Luca Banchi spoke at the press conference after Virtus’ loss against Baskonia in the 34th round of the EuroLeague.
This game determined who would finish eighth and who would finish tenth. The loser of this game was set to face Anadolu Efes away, while the winner would have two chances to qualify for the quarterfinals. First, they would visit Maccabi Tel Aviv in Belgrade, and in case of defeat, they would have another chance against the winner of the aforementioned game.
“We played with high intensity and concentration for 20 minutes; we were prepared for such a game. In the third quarter, we fell apart, allowing too many points and letting Baskonia back into the game. Small details made the difference.
We are disappointed, of course, but we must not forget what we have achieved throughout the season. Now we need to refocus for the play-in. Every game has its own story. Certain types of defeats can affect the team’s morale badly, of course.”
Baskonia
“We need to be better; we couldn’t afford to let Baskonia come back in the third quarter, especially after we played very well in the second quarter. It was a mistake to give them that opportunity. It was a big night for Howard and Miller-McIntyre, perhaps we could have done better, but they played really well.”
About the referees
“Clear foul at the end by Howard on Abass, they wanted to make that foul, but it wasn’t called. Hackett, Shengelia were treated very poorly by the referee. When Howard was in a missmatch, they intentionally fouled, but it wasn’t called. All of this caused frustration and nervousness for us, which allowed them easy shots and points in transition.”
About the ambitions
“Behind us in the EuroLeague are teams with experience, significant budgets. Today, Virtus is a healthy, serious organization with incredible fans who deserved the win.”
Anadolu Efes
“We’ll have to turn bitterness into pride, conviction, and play with confidence to win in Istanbul. We need to be at our best against Anadolu Efes, who are in excellent form.”
Isaia Cordinier
“It’s far from our best form, we’re nearing the end of the season. Tonight, he didn’t have an easy evening,” concluded Luca Banchi.