Iisalo praises the mentality of his players
After losing two home games at the beginning of the semi-final series against FC Bayern Munich, the Baskets once again had their backs to the wall before the weekend. On Saturday evening, in a highly dramatic game, there was an 86:84 away win in Bayern, which reduced Bonn to 1:2 in the best-of-five series.
“We were in a difficult position after being 2-0 down but there is no giving up in this team“, explained Baskets coach Tuomas Iisalo after the narrow victory in Munich, which Karsten Tadda secured with a block and Saulius Kulvietis from the free-throw line.
Iisalo explained this performance with the mentality of his players. “We put together a team last summer and put mentality over talent“, according to the Finn. “Now I can say that it was a success.“His team showed improvement in game three, especially in rebounding, especially under the offensive board.
Rebounds and threes crucial
Bayern coach Andrea Trinchieri saw it that way too. “The story of the game is extremely simple. It’s about rebounds and three-point shots“, according to the Italian. “If you allow 20 points after offensive rebounds, it’s impossible to win the game.” For Iisalo, the duel with his opponent is also a special matter: “I really enjoy coaching against a European coaching legend in this series“said the Baskets coach, who found a special description for this series: “Between these teams it is like a very physical game of chess.“
The Baskets need a similar performance in Munich on Monday evening in order to win a crucial fifth game on Wednesday in Bonn.