to host Crvena zvezda mts on Monday evening.
Both sides are in very good rhythm. After losing the opening game of the new season, Igokea m:tel have won 3 consecutive games and they are now among the best placed teams on the standings with the overall score of 3-1.
On the other side, Crvena zvezda mts are still undefeated in the 2022/23 AdmiralBet ABA League campaign as the red-and-whites have won all 3 games so far in the regular season.
Still, even when they were in the best shape in the past, the away games against Igokea m:tel have always been a very tough challenge for Crvena zvezda mts. After all, the Belgrade giant have lost the previous 3 games in Laktaši, while almost 3 years have passed since they scored their last away win vs. Igokea m:tel.
Match-up in focus: Igokea m:tel point guard Kendrick Ray had a bit of a slow start in the new season as he scored just 2 points on his AdmiralBet ABA League debut in the first round when his team suffered defeat against Mornar-Barsko zlato. However, it turned out to be just a bad day for Ray, as in the following 3 games he was the best player of his team and he helped Igokea m:tel score 3 consecutive wins. Kendrick Ray scored 20, 17 and 27 points, respectively, in the last 3 games and he should be the main offensive power of Igokea m:tel in the upcoming game.
On the other side, Crvena zvezda mts have Luca Vildoza. The Argentine player did not need much time to win the hearts of all red-and-whites fans as his performance against FMP Meridian in the previous round and then against Bayern Munich in Turkish Airlines EuroLeague was simply brilliant. Vildoza is a true leader and he will now try to take his team toward the big win on Monday evening.
Head-to-head score in the regional league: In total 8:17; In Laktaši 5:7.
