Miguel Ortega’s Caledonia Gladiators look to stride on from an impressive first week of competitive action – featuring wins over Benfica and Palatinates – as they welcome Belgian top division side Namur Capitale to PlaySport.
Domestically, tomorrow’s visitors have got off to a flyer – currently in their league, they sit in 3rd place, going 4-1 in their first five fixtures. Their only loss so far has been a heavy defeat (93-58) against the league’s second-place side, Kangoeroes. In that game, it was German Alina Hartmann who stood out – with a solid 13 points and 5 rebounds.
In EuroCup Women, like Gladiators, the Belgian side managed a victory over Portuguese giants, S.L. Benfica in their opening fixture last week (their game this week, due to be played against Israel’s Elitzur Ramla, was cancelled), as they won 52-60 in Lisbon. For the Belgians, it was Peyton Whithead who stood out. The American big put up an impressive 14 points and 10 rebounds, securing victory for her side. Statistically, Benfica led the way on second-chance points (17-2) and points from the bench (23-2), so it was a surprise on paper that Namur came away with the victory. In total, the sides (Benfica and Namur) have faced each other three times, with Namur coming out on top twice compared to Benfica’s one.
It’s set to be an exciting one, especially after seeing the Gladiators now on a few occasions – with the side proving their ability to share the ball, and points. So far in two games, Djeneba N’Diaye and Yevheniia Putra have stood out, earning each game’s MVP respectively, scoring 19 points apiece.
All the action on Thursday tips off at 7.30 PM, get your tickets NOW!
