OMM Newsroom
Sabah’s American basketball player Michael Ertel has shared his expectations for the team’s home game against Nanterre 92 in Group A of the FIBA Champions League.
Ertel said the opponents were strong and currently in good form. Nanterre 92 have dynamic players who could cause problems for Sabah, he said, adding that the French club also look assured in defence.
The basketball player said Sabah had yet to produce their best performance but believed the team could play better and would compete for a place in the next round. Ertel called the upcoming match a good opportunity to show their potential. He said the group was difficult, but that a few wins could keep Sabah in contention for qualification to the next stage.
During their Champions League preparations, Sabah suffered their first defeat in the national championship. The Baku club lost 88-83 to Nakhchivan a few days ago. Ertel said their opponents had played well, while Sabah had struggled defensively and lacked organization in attack.
Sabah will face Nanterre 92 at the National Gymnastics Arena today, with tip-off scheduled for 20:00. It will be the Baku club’s third match in this season’s Champions League. Sabah previously lost 82-73 to Lithuania’s Rytas and 100-83 to Türkiye’s Trabzonspor.
Trabzonspor lead Group A with four points ahead of the third round. Nanterre 92 and Rytas have three points each, while Sabah are bottom with two. The group winners will advance directly to the round of 16, while the second- and third-placed teams will play in the play-in round. The fourth-placed club will be eliminated from the tournament.
