1/4 final preview: Rilski hosts Kumanovo to open up the playoff stage

BC Rilski Sportist and KK Kumanovo 2009 are meeting up tonight in the first quarterfinal of EUROHOLD Balkan League. The teams are playing the first match tonight in Samokov with the return game taking place in two weeks time.   The teams know themselves really well having been in the same group in the First Stage and also by playing friendlies before the season. The official games were won by Kumanovo and this will give additional confidence to the team. They also are on a run of 5 straight wins which started exactly in Samokov. This means that Lukovic, Kostoski and company are coming with their heads high and will aim to get a good result in the first match away. The hosts on the other hand are on a run of three straight home defeats that started against Kumanovo. Rilski will have to figure out how to stop the visitors main weapons and this should be the first task. Usually the team plays good in offense but to win such games you have to perform well in defense first. Very important will be the experience of Rakocevic, Bozov and Gugino who have to lead their teammates in this first match.   The game starts at 18.00 local time and will be broadcast LIVE on BNT World and Sportmedia.tv.