|
 |
|
|
|
10.10.09 | UMMC Cup. Day 2
UMMC (Ekaterinburg) - USK Prague (Czech) 94:65
Quarters' results: 22-18, 25-15, 28-17, 19-15
Statistics: UMMC – USK Prague (Czech)
Interestingly, these opponents have already met withing some recent years in the bounds of Euroleague group stage, and constantly it was UMMC who celebrated wins, therewith the hosts' efforts have always been highly estimated. Whereon the Czech tutor made a helpless gesture and complained: "We have never and to nobody lost with such a difference".
This time either, from the very first minutes, UMMC rained down shells of severe attacks on the opponents' basket, and by halftime conclusively spurted into the lead – 47:33. And it is little wonder, because at that point in time the USK had extremely low shooting percentage. By halftime only five Czech players could boast of made points. As for the hosts, seven girls had offered their mite to the team's account.
However this time USK Prague, led by the best player of the recent Championship of Europe Evanthia Maltsi, didn't let the champion of Russia make cherished hundred points. And it was Evanthia who made the biggest contribution to the Prague team's score - 31. As for UMMC, they lacked mere six points to record three-digit result – 94:65.
It is worthwhile to say that in our team the center Maria Stepanova not merely made her another double-double but was also hundred-per-cently accurate from behind the arc. Equally as accurate from far distance were Olga Arteshina (three made after three attempted) and the debutante of the UMMC key team Tatyana Petrushina, who gained the coach's credence in this match either. Celine Dumerc, who had made eleven bright assists in the previous match, this time contributed 6 assists and succeeded in 5 three-pointers after 6 attempted.
Perhaps, our team is yet far from its best form. But there is no doubt that match by match the renewed UMMC makes rapid progress. Moreover, the Ural team will soon receive a new crop from behind the ocean - Cappie Pondexter, who, as part of «Phoenix», has today for the second time become the champion of WNBA, and Deanna Nolan.
Though, the final match of the tournamen against the USA National team Gundars Vetra wards have to play without them. Instead, Asjha Jones will come to help her team, who will play on the UMMC side, under number 15.
USA – MKB «Euroleasing» (Sopron, Hungary) 79:65
Quarters' results: 22-15, 18-17, 21-20, 18-13
Statistics: MKB «Euroleasing» (Sopron, Hungary) – USA National team
Head Coach of the USA National team Geno Auriemma:
- Generally I am satisfied with our team's play. There have been both good and bad moments today. I liked the way the girls played in defence in the third ten, but there were problems in the first and the last ones. I'd like to note the magnificent play of Asjha Jones today.
We are waiting edgily for tomorrow's game. UMMC is an exellent team with talanted and experienced players. It will be a hard match for us, because some of our leaders will not be able to help us: Asjha Jones will protect UMMC colours, and Candace Parker was injured yesterday. The match against UMMC will be a good examination for our young players.
Head Coach of «Euroleasing» Norbert Szйkely:
- It's a great experience for our young team to play against the best team in the world. The players were motivated during the game today, played aggressively in defence and tried not to be far behind. We are proud of having an opportunity to play against the best teams: USA National team and the Champion of Russia - UMMC.
We play in the same Euroleague group with Prague team, and tomorrow's opposition is very important for us. To play sparring with the best team of our group is a perfect opportunity to get ready for Euroleague.
 back | return to list
|
|
|
 |
|
|