"Back then, we also found ourselves in a similar situation because we were unknown. You came through the qualifier, faced the EuroLeague for the first time and opponents couldn't afford to let their guard down against us, because that was how we won games. So, we have to make the most of the extra experience we may have as a team and in terms of our players," said the Madrid-born coach, who highlighted the Lithuanian side's offensive potential.
To stop that attacking ability, Casademont will have to control the pace of the game, strengthen its defense and raise its physical intensity. "We have to secure the rebound. If you give teams that score as much as they do second chances, you bring them into the game because, in the end, they convert those second and third opportunities," explained the Casademont coach, who will be able to count on all his players, including Ornella Bankolé, who missed Tuesday's practice as a precaution because of an overload.
THE PRÍNCIPE FELIPE FACTOR
In this way, Cantero wants to take advantage of playing at home and the support of the Marea Roja to claim another win before starting the second half of the first round of the EuroLeague. "Making home-court advantage count is very important, because then we have the trips to Landes and Lithuania and only one home game. The second half is a little more difficult, so the more we can add at home, the better, and that way we can achieve the best possible standing," he stressed.
"The desire to finish the first half 3-0 gives us a boost of confidence, and the truth is that this is a game we are not taking for granted and that we have very much in mind as motivation," said Carlos Cantero, who wants to maintain his team's unbeaten record and continue counting every game played so far as a win.
