Explaining why Manresa was destroyed at home by Iberostar Tenerife
Nobody expected such a blow in what was supposed to be a very tight battle in the Spanish league between the 2 participants in the Basketball Champions League. Baxi Manresa is not a weak team. On the contrary, they are one the title contenders in the European competition, having a large rotation and a reputed coach in Pedro Martinez.
The real problem, which will affect Manresa in the next couple of games too, was the missing of the most important guards of the squad. It’s about Frankie Ferrari injured in the first round after an amazing game where he finished with 25 points, 10 asssist and 5 rebounds. The other guard, Jordan Davis started the season with very good numbers and then got injured too.
The consequences of their absences were huge for Manresa and cost them on many levels. First of all, they didn’t have the offensive energy and the clarity of executions. That’s why the whole team scored only 61 points in front of Iberostar Tenerife.
Then, in defense, Manresa was not able to defend the arc where the visitors had 41%. The host team suffered as well in the paint, losing the battle for the rebounds with 42-30. Tenerife finished with 63% inside the arc compared with a poor 38% of Manresa.
The good news is that Frankie Ferrari, which has to be the engine of the team, is recovering himself and he will be back with the team in a couple of games. Then we will see the true face of Manresa, competing for every game on the highest level. In Liga ACB each encounter will be very difficult for the Catalan squad plagued by the injuries but BasketballCL they are still favourites to qualify from the group stage. They started with a win against Torun and this week Manresa will host the Lithuanians from Lietkabelis.
Photo: championsleague.basketball
Gratian Cormos
