Reggio Emilia The race continues, Una Hotels is finally vigorous. Today (21 January) at 8pm at the Pala Bigi the red and white team faces the Cedevita Zagreb already beaten in the first leg away in a match that could give, with two rounds to spare, the passage of the round and the arrival in the quarter-finals. A red and white success combined with one of the Bosnia Sarajevo at home against Oradea they would put 5 points between Reggio and third, a margin impossible to close with only two games left.
The minimum objective, if things really go wrong, is to keep the gap within 3 points, to defend the +4 from the first leg and the difference in goals, but Una Hotels – also due to their form – must first of all try to bring home the good result. If it is true, and it absolutely is, that priority must be given to the championship and salvation, continuing the journey in the cup certainly does not hurt, neither for the mood nor for future plans. Of course, midweek races and long trips take away a lot of physical energy but they can give just as much on a mental level. Winning has never hurt anyone and playing often, getting tested on the pitch, is useful for the renewed Una Hotels, which has just three victories in a row between championship and cup, the first obtained without Cheatham. In between, the first success in Serie A without the big US player and a nice leap forward in the standings.
Sunday arrives Cantu for the great duel of the relegation zone, reaching it in pace would be particularly useful. For the renewed structure with Brown in the director’s room it will be a further test against a team, that of the Croatian capital, built around a solid nucleus of local players, led by the promising Highon which the athleticism of some Americans is grafted. In the first leg Reggio withstood the blow and relied on its aim Barford to take it home, compared to that edition the Una Hotels is very different, with Thor more inserted, and the Brown-Rossato duo can provide pressure and energy against a rival that depends a lot on its shooting percentages and offensive productivity.
The Croatian defensive problems are much more marked, and this Una Hotels in rhythm and precise shooting could take advantage of this to escape early and avoid worries. Staying focused, avoiding furious attacks and volleys from the arc is the basis for Reggio, who has been doing really well at home lately, also covering the defensive holes often highlighted. Compared to Sunday, practically nothing will change, Smith will sit out and Cheatham will still be out injured. Barford and Thor will start from the bench to try to give quality and points to the second quintet; a replica of what was seen in Udine, with the role of sixth man played in the best way by the guard could represent the key to continuing to smile. Letting go, even just for a few minutes, is a high risk against a Cedevita that can hurt when given free reign. And Reggio, in recent weeks, still cannot raise its head and afford distractions. l© ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
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