PARMA head coach Evgeny Pashutin shared his impressions of the team’s opening WINLINE Basket Cup game against Lokomotiv Kuban (91:84).
«I would like to congratulate everyone on the win. This was my first experience playing in the WINLINE Basket Cup. The teams are very serious, and all of them are the highest level. I think that every game in this Cup will be like a playoff game.
Today we saw how the game was organized, the atmosphere, and the venue design. I think the fans enjoyed it.
The guys approached this game with great responsibility. In the first two quarters, not everything went according to plan. Lokomotiv was well prepared, while we were disorganized in offense. We allowed our opponent to make quick transitions, and there was a lack of understanding in defense. We let Temirov score 19 points.
After the halftime, we made adjustments and started playing more defensively: packing the zone, controlling shooters. I think that with defense we became calmer and more conscious in our offense and ball movement. We made 24 assists and only 9 turnovers. Step by step, we got back into the game and increased our lead. I’m happy for the guys, everyone gave their all. This is an important win for us».