We will face Lointek Gernika Bizkaia for the third time this season, this time in the first game of the EuroCup Women Playoffs. After two narrow wins in the regular season, the team travels to Spain with confidence.
NKA Universitas Pécs finished the EuroCup group stage with a perfect 6–0 record, while Gernika advanced with a more inconsistent 3–3 performance. The two teams already know each other well: Pécs won 62–60 at home in October, and 66–63 in Spain in November. Based on the season statistics, another tight and competitive matchup is expected, but the numbers slightly favor Pécs. The team averages 80.2 points per game, scores highly efficiently in the paint, and is one of the best in the competition in steals and fast-break points.
Head coach Zeljko Djokic assessed the team’s situation after the league game against Győr and spoke about the challenges ahead of the playoffs.
“It was a great pleasure to see several of our young players step in bravely and make meaningful contributions at important moments. I rarely highlight individuals, but this time I would like to mention Kitti Halmágyi. She was already part of the roster last season, and even then it was clear how much potential she has. Few people know that she has been dealing with a spinal issue that has hindered her at times over the past year. During preseason, she even had to step aside temporarily to restart her therapy and rebuild her strength. That is why it was so encouraging to see her not only perform well in Győr, but to play freely and with great awareness. For me, that was a very positive sign. The team played at a high tempo, and as I always say, I am working with a talented group. It is essential that our confidence continues to grow.”
The head coach also addressed the most painful moment of the match.
“In the second half, Dóra Ruff-Nagy, Győr’s experienced player, landed badly after a jump, and it has since been confirmed that she suffered a serious injury. I am very sorry that this happened to her. I wish her a successful surgery and a full recovery as soon as possible.”
Preparing for Gernika comes with its own challenges, Zeljko Djokic added:
“Thursday will be our third matchup against Gernika this season. It is always special to play against a Spanish team, as I believe the Spanish league is one of the strongest in Europe in women’s basketball. We know Gernika well after our two games, but this time of the year brings injuries for many clubs. They had a difficult period when Masa Jovanovic was unavailable after the national team break, and Salvadores is still out. At this point, we do not even know exactly which players will be available for them.”
One of the team’s key players, Eszter Rátkai, is also optimistic ahead of the playoff opener.
“We have already beaten Gernika twice this season, and we would like to continue this series. Spanish teams always play fast, high-intensity basketball, so that is exactly what we are preparing for.”
Several factors may decide the outcome on Thursday: Pécs’ dominance in the paint, the transition game built on steals, Gernika’s dangerous three-point shooting and the contribution of the bench could all play decisive roles. The team’s goal is clear: to secure a favourable position for the home leg in Pécs and move closer to advancing in the competition.
The game between Lointek Gernika Bizkaia and NKA Universitas Pécs will tip off at 20:00 on December 11 in Gernika.
