Preview: Arad Looks to Extend Dominance Against Struggling Agronomia

BUCHAREST, Romania (Interstat) — A dominant Arad squad aims to continue its winning form against a struggling Agronomia side in a Romanian women’s professional basketball league matchup Saturday.

The game tips off at 6 p.m. local time at Bucurest in the capital city.

Arad (11-3) enters as the heavy favorite, boasting a league record far superior to Agronomia’s (5-9). The teams’ previous meeting this season was a lopsided affair, with Arad crushing Agronomia 104-33 on Nov. 29. Arad is riding high after an 83-69 victory over U-Cluj Napoca last Saturday, while Agronomia is reeling from a 40-81 road loss to Municipal on the same day.

Arad’s success is fueled by guard Juliunn Redmond, a consistent all-around threat. In her last three games, she averaged 22.7 points, 5.0 rebounds and 5.3 assists. In the Jan. 31 win, she added three blocks. She is supported by forwards Nicoleta Mititelu, who scored 18 points in that game, and Bianca Fota.

Agronomia, which has lost two straight by wide margins, will look for a stronger performance from forward Irina Teodosiu. Her production has varied, with a season-high of eight rebounds in a Jan. 17 win but limited scoring in recent outings. Guard Maria Alexe, who led the team with 12 points last weekend, will also be a key contributor.

For Agronomia to be competitive, it must find an answer for Arad’s high-powered offense, which has surpassed 80 points in eight of its 14 games. Agronomia’s defense, which allowed 100 points in a loss to Sepsi SIC on Jan. 24, faces a stern test.

Arad’s next game is at home against Olimpia on Feb. 14. Agronomia travels to face Rapid the same day.