Tofas trying to resist Unicaja in the Eurocup TOP16 opener
Today, the Top16 of the Eurocup will start with one of the most interesting clashes between Tofas Bursa and the eternal title contender of the competition, Unicaja Malaga. Last season Tofas, missed the qualification from the first stage of the Eurocup together with all the Turkish teams involved. This year, they had a better campaign reaching TOP16 in the last round by smashing and eliminating the powerful Lokomotiv Kuban Krasnodar. But, I think it will be very difficult for them to maintain good results in this group where they will face 3 Spanish teams, Joventut Badalona, MoraBanc Andorra and Unicaja Malaga. It is the worst group to be in because you cannot relax, every encounter will be a do-or-die!
The Spanish visitors, Unicaja Malaga have a chance today because normally, they have a deeper quality rotation, especially now when veteran Sammy Mejia could be out for Tofas. He didn’t play in the last game in the Turkish league when Tofas demolished Buyukcekmece with 110-68! But Unicaja is missing today as well Josh Adams and Carlos Suarez is doubtfull too for this game.
I am expecting a tough clash, with the Turkish team defending their chances in front of the fans and, who knows, maybe a tough defense can do miracles. And the result will depend a lot on the contribution of the local players coming from the bench for Tofas.
I don’t recommend you to bet before the game, only at live if you will see there a big opportunity. It is only the first round of the TOP16 and actually anything could happen. If Mejia will be on the court, then the whole perspective of the encounter could be changed, because he has the necessary experience and he is a true leader who can boost the morale of the entire squad.
Photo: Eurocup
Gratian Cormos
