The point guards of the red and black team analyzed what the defeat left in the first game of the series and throbbed what could happen tonight, when they meet again at the “José María Bértora” stadium, with the obligation to win on the part of the team. from the premises, to stretch the series to a third and final point, to be played tomorrow on the same stage.
Central Entrerriano ended a streak of seven consecutive victories, after losing as a visitor last Tuesday against Sportivo Pilar by 68-67, in an extremely even procedure that was resolved by details.
Those led by Martín Pascal started with an early 6-0 run and, despite a changing development on the scoreboard, they had the last two possessions to take the victory in the closing. However, in the penultimate of them, Central lost the ball at the start and the counterattack led to a foul with the Buenos Aires team being awarded two free throws, of which the player Lautaro Expósito missed one and hit the other, enough for his team takes the victory by the minimum.
In the run-up to the second game of the series, which becomes vitally important for the sporting future of the red and black team, Cristian Pérez, starting point guard, and Alejo Zielinski, alternate strategist, spoke with Now ElDía about the repercussions that the defeat left in Pilar, the aspects to correct for tonight’s match and what the plan will be to counteract the opponent’s virtues.
Corrientes Cristian Pérez said that, “the first game of the series gave us good feelings beyond the result. Although we did not have our best game on the road, we still had the last offensive to win the game (Mauricio Pane had a three-point attempt, with tenths left in the game).”
For his part, Alejo Zielinski from Buenos Aires defined that they left with “strange feelings” and argued this: “It was like we came back with empty pockets after making a great effort. The opponent played well, they always stayed in the game and, although in sections we were able to make a minimal difference, we were not able to close the game as we wanted.”
The defeat meant a break of seven wins in a row – between the regular phase and playoffs – for the Calle España team. However, both Central strategists stated that it did not affect the team, but on the contrary; since both maintained that the result “strengthened” them as a team.
“Without a doubt it makes us stronger for what is to come. We knew that at some point it was going to happen (in the face of adversity on the scoreboard). “We continue to trust the team and we are prepared to be able to reverse the situation,” the 23-year-old point guard from Corrientes responded briefly and to the bottom.
Meanwhile, the driver born in Lanús stated: “The defeat in Pilar strengthened us as a group and forces us to unite even more to go out with more enthusiasm towards the objective. It is true that we came from seven consecutive victories and that is pleasant, but at some point the time was going to come to lose, which shocked us, but I am sure that the team – from today – will respond in the best way to raise its head.”
Regarding the cards that the team has to show on the table, in its desire to win tonight and equalize the series, Zielinski, 22, believes that, “the keys to the game will go through the defensive aspect and also through the confidence that we have to execute in the baskets, knowing that we are at home, with our people and we have a great opportunity to force the third game”
Meanwhile, Pérez subscribed to much of what his teammate stated: “We will have to find our game again and recover our identity; defend to be able to run the court, improve defensive blocks and find fluidity in attack. Feel comfortable in those aspects and make them feel like they are a visitor,” he expressed.
Alejo Zielinski referred to the virtues of Sportivo Pilar. “I think that Pilar’s virtues, according to what he showed in game 1, are that they are a rough team, that will force them to play dirty and that they will not give up at any point in the game. Going to the individualities, I think that (Jonathan) Thorp had a great first half (he was Sportivo’s scorer with 15 points in Pilar) and is responsible for many of his team’s scores.
But all of their players contribute to the final result. “If we want to win today we have to try to dominate the game on both sides and try to play it our way and not the way our rival seeks,” the “sixth man” of the team led by Martín Pascual indicated and pointed out.
Finally, Pérez and Zielinski emphasized the importance of playing at home and with the massive support that characterizes the Central fans, beyond the fact that it is evident that it is the players who define the fate of their team within the playing rectangle. at the match.
“It is always a plus to play on our court and even more so in this instance where we know that our people make their presence felt. It is a very important motivation to be able to reverse the series,” said the Corrientes strategist.
“I am sure that playing at Bértora gives us extra energy and enthusiasm to turn the series around. People are always there and today will be no exception. We are excited to be able to play with that support framework. It was noted that Sportivo Pilar felt comfortable on their court with the great support of the public they had and with the comfort of playing at home. Now it’s our turn to have that environment in our favor. Therefore, we are focused and eager to go out and win on Saturday, to force the third game and win on Sunday as well. We know that in basketball we have what we have, and as a human group and work team as well,” added and sentenced Zielinski from Buenos Aires.
The Data
Cristian Pérez and Alejo Zielinski play a prominent role on the team and are generally in charge of commanding Central’s offenses. The one born in Corrientes Capital averages 10.2 points, 3.7 rebounds and 1.4 assists in 27.8 minutes per game, while the native of Lanús registers 10.1, 3.7 and 1.4, in 21.6, per game respectively.
Playoffs
Coastal – Metropolitan Division.
Programming
Saturday 8
Game 2.
9pm. Central Entrerriano (0) – Sportivo Pilar (1).
9pm. Gimnasia de San Fe (0) – House of San Antonio de Padua (1).
9pm. River Plate (0) – South Park (1).
9pm. El Talar de Buenos Aires (1) – Peñarol de Rosario del Tala (0).
-In parentheses the partial results of the series.
