Having achieved 15 victories and 8 defeats, the Vilnius team is currently in third place in the tournament table. Uteniks, breathing down their backs, having played one match less, are in fifth place and have 13 wins and 9 losses on their account.
Both teams will need a win in this match. By achieving it, Wolves would consolidate their positions even more.
On the other hand, in case of success, the guests from Utena would win a very important point, which, if the number of victories is equal, would allow them to overtake the Wolves due to the better ratio of matches between them.
Vilnius club triumphed in the first round (77:71), Utena’s team won in the second round (96:68).
Speaking about the rest of the season, Wolves midfielder Christian Mekowulu had no doubts that the team had already put their black spell behind them and were moving in the right direction.
“At the moment we are winning much more often. This is the most important. I think even with a few setbacks recently, we still took a step forward as a team.
We work hard to achieve a common goal – victories. The desire to win is very much felt in the team’s locker room, which is most important as the season draws to a close. We are hungry for victories.
After that bad run where we had a lot of setbacks, we all want to bounce back and finish this year well,” asserted the Wolves’ Nigerian winger.
Before the match against Uniclub Casino – Juventus, C. Mekowulu shared his thoughts on the upcoming match, the failure experienced in the Vilnius derby, three-point shots and expectations for the end of the regular championship.
– On Saturday, there is a match against Utena’s Uniclub Casino – Juventus – one of the competitors in the fight for the third place. What will it take to win?
– The most important thing is that we all be united, work hard in defense and perform our tasks well. We will have to accurately implement the game plan prepared by the coaches, be aggressive and not give up in the fight for rebounds. If we can do that, I think the outcome of the match will be good for us.
– The Wolves lost by a huge margin in the second round match in Utena. Do you use this as extra motivation when preparing for a match?
– I remember this match very well. We were not successful in them, the defeat was very painful, so we want to show that it was just a very bad day for the team. At the same time, it will be a good test for us to see where we are.
We will continue the fight for the third place, which we want to preserve. Utena has a very good team, it is not easy for anyone to play against them.
This match will show what form we are in at the moment, what we need to improve the most and what attitude we have going into the end of the season.
– How do you rate your game lately?
– Both before and now, I try to give 100 percent on the pitch. Also, when I step on the floor, I always aim for victory.
I want to have that attitude in Saturday’s game as well. Of course, when the team is successful, it’s easier for me.
But regardless of how she plays, I try to give my all, and this is then reflected in my game – in points or rebounds, work on defense.
– What lessons did you learn from the defeat in the Vilnius derby last week?
– We came to that match after a good victory, so it’s a shame we couldn’t repeat it.
In all league games, apart from this one, we have to remember that it’s never going to be easy here against any opponent, everyone comes in the mood to win, you can’t afford to have a bad night, at least relax a little bit, don’t be in the mood because you get punished straight away.
You must be focused for the entire 40 minutes.
– Looking at your personal stats, what stands out is that you’ve had at least one long shot in your last three games. You haven’t done this before and you quit very rarely. Is it tactical team play decisions to expand the pitch?
– I just play basketball. If I’m in a good position, I’ve got space, I’ll definitely try to throw because I know I can hit them.
This is also encouraged by the coach, who wants me to throw more often not only from a long distance, but also from a medium distance if I am free.
When he gives me such a role, it gives me confidence. Also, I stay in the gym after practice and do a lot of throwing.
Therefore, what you do in training becomes a habit for you to do during matches. Now that I’m uncovered, I feel confident and try to hit all the shots.
– What are your and the team’s expectations for the rest of the regular season?
– As I already said, I always want to win. Therefore, if we can get wins in the remaining games of the regular season, it will be a good momentum for the playoffs for both me and the team.
With our current attitude and spirit, we can certainly have a good run in this very important part of the season.
The match at the Avia Solutions Group Arena between Wolves and Uniclub Casino – Juventus takes place on Saturday 30 March at 17:00.
Tags: Wolves legionnaire Mekowulu remembers defeat Utena good test
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