Hiopos Lleida players, Dani Garcia and Corey Walden, have agreed with coach Gerard Encuentra's prediction about the need to "suffer until the end" to maintain their league status. This statement comes after the recent defeat in Burgos and before a series of three consecutive home games at the Barris Nord pavilion, starting this Sunday with the visit of Bilbao Basket.
“"We are clear that we will have to suffer. The ACB is extremely tough, and anyone can beat anyone."
In the same vein, Walden reinforced the idea that "not everything will always be beautiful" and that the team will have to "take punches and keep going" in this decisive phase. Both players expressed that the defeat in Burgos left mixed feelings in the locker room. Walden explained that they played "very well for 36 minutes" and felt they deserved to win, but lost concentration at the end.
For his part, Garcia highlighted the team's good performance for much of the game, although he admitted the need to correct errors in key moments. He described the game as "very solid," but that it slipped away "due to details," insisting on improving game endings.
Looking ahead to the upcoming match against the Basque team, both players emphasized the importance of home games. Walden stressed the need to "protect our court and rely on the fans," while Garcia recalled that the team has been "strong at home" lately and that the match is "extremely important."
Regarding the opponent, Walden pointed out that Bilbao Basket is "a very talented team, with good shooters and playmakers." The point guard from Mataró added that the Basque team is having "a great season, fighting for play-off spots," and that Hiopos Lleida will have to focus on their plan to "run and defend to the maximum to reach a controlled final stretch of the game."
