PAO’s stars vs. CSKA’s defence

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Published: 03 May, 2009, 15:51

TAGS: Sport, Basketball, European Championships

Another huge night on the continent is fast approaching for CSKA Moscow. The defending European basketball champions will put their title on the line in this year's decider against Panathinaikos in Berlin.

It is almost two years ago to the day that CSKA Moscow came into the Euroleague final with Panathinaikos looking to defend their title.

However, the Greeks had one massive advantage playing in front of 20,000 fans on their home court. In what proved to be one of the closest ever finals, Panathinaikos who came out on top by 93 points to 91.

David Vanterpool, the Armymen's assistant coach, says his side will be looking to get their own back.

The Greens didn't make it to the Final Four last year, and this season hasn't all been plain sailing for veteran coach Zeljko Obradovic's side.

Panathinaikos could only finish third in their regular season group, but seem to be finding form at the right time.

They have six survivors from the team that won in Athens two years ago

One of them, Dmitris Diamantidis, was a major thorn in CSKA's side on that occasion, and the Armymen will have to find away past him – Diamantidis being of the greatest exponents of defence in Europe, as well as keeping the likes of teammates Sarunas Jasikevicius and Vasilis Spanoulis quiet.

Tonight promises to be a massive game between Europe's two most successful clubs since the turn of the millennium.

Panathinaikos certainly have the stars, but will the depth of CSKA's roster and their excellent defence, prove crucial in the end?

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02.05.2009, 10:46

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