| 17.11.2004
Dynamo Moscow faced their first real test of the EuroLeague tonight in the form of Hungarian side MiZo Pecsi, who finished 3rd in last year's competition.
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Elena Baranova
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| Dynamo have made a radical personnel overhaul since last season, when they reached the Final Four of the FIBA Europe Cup Women, bringing in star names such as Kamila Vodickova, Elena Baranova (making her debut against Pecsi), Natalia Vodopyanova and the still-to-arrive Mwadi Mabiki and Sue Bird.
Having won both of their opening contests easily, the game against Pecsi was a different challenge and as such the opening quarter was tight as both teams tried to feel each other out.
Pec were the better side in the first half. Behind aggresive defense in the backcourt from Dalma Ivanyi and Koraljka Hlede, they were to take a narrow 3-point lead into the halftime break, 31-34.
Dynamo, who had been somewhat relaxed in the first half, found their motivation in the second. They increased their intesity on the boards, out-rebounding Pecsi 42-32 (Baranova - 16 rebounds) and Elena Shakirova and Vodopyanova carried the offensive load.
Dynamo took a 4-point lead in the final quarter and maintained the lead for the entire 10 minutes. Pecsi had a chance to tie the game in the final minute, but couldn't make the big shot they needed and Dynamo held on for their third consecutive win.
Vodopyanova finished the game with 20 points. Shakirova had 17 and both players grabbed 9 rebounds each. |