The coach of UEB Gesteco Cividale, Stefano Pillastrini, was interviewed by the National Basketball League and was asked what the strengths and weaknesses of the 4 teams involved in the playoff semi-finals were. Regarding Cantù-Apu Udine declared:
CANTU’
How I defend – With great consistency and application. Never get depressed when they always score, even in an unrealistic way. Continuing to dirty the shots. She is very aggressive in the first seconds of possession, aided by athleticism and physical size. They sometimes suffer from discontinuity, so you have to limit the damage when they are unplayable. And take advantage of the dips, reading their moment and adapting your pace.
How I attack them – With lots of use of the pick-and-roll, which gives you the possibility of making them move a lot and curbing their aggression. Avoid situations of isolation and stationary ball, because at that point you pay for their physicality and the doubles. You have to know how to construct your shots. But I saw them much more compact than in the championship.
Key man – Definitely Hickey, who is capable of resolving the match individually or by triggering the team. Usually with this sequence.
UDINE
How I defend – With maximum concentration on Monaldi and Caroti, trying to take the two of them out of the game, so that the ball goes to the others. Possibly not to Da Ros, who is their added point guard.
How I attack them – I found them with Clark and without Cannon. And it is a substantial difference, on the two sides of the pitch. I would say create isolation situations to attack them one on one. Forcing them to expend energy, starting with Monaldi and Caroti. Same plan against Da Ros.
Key man – With Clark out, a lot revolves around the two point guards, as they have no alternatives.
Your prediction for the series? – If Clark comes back, fine, a balance can be re-established. Otherwise there is no match in the series in which Cantù does not start as the favorite by the forecast.
