Busy few days ahead in Delasport Balkan League

Starting from today, a total of six games will be played in Delasport Balkan League until the end of the week. Some of them will have a direct influence on the standings of Group E, and we'll also know soon one of the Israeli teams for the Second Stage in the competition.

We are starting with the game between BC Akademik Plovdiv and KK Kumanovo 2009. The hosts are first in Group E and look destined to win it. That may happen already with a victory over Kumanovo but depends on other results as well. As for the visitors we're expecting the debut of Otis Livingston and in the meantime Kumanovo will try to make a surprise and get the victory. So far it's the only team that has beaten Akademik so they'll be trying for the double in order to keep fighting for one of the top four spots in the group.

Then we'll have a Group B game between Maccabi Haifa and Hapoel Gilboa Galil. It can't have an influence on the standings but nevertheless it's a good opportunity for both sides to try some new things. Thoe home will be looking to finish the Group Stage with at least one win, having lost its three gaems so far, while Gilboa Galil will be trying to finish it undefeated.

The day will finish with a match between KK TFT and KK Teodo. Both teams have just two games left and this is an extremely important one. TFT has 2-6 record and must win in order to keep its chances of reaching the Second Stage. Moreover the team will try to do it with at least 16 points difference in order to erase the deficit from the first time those teams met. On the other side of course, Teodo will be aiming for the victory in order to practically secure its spot in the Second Stage. The Tivat team has 4-4 record and a win will mean that TFT won't be able to reach them. However, also a defeat, but by no more than 15 points could also prove useful for the Montenegrin side.

On Thursday BC Beroe will host KK Kumanovo 2009. The hosts have 3-3 record and have to win in order to continue moving up the standings. Both teams will feel some fatigue as Beroe had a local league game in Tuesday while for Kumanovo will be the second one in as many days, so that could be a factor in the final minutes.

Perhaps the biggest game this week is on Friday. Hapoel Holon will host Hapoel SP Tel Aviv in a battle for the Second Stage in the competition. It will start at 14.00 hrs local time and the winner will qualify further.

The last match of the week is on Sunday and also of a huge importance. Hapoel Bank Yahav Jerusalem is welcoming Maccabi Rishon LeZion in a match that will decide the first place in Group D. The winner will go on to host Hapoel Gilboa Galil in a contest that will decide the other Israeli team in the Second Stage.