EuroLeague Tip-Off Pushed Back
The EuroLeague clash between Barcelona and Crvena Zvezda was delayed after the Serbian club's playing kits were damaged. The game, originally scheduled for 8:30 PM local time, will now begin at 9:00 PM. The delay stems from damage to Crvena Zvezda's jerseys, which occurred during laundering following their previous game against Baskonia. Replacement kits were delivered to Barcelona later than anticipated.
Both teams currently hold identical 19-14 win-loss records. Crvena Zvezda sits in 9th place in the standings, while Barcelona is 10th. In their first meeting of the season back in December 2026 in Belgrade, Barcelona secured an 89:79 victory.
Ukraine's Women's National Team Advances
In other basketball news, Ukraine's women's national team has secured its place in the second qualifying round for the 2027 European Championship. The team finished the first round with three wins from six games, placing third in its group. Qualification for the second round was granted to the two group winners and the three best third-placed teams, a category which included Ukraine.
In the second round, the top 17 teams from the first phase will be joined by seven pre-qualified nations:
- Czech Republic
- France
- Germany
- Hungary
- Italy
- Spain
- Turkey
The draw for the second round will be held before it commences. Teams will be divided into six groups of four, playing in a round-robin format. The top two teams from each group will qualify for the Women's EuroBasket 2027. The second-round games are scheduled for November 8-18, 2026, and February 7-17, 2027, with each team playing three games in each window.
Such logistical issues, while uncommon, highlight the detailed planning required in top-tier European basketball. For Ukraine, advancing past the first qualifying round marks a significant step, offering the squad valuable experience against Europe's elite teams as they continue their development.
As the EuroLeague teams navigate unexpected challenges like kit delays, the importance of meticulous preparation becomes evident. This is particularly relevant for Ukraine's women's national basketball team, which is gearing up for the next phase of the EuroBasket 2027 qualifiers. For more details on their upcoming matches and group placements, check out our coverage on the EuroBasket qualifiers.