Russia happy to reward sellout home crowds with wins
MOSCOW (FIBA Basketball World Cup 2019 European Qualifiers) - The wins and the losses, the comebacks, the alley-oop dunks, the game-winning three-pointers, the swats - they all made headlines in the February World Cup Qualifiers.
In each and every game, there was something riveting on the court. The Russians certainly had no shortage of big plays and big drama.
They also had something else that was big: the crowd.
If their first two home games are any indication to go by, then it's to be expected that all 7,500 seats for Russia's home clash with France in their last contest of the First Round on July 2 in Krasnodar's Basket-Hall will be filled.
On November 27, in their first home Qualifier against Belgium in Nizhny Novgorod, 3,500 spectators packed the Cultural Entertainment Complex to see the home side come from 14 points down to win, 76-69.
Russia delighted the home crowd in Nizhny Novgorod with a defeat of visiting Belgium
On February 25 in Perm, the Molot Sports Hall was also sold out with 7,000 screaming fans witnessing a 70-53 triumph over Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Perm had a packed house to root for Russia in February
Vitaly Fridzon, who had 16 points and 8 rebounds, was one major talking point after the Russians' victory over Bosnia and Herzegovina, the other was the 'sixth man'.
"With such a full house to play in, it's a pleasure," Fridzon said. "I'm happy that we won with our fans."
"THEY (FANS) HELPED US VERY MUCH, DROVE US FORWARD, ENERGIZED US"Dmitrii Kulagin
"They kept us going, especially when it was an equal game," point guard Ivan Ukhov said of the spectators present to witness the big win in Perm that lifted Russia into second place in Group F at 2-2 behind France (4-0), who had beaten them in overtime two days before.
Like Ukhov, the team's coach Sergey Bazarevic was quick to pay tribute to the crowds, saying: "They really gave us energy."
Russia guard Dmitrii Kulagin added: "They helped us very much, drove us forward, energized us. To come to Perm and play is always pleasant."
Sergey Karasev was another who couldn't talk about the game before he remarked on the fans.
"To get such a strong support is cool. It's always very pleasant to play with such spectators."
One of the main aims of the World Cup Qualifiers is to give fans a chance to watch their national teams in meaningful games. Another is to have the contests played not just in capitals but in different parts of countries.
"I WANT TO PAY TRIBUTE TO THE CITY OF PERM AND THE FANS WHO FILLED THE STANDS - THEY ALL DROVE THE RUSSIAN TEAM FORWARD" Russian Basketball Federation President Andrei Kirilenko
Russia legend and current Russian Basketball Federation President Andrei Kirilenko said the fans created a wonderful atmosphere.
"I want to pay tribute to the city of Perm and the fans who filled the stands - they all drove the Russian team forward," Kirilenko said.
The third window of the World Cup Qualifiers will be at the end of June and beginning of July.
Russia will play at Belgium on June 29 before hosting France three days later.
FIBA
