Match Preview
Even though we are just three rounds into the new season, Ibon Navarro is allegedly already in danger of losing his job at Crvena Zvezda. Can the Serbian side improve offensively and challenge Dubai, who are 2-0 at Coca-Cola Arena?
Dubai Making a Strong Start at Home
Speaking of their EuroLeague campaign, Dubai opened the new season in the best way possible, edging out Real Madrid 78-77 in the opening round at home, with McKingley Wright scoring the deciding three-pointer with 50 seconds left on the clock.
Another big scalp was taken last Tuesday, also at Coca-Cola Arena in the UAE, taking down Barcelona 94-87 in quite an entertaining contest where Mfiondu Kabengele starred with 21 points and 8/11 field-goal shooting.
Dubai's offense was completely shut down in the third round in Istanbul, though, losing to Fenerbahce 76-66. They responded in the best way possible, though, beating Perspektiva Ilirija 85-70 as visitors in the ABA League opener last weekend.
Crvena Zvezda Struggling on Offense
Crvena Zvezda are playing way below expectations in the new campaign, suffering three defeats in four games across competitions where they were named favorites on all four occasions.
The Red & Whites were beaten in the EuroLeague premiere by Zalgiris 83-77 at home, where their shooting was at just 36%, while a slow start last Tuesday proved costly against Hapoel Tel Aviv, also in Belgrade, losing 81-80.
Ibon Navarro's side finally earned their first victory last Thursday, outplaying Anadolu Efes 77-72 at home, with shooting being awful once again at 38%, but at least they did a great job defensively and forced 18 turnovers. Chima Moneke's three consecutive three-pointers in the third quarter made a huge difference, while he was also the top scorer with 18 points.