University League Match - Rune. intense clash between Moscow rivals in VTB United League
Mark your calendars, y'all! On October 23, the ball is gonna drop on a fierce Moscow derby between MBP and Run, smack dab in the heart of the VTB United League 23/24 season at the "Krylatskoye" arena. The action commences at 7:30 PM local time.
MBP
Last season, MBP showed up, showed out, and secured a playoff spot in their first VTB League gig. But this season has been a bumpy ride for the Moscow squad, currently languishing in 12th place with a dismal 1-4 record.
MPB has already tasted defeat from CSKA (a tough home loss, 72-76), Lokomotiv (in Krasnodar, 71-79), Samara (a home defeat, 65-77), and Zenit (away, 74-85). Their only win this campaign came against lowly Avtodor (in Saratov, 87-73).
MPB has a paltry average of fewer than 74 points per game and the second-worst shooting percentage in the league, barely making it over 42%. However, they lead the league in blocks (around 3.8 per game) and commits the most fouls (a staggering 26.4).
Run
Run burst onto the scene with a bang in their maiden VTB League voyage, currently holding down third position with a sterling 4-1 record after just five games. They've already trounced Avtodor at home (87-79), Uralmash in Yekaterinburg (85-78), Samara at home (85-74), and PARMA at home (70-64). Their lone loss came against Nizhny Novgorod on the road (82-78).
Run scores an impressive 81 points per game (second-best in the league), has the third-best field goal percentage (over 49%), ranks fourth in rebounds, sixth in assists, but their high number of turnovers places them in the league's bottom five.
Head-to-Head History: This will be the first meeting between MBP and Run in the VTB United League.
Bookmaker Odds: (TBD)
Prediction: (TBD)
The teams' spirits are unyielding, showing no fear in this new championship. Interestingly, they've done a fantastic job revamping the roster over the summer. Taius stands strong at the back. Young can change the game with his skill. Ivanovic and Radanov are effective in drives and breaks. Hill is accurate from long range. Morgan is a modern basketball number four. And Savin and Popov might just be the breakout stars of the championship.
History of Rivalry
Over the years, these teams have encountered each other eight times in the Russian Super League, from 2020 to 2022, with each team boasting four wins apiece. The series is currently even at three wins apiece.
- MBP, despite securing a playoff spot last season in their VTB League debut, are currently struggling this season with a 1-4 record, placing them in 12th position.
- In the upcoming Moscow derby against Run, MBP has already faced CSKA, Lokomotiv, Samara, Zenit, and Avtodor, with only a victory against Avtodor in their midst.
- In terms of averages, MBP scores fewer than 74 points per game and has the second-worst shooting percentage in the league, but leads in blocks and commits the most fouls.
- Contrastingly, Run, currently in third place with a 4-1 record, scores an impressive 81 points per game and has the third-best field goal percentage, although they have a high number of turnovers.
