Encuentra (Lleida) criticizes lack of defensive solidity after defeat against Manresa

Hiopos Lleida coach, <b>Gerard Encuentra</b>, pointed to defensive inconsistency and low offensive efficiency as the main reasons for the loss against <b>Baxi Manresa</b>.

Generic image of a basketball game with players in action and fans cheering in the stands.
IA

Generic image of a basketball game with players in action and fans cheering in the stands.

Hiopos Lleida coach, Gerard Encuentra, attributed his team's defeat against Baxi Manresa primarily to a lack of defensive solidity and poor offensive generation capacity, as stated on February 9, 2026.

Hiopos Lleida coach, Gerard Encuentra, congratulated Baxi Manresa on their victory but focused his post-match analysis on his team's internal issues. According to Encuentra, the lack of defensive solidity directly penalizes the offense, stating that «if we are not solid, in attack it is very difficult for us to generate and gain advantages.» He highlighted that many offensive actions rely on the individualism of players like James Batemon.

"To compete better in games, we need to be more solid defensively, especially in the basics, in one-on-one defense, ball pressure, and closing the rebound well…"

Gerard Encuentra · Hiopos Lleida Coach
Encuentra stressed that defensive inconsistency causes the team to lag behind and currently makes them «the worst team in offensive efficiency in the league.» He added that Hiopos Lleida is a team that finishes well but struggles to generate plays, resulting in many turnovers and few assists, aspects they are actively working to improve.
Meanwhile, Baxi Manresa coach, Diego Ocampo, emphasized his team's concentration and intensity from the start of the game. Ocampo attributed their success in shooting during the first half to a «good defense,» which he considered the key to the victory on a complicated court.

"I believe I must congratulate Hiopos Lleida for the fans they have and their atmosphere. In a game with this rivalry, it is wonderful to see how both fan bases give their all for their teams, cheering them on."

Diego Ocampo · Baxi Manresa Coach
Ocampo also praised his team's ability to adapt when Hiopos Lleida increased defensive pressure in the third quarter, maintaining ball circulation and defensive solidity in individual and two-on-two situations. Furthermore, he publicly thanked player Obasohan for playing despite having a broken hand.