Ettore Messina has no illusions after home win over Virtus Bologna

Ettore Messina spoke after game 2 of the semifinal against Virtus: “Obviously it was a better game than the other night, played with more patience, good defense and finding open shots on offense. We shouldn’t be fooled by the margin, though. È 1-1. We have a moment of confidence tonight, but their level is so high and effective, we will have to be precise again both on defense and patient on offense.”

“We did not allow them to dominate in offensive rebounding. They were very good. Even when they didn’t get the rebound, they prevented the opponents from going there.”

“I would like to take a word for Brooks. At the beginning of the season he paid the price for coming to Europe, but day by day he is growing. Today also on contact, important baskets. Right now he gives us confidence for the future as well.”

“I think it is fundamental to moving forward to keep defense, then on offense day of better and worse percentages. But by moving the ball better you are more likely to find good shots, even against a defense as good as theirs. We were not flawless on Clyburn’s pick and roll in the first quarter, then when we fixed that we settled down defensively. Then it also came out psychologically it was not an easy time for them and their rotation got a little shorter”.