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Angola want defense, Mexico want rebounds

Mexico's first-choice point guard Gutierrez is doubtful, which is definitely a serious problem for them, even though their coach claims he won't spare anyone in this game

Fiba.com

According to their coach Macedo, Angola's biggest problem at the moment is the period in which their concentration drops, which happens every game and which cost them their game against Lithuania and almost the game against Korea:

- I can't stress enough how important it is for us to stay focused throughout the entire 40 minutes, especially in defense.

A win for Angola today would secure the next stage, but their coach obviously has bigger ambitions as the man is thinking about avoiding USA in the Round of 16.

Fiba.com

- We will do our best to beat Mexico and secure the second round, which means we need to win one more game in order to try to avoid USA in the Round of 16 and extend our stay here.

Pretty optimistic, but it needs to be said that Angola have shown a very interesting performance here, especially in defensive terms as they were able to match one Lithuania for the better part of the second game. This makes Macedo optimistic ahead of this game:

- I believe that if we play defense at the right level we shouldn't have any problems. So, only defense and as least turnovers as possible and that's the right plan.

From our perspective, this indicates a low-scoring game, which is definitely Angola's way, but it's also something Mexico will try to avoid.

We've already seen that the Mexicans use every chance to go for counters and semi-counters and this has so far given them good results here. They score most of their points from those situations, while they do much better in organized play. Two days ago against Slovenia, they didn't have a decent chance as the speed of Slovenian forwards was just too much for them.

- We didn't go into the game the right way. We knew what the biggest threat was and we still allowed them to outrun us in the first period and crush us with counters. We got back into the game a bit later, but we lost too much power and then dropped in the third period. A game that we will want to forget - said the Mexcial coach Valdeolmillos.

So Mexico got two defeats at the opening, but neither one has to be too painful. Lithuania and Slovenia are both slightly ahead of the other teams in this group and Mexico's tournament starts today, which is something their coach is aware of:

- There's o doubt this is the crucial game for us. We're playing against a team that's physically stronger than us and our defensive rebounds will play an absolutely crucial role. If we manage to control this, we will have a good chance to win.

Valdeolmillos is right on the money and if his first star Gustavo Ayon does a good job in the paint and closes down Angola's rebounds, Mexico will have a chance. They have a problem in their squad as their first-choice point guard Gutierrez got a nasty hit in the shoulder and will be doubtful for today.

- We will see his condition ahead of the game. What I can guarantee is that we will spare no one for this game - said Valdeolmillos.

Mexico will look for their chance through fast counters and semi-counters, which is their forte. They can also do a lot against organized defenses through Ayon, while a lot will depend on Gutierrez's performance. Angola should have an advantage in rebounds and defense, but if the Mexicans start pushing them into counters, the African champions could be in trouble