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Perasovic is back into Lucic's rotation

The Serbian wing did not play against Barcelona and Paris so Sato played a lot which will not be the case today

Perasovic's team started the season well. They almost won against Barcelona. They had an 11 point advantage on halftime, but the bad third quarter (29-14) and the final quarter, when they missed all the shots, and when Doellman got blocked by Dorsey in an important moment, continued the winning streak form preseason which ended with 9-0.

However, Perasovic left nothing to chance. In the first leg of the Eurocup in Paris, where they went directly from Barcelona, he used the main players to the max in order to score sure points.

- It's easier when we start the game well. We had trouble with their return but we solved that with good defense - Perasovic said after 85-68.
Romain Sato played the most, almost 34 minutes, although his game shot was 1/8, but since Lucic and Ribas were missing, Perasovic had to use him more. The two point guards, Van Rossom and Lafayette, also played a lot while other players did not play so much. Since this happened Tuesday, we doubt they'll feel tired in the first official home match.

- This is the first home match and we want our Fonteta to be tougher and to stay undefeated at home as long as possible - coach Velimir Perasovic said.

- Although it's early to talk about good and bad things, we should wait at least 10 game weeks, but it's clear the team can compete with anyone and that they have character.

Vladimir Lucic was important during the preseason matches. Perasovic revealed he had trained and that he is expected to be in rotation. He missed the last away games because of back problems.

- Gipuzkoa is closer to the team from two years ago who were a surprise of the season and who played good basketball. They won all matches in the preseason against teams from the ACB league. They have a good roster and we must have respect for them and for their game play.

Pau Ribas is out of rotation because he strained his ankle and is the only one out of rotation after Lucic returned.

Justin Doellman scored 25 points against Barcelona last weekend in 27 minutes. He did not play long in Paris nor did Aguilar, Lishchuk and Dubljevic.

The Basks were kicked out of the league last season, but since the second league club could not withstand the financial part of playing in ACB league, they stayed in the first league. A good start is important for them because of the confidence and this is why a win at home against Cajasol has such value. They won the last quarter 18-13, the match 76-71. The effort of the defense payed off in the last quarter. This made up for the 10 rebound disadvantage (34-44), and a miserable shot form the game (18/37 for two points, 8/26 for three).

It was clear before the start of the season that, next to the two plays, Net and Salgad, the key player will be the center Dolas, as well as Robinson and Winchester. This trio scored 43 points and brought their team victory. Winchester's shot is important because it frees up the paint and makes Doblas's job easier. It's important to say that Bruesa, or officially Gipuzkoa, are widely spread in the paint. They have not found a replacement for Doblas (played 24 minutes in the first leg) and Valencia could turn the game around here with Lishchuk, Dubljevic, Aguilara, Triguer. If Cajasol had 10 rebound more than they did, how will they handle Valencia?

- The way we played defense in the last quarter should be a way-point and if we play like that, we'll manage in all of the matches - coach Sit Alonso thinks.

- Since we did not dominate the defensive rebound we were not able to do counterattacks which we love to play.

Then he turned to Valencia and announced the match like this:

- They have the best rhythm in the league. Their physical potential is far better than ours. But we have our weapon, our game play and we have a chance to win. Valencia are a team with high expectations and we'll see how the team will manage in this situation.

Alonso will have the same roster as in the last leg. The only one missing is the 21-year old Serbian center Goran Huskic.

Valencia scored 75 points against Barcelona last weekend and then 85 against Paris with a lot of careful management of the main players. Today they are playing their first home match and Lucic is back in the rotation. He looked great in preseason matches and with him Valencia were at neat 90 points. We will often see Perasovic's team at those numbers this season. They play an attractive basketball, have excellent shooters and can keep up that rhythm. Against Bruesa they will have a big advantage in the paint and in rebounds and when Valencia take advantage in rebounds, then it means a lot of running as well. Bruesa are extremely weak in the paint and they depend a lot on Doblas and already in the first round at home against Cajasol they had 10 rebounds less. Today they face an even more difficult task.