Four reasons UMMC Ekaterinburg can win the EuroLeague Women 2019 title

EKATERINBURG (Russia) - With the EuroLeague Women Final Four coming into focus, we're looking at the title prospects of each club, starting with holders UMMC Ekaterinburg.

They're the reigning champions

Hit the rewind button 12 months and UMMC were on the exact same floor in Sopron, winning the title. They showed their class, depth and winning mentality - despite having made a coaching change midway through the campaign. They will not want to give up their cherished crown as champions of the competition and there is an argument they are even stronger than last season, having added the likes of Courtney Vandersloot and Kayla McBride.

The most potent frontcourt rotation

It's hard to argue that when it comes to depth, quality and potency under the basket, UMMC are ahead of their Final Four rivals. Brittney Griner remains a tower of strength and is leading her team in points and rebounding, while Belgian standout Emma Meesseman is a game-winner in any contest. Maria Vadeeva has another year under her belt and also a WNBA season at the Los Angeles Sparks, so is only getting better and better with more experience. Throw in another couple of Russian players in Raisa Musina and Natalia Vieru and you get confirmation of a quality quintet for Coach Miguel Mendez to work with in the paint. 

Because the numbers say so...

While at this juncture of the season, some may argue nothing else matters but composure and clutch under pressure, it is still the case that the statistics underline how UMMC must be favorites. They score more points per game than anybody else, hand out more assists and are the leading rebounders. 

The reigning MVP and more title winners 

UMMC don't only know how to get it done at the big show, they also have an array of players who have delivered in a big way at this event. At last year's edition, it was Emma Meesseman who did the business to ensure the silverware was stashed in the UMMC trophy cabinet. She returns as the reigning Final Four MVP, while UMMC also boast more title winners than any other team at the 2019 edition. 

FIBA