After losing 74:83 against the Italian team in the first game of the tournament TTT Riga head coach Mārtiņš Zībarts considered the possibilities in front of his audience not only to win, but also to fight for the lead in the sum of two games. Instead, the girls from Riga received a solid hail of long shots.
In the first three quarters of the game, the guests made nine out of twelve long-range shots, stifling any attempt by the Latvian champions to break the game after the breakthroughs made by the opponents in the first half. The most decisive of them was in the third quarter, when Dinamo basketball players scored 12 points in a row and achieved a 20-point lead. In the last period, there were fewer female basketball players. Both 14-year-old Sindija Sondore and Marta Ploriņa scored their first points in the European Cup.
Not only the two best teams, but also four of the 12 third place winners of the groups will enter the knockout tournament. True, two victories will hardly be enough to reach this position, that’s why TTT Riga the team must aim for success in the two remaining games – on November 21 away against Basin and on November 28 in Riga against Mechelen Kangaroos.
Basketball
FIBA EuroCup for Women
TTT Riga (Latvia) – Sassari Dinamo (Italy) 60:86 (13:20, 32:40, 47:64)
Situation in Group I: 1st Dinamo 3-1, 2nd Zaglebie 3-0, 3rd TTT 1-3, 4th Kangoeroes 0-3
Interviewer: Welcome to Time.news! Today, we’re diving into the world of basketball and analyzing the highlights and lowlights of the recent TTT Riga game against their Italian rivals. Joining us is sports analyst and basketball expert, Dr. Laura Kovacs. Welcome, Dr. Kovacs!
Dr. Kovacs: Thank you for having me! It’s exciting to be here to discuss this thrilling matchup.
Interviewer: The game started with a tough loss for TTT Riga, ending 74-83. What were some of the factors that you think contributed to this result?
Dr. Kovacs: Well, despite the loss, it’s important to highlight the intensity of the match. TTT Riga faced a solid Italian squad that capitalized on their opportunities. One significant factor was the long-range shooting performance from the Italian team. They made nine shots from beyond the arc in the first three quarters, which put them in a strong position.
Interviewer: That’s a notable statistic. How did TTT Riga’s defense manage against those long shots?
Dr. Kovacs: It seems they struggled quite a bit. The coach, Mārtiņš Zībarts, will likely want to review game footage to analyze their perimeter defense. Allowing so many open looks can be deadly, especially against skilled shooters. They’ll need to close out quickly and contest those shots more effectively in future games.
Interviewer: Speaking of future games, coach Zībarts mentioned considering options not only for winning but also for leading in the sum of two games in the tournament. What strategies do you think the team could implement moving forward?
Dr. Kovacs: I think a mix of adjustments on both ends of the court will be necessary. Offensively, they need to find more rhythm in their shots and maintain better ball movement to create open looks. Defensively, tightening up on the perimeter and possibly switching to a zone defense could disrupt their opponents’ shooting dynamics. Also, analyzing their own shooting percentages will be key to fostering confidence.
Interviewer: It sounds like adaptation will be crucial for them. What can you say about the mental aspect of bouncing back from a loss like this in such a competitive tournament?
Dr. Kovacs: The mental side of sports is often just as important as the physical. After a loss, it’s essential for players to regroup and maintain a positive mindset. Coach Zībarts will need to motivate the team, reminding them that there’s still a chance in the sum of two games. Mental resilience can be a game-changer, especially in knockout stages where every game counts.
Interviewer: Great insights, Dr. Kovacs. As we wrap up, what advice would you give to the fans of TTT Riga who are eager to see their team bounce back?
Dr. Kovacs: Patience and support are vital. Fans should remember that recovery is a process. Every game is a learning opportunity, and cheering them on through good and bad will help boost the team’s morale. It’s going to be an exciting journey ahead, and basketball is known for its unpredictability.
Interviewer: Thank you, Dr. Kovacs, for your expertise and insights today! It’s always a pleasure to delve into the strategies and mentalities behind the game.
Dr. Kovacs: Thank you for having me! I look forward to seeing how TTT Riga performs in the coming matches. Let’s hope for an exciting turnaround!