Manresa has to prevail against Turk Telekom
Baxi Manresa had till now a season with ups and downs especially because of some important injuries. Now, the good news for the Spaniards is the comeback of their scoring ace Frankie Ferrari, who averages almost 21 points per game, 4 rebounds and 6 assists. In spite of his height, the American point guard is a beast on the court and his presence gave hopes for Manresa against any team. During the last game won in Liga Endesa against Bilbao, he spent playing 39 minutes!!!
But not only the comeback of the scoring machine will help Manresa in the BasketballCL derby against Turk Telekom. The Spanish squad has signed as well Sergi Vidal to replace the injured Pere Tomas. Another strong argument for the Spanish team is that they play this game at home, while Turk Telekom is on the road for the 3rd time in the last week, playing last week in Lithuania, at Lietkabelis, where they steal the victory and them back in Turkey, in Izmir, being smashed by Pinar Karsiaka.
The long trips made by the Turkish squad will have an important role in this encounter and I am sure that Manresa will take a huge advantage from resting at home the last days. The Spanish team looks very solid and with the experience of their coach Pedro Martinez they can do a great job this season in Basketball Champions League. Of course, I am expecting Turk Telekom to fight like demons to escape with a narrow win in Spain, but I don’t think their rotation will be enough. In the last game lost against Pinar Karsiaka, some of their foreigners disappointed a lot. Experienced Canadian international center Kyle Wiltjer finished with 0 points scored, while the American guard R.J. Hunter had only 3.
A loss for the Turkish side won’t be a tragedy because they are at the top of the group in BasketballCL.
Photo: championsleague.basketball
Gratian Cormos
