Recap
MZT are approaching the end of an exhausting schedule, with this fixture marking their fifth game in just 13 days. Their recent programme has been particularly demanding, including two consecutive away trips to Germany and Montenegro. Coach Atanasov must also manage a squad featuring several experienced players, including the Stojanovski brothers, who will both turn 39 in December. Captain Damjan Stojanovski remains a major doubt due to a rib injury that has kept him out of the last two games. MZT have suffered three consecutive defeats in Group E and in none of those matches, didn’t look particularly close to securing a victory. The accumulated fatigue, combined with uncertainty surrounding the captain’s availability, could prove costly against a quality opponent.
AEK Larnaca boast a strong roster featuring four American and one Australian player and arrive on the back of three consecutive victories across all competitions. In the FIBA Europe Cup, they have secured home wins against Würzburg and Tartu Ülikool, although they suffered an away defeat against Dziki Warszawa after the Polish side produced an outstanding fourth quarter, winning the final period by 14 points.
I will be at Jane Sandanski Hall tomorrow and my opinion is that AEK Larnaca are the stronger team. The Cypriot side also have an important incentive to secure a victory, as their next two FIBA Europe Cup fixtures involve difficult away trips to Iraklis and Würzburg. I believe AEK Larnaca have a good opportunity to take advantage of the circumstances and claim a valuable road win.