Graz vs. Vienna Flames
VIENNA, Austria (Interstat) — A surging Graz squad looks to continue its dominance over the Vienna Flames as the women’s professional basketball teams meet again Saturday in Austrian league action.
Graz (15-4), riding high near the top of the standings, visits the Vienna Flames (10-9) at 7 p.m. local time. The visitors have won the last two matchups between the clubs, including a decisive 75-60 victory just five days ago on April 6.
In that game, Graz’s balance overwhelmed the Flames. While star guard Jade Hill filled the stat sheet with 11 points, eight rebounds and seven assists, forward Khrystyna Kulesha powered the interior with an 18-point, 10-rebound double-double and guard Simone Schwarzinger added 17 points and six assists.
Hill, a dynamic playmaker, enters in strong form, averaging 10.5 points and 8.0 assists over her last two contests. Her all-around game is central to Graz’s success.
Vienna will counter with forward Pia Jurhar, who is coming off a stellar 22-point, eight-rebound performance in the loss to Graz. Jurhar has been a consistent force, nearly posting a double-double with 13 rebounds in a win over Vienna United on March 27.
The Flames’ season has been marked by inconsistency, but they have shown they can beat Graz, having handed them a 67-45 defeat at home back in January. Jurhar and backcourt leader Laetitia Schumacher, who scored 12 points in the last meeting, will need significant support to replicate that result and snap the two-game skid against their rivals.
For Graz, the mission is clear: maintain their defensive intensity after holding Vienna to 60 points earlier this week and leverage their superior record to complete a quick two-game regular-season sweep. The Flames, fighting to stay above .500, seek revenge and a statement win on their home court to salvage the season series.