FIATC Girona faces the fourth round of the FIBA Europe Cup this Wednesday with the desire to remain undefeated in the competition. The Girona team, group leader with a record of three wins and no losses, visits the NHSZ-Szolnoki Olajbányász court after overcoming Asisa Joventut in the last round of the Endesa League.
About the opponent
NHSZ-Szolnoki Olajbányász comes into the match after achieving their first European victory of the season against Patrioti Levice (79-85). The Hungarian team had started the competition with two defeats, against Zastal Zielona Góra (80-90) and Dinamo Bucharest (93-76), and will try to take advantage of the home court factor to add another victory against the group leader.
In the individual section, Josh Pierre-Louis, with 12.7 points per game, and Khalil Brantley, with 11.3, are two of the team’s main offensive references. Also noteworthy is point guard Boris Krnjajski, who contributes 11 points and 5.7 assists per game, as well as Hungarian guard Tamás Pallai, with an average of 11 points. In addition, the team led by Mikko Larkas has other players capable of playing a leading role, such as Alexander Madsen, who can also be an important piece in the interior game.
Moncho Fernández warned of the demands of the match and the need to compete with intensity from the start. “We have a very demanding match in Europe against Szolnoki. They are a rival who play with great intensity and want to set their pace through counterattacks and a very aggressive defense. If we don’t work we will have a hard time.”
To achieve this, the Girona team will have to respond to the opponent’s defensive intensity, control the transitions and prevent the Hungarians from imposing their pace of play. A new victory would allow FIATC Girona to continue firmly on their European path.
