Nutribullet, today the European destiny is decided “We have been in Riga for three days so as not to fail”

Menetti: “Latvians are tough, with talented players who can” break “the game and with an excellent game system”

treviso

It is tonight that 90% of Treviso Basket’s European destiny will be decided. Of the two that remain (and that must be won), the away match in Riga is certainly the most difficult match, imagining that at the same time Szombathely, on the field of an Aek still upset by the death of poor Stevan Jelovac, has no major problems in making his match. A night of the Cup therefore in strong colors, there will be many emotions to manage: the Nutribullet, which is still a freshman, must first of all keep the strength of nerves, not so much for the environment (the allowed turnout should not exceed 500 spectators, limited by the strict anti Covid health measures)) as much as by the experience of an opponent much more used to these matches.

Moreover, Riga does not appear, at least in theory, in great condition, having won only one of the last ten BCL games, at home (92-76 against Athens), while Treviso has lost only one, in Hungary (80-81), with Dimsa’s last ending to dance on the iron before going out. Tonight Treviso will also have to reset the burning defeat that Pesaro inflicted on it on Saturday and get a completely different performance out of the hat. «We are returning to Europe with a great desire to win again», coach Max Menetti said from Riga, «this match is decisive, we have been here since Sunday precisely to prepare for it in the best possible way and to make a great performance. With Chillo’s reintegration we have no training problems, the boys just want to get back on the pitch quickly and rediscover the sensations that led us to experience wonderful moments ».

At Palaverde Riga gave you a lot of trouble.

«The Latvians are tough, we realized it already in our debut, they are a talented team, with players who can“ break ”the game but above all with an excellent playing system, very aggressive especially at home. So we will try to go beyond our possibilities, to build minute by minute, ball by ball, a fantastic match. Every possession, every point will be fundamental: we will not have to get depressed in moments of difficulty, riding on the positive periods and rediscovering the collective game ».

Aaron Jones confirms the coach’s concepts. «The match against Riga will be tough, we will have to play as a real team, both offensively and defensively. In attack we have to get back to spinning the ball, taking advantage of the extra passes, creating advantages and playing basketball involving everyone. In defense, however, we must help each other, be smart and rotate as best we can ». The two teams occupy the top two places for average assists per game, with 22.5 assists per game for Riga and 21 for Treviso. Aaron Jones has scored double figures in rebounds in the last two Champions League matches and is the only player this season to have succeeded in two consecutive games off the bench. We’ll see if it happens again tonight. –