Reggio Emilia A difficult match, to be won for the standings and for morale. After almost a month’s break, today (14 January) at 8pm at the Pala Bigi Una Hotels returns to play in the Fiba Europe Cupengaged in the challenge with the Bosnia Sarajevo valid for the third round of the second phase of the cup. It is an important match for qualification, given that it pits the only two unbeaten teams in Group L of the competition against each other. Whoever brings home the good result takes a good step forward in view of the final sprint, even if the Europe Cup, with its formula that awards 1 point to the losers, always keeps everyone involved. The surreal red and white qualification in November is a good testimony in this regard.
The challenge comes at a time when Una Hotels has its head on the race for survival and on the market, and on the one hand it could be seen as a sort of distraction, as well as a certain commitment of energy. On the other hand, playing, gaining rhythm and getting results has never hurt anyone, on the contrary, and for a Reggio team with a renewed approach and personnel these are precious opportunities, as well as moments in which coach Priftis can give space to those who are now excluded from the league. Jamar Smith in primis. The large rotations will be fundamental, because the cup will return next Wednesday too, again at home, interspersed with the difficult away match against Udine. Then, to follow the crucial salvation clash with Cantù on 25 Januaryto arrive in the best possible conditions.
Tonight’s rival will be a remarkable test, with its mix of Slavic veterans and US athletes. The Bosnian team is tough and tough, and this is demonstrated by the progress they have made. It reached the Europe Cup by passing the preliminary qualifiers and then, inserted in group A, it obtained second place behind the great favourite, the Spanish Murcia, finishing with four successes and two defeats at the end of the first phase. It went through the round as one of the best six runners-up and then, finishing in group L, it started at full speed, winning 79-84 at the home of the Romanians Oradea and repeating the success on 17 December, with the home success 82-82 in the Slavic derby against the Croatians Cedevita Zagreb.
They are second to Reggio only due to the greater advantage obtained so far by the red and whites in basket difference. «Bosna is a tough and physical team. They always play with great intensity, with a lot of contact and aggressive defense on the ball. We will have to be focused in attack to face a tough rearguard, limiting turnovers and making good decisions against their pressure – advised the Priest – it’s a match that requires energy and solidity, both offensively and defensively. On Monday night they played an excellent game against Euroleague team Red Star. They are overall very competitive and for this reason we will have to prepare ourselves mentally for a difficult challenge.”l© ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
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