Preview: Dynamo Moscow at MBA in Women’s Basketball

MOSCOW (Interstat) — A pivotal late-season Russian women’s basketball clash tips off Thursday as Dynamo Moscow visits MBA Moscow, with both teams looking to solidify their playoff positioning.

The home side holds the advantage in the standings and recent projections. MBA (17-14) enters with a three-game lead over its crosstown rival Dynamo (14-16). According to Interstat’s ELO system, MBA is projected with a 79.40 percent probability to win.

The season series is split 1-1. MBA claimed an 87-85 home victory on Jan. 11, while Dynamo Moscow secured an 84-70 home win on Oct. 25.

Dynamo Moscow arrives with momentum from a dominant 86-67 victory over Enisey on Wednesday. Center Elizaveta Shabanova led the way with a double-double of 15 points and 14 rebounds, plus four blocked shots. She is averaging a double-double over her last three games.

MBA also won Wednesday, edging Sparta&K 67-63 on the road. Guard Mariya Krymova paced her team with 14 points, six rebounds and four assists. She has been a consistent offensive force, including a 30-point performance against Dynamo Kursk on March 29.

The matchup features a compelling duel between Dynamo’s interior anchor in Shabanova and MBA’s perimeter catalyst in Krymova. MBA’s recent form against top competition, including a narrow series with powerhouse Dynamo Kursk, will be tested by a Dynamo team coming off its most complete performance in weeks.

Both teams face a quick turnaround, with each scheduled to play again Friday.

Thursday’s game is scheduled for 7 p.m. local time at MBA’s home arena in Moscow.