The "Reds" convincingly defeated Ukraine (79:61) three days ago in Riga and took a big step towards the European Championship.
On the other hand, the group's underdog suffered a heavy defeat in Plovdiv against Bulgaria (120:40), who will be our rival in three days (Tuesday), also in Bar.
Montenegro has a half-hearted score (2-2), Azerbaijan is last in the group with no points.
The group stage will be more certain after the penultimate round and the significance of the match against Bulgaria will depend on their match against Ukraine. If the Ukrainians pull off a surprise, Montenegro could even reach first place at the end of the first phase.
Our team won the first match in Baku convincingly (104:62), and will be huge favorites in today's match, in which the younger players should have a bigger chance. However, they are also expected to give their best.
"We enter every match with the same amount of desire and fighting spirit. We recorded a significant victory over Ukraine, but the match against Azerbaijan is equally important to us. We are big favorites, but that must not relax us. The approach is always the same, we want to create an advantage as soon as possible and secure another victory," said Sanja Aksham.
It will be a nice opportunity for the team to get into rhythm for the match against Bulgaria in Bar.
"Who will play and how much - that's up to the coach to decide. The more experienced basketball players certainly deserve a break considering what they endured and showed in Riga. They've worn themselves out a lot, and I hope that we younger players will get a chance and fill the gap if the coach decides to rest the more experienced national team players," Aksham pointed out.
She also had a message for fans.
"Every game is a story in itself. Of course, we have no doubt that we will win, especially since we are playing in front of our home crowd. I am sure that the fans will give us the wind at our backs," concluded Akšam.
Marija Baošić said that they are entering the duel with great desire and motivation.
"After an important victory, we enter the match against Azerbaijan with great desire and motivation. We hope to honor the agreement from the locker room. In addition, we want to rest the main players for the match against Bulgaria. I hope that the fans will come in large numbers. It is always a special feeling when you play for the national team, each of us dreams about it since we were little," said Baošić.
A FEEL GOODBYE TO LONG-TERM NATIONAL TEAM PLAYERS
"In the Topolica Hall, before the start of the match with Azerbaijan, a fitting farewell will be held for the long-time players from the national team - Milica Jovanović, Jovana Pašić and Jelena Vučetić, who played their last games for Montenegro at last year's EuroBasket. It will be an opportunity for the audience to greet them and appreciate everything they have achieved over the years in the jersey with the national emblem," the Basketball Association of Montenegro (KSCG) announced.
