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Unicaja is playing a bit faster since Toolson got back

Siena still didn't win in Euroleague, and this might be their last chance to stay in the game. The Spaniards stress the importance of defense home, where they managed to destroy Stelmet and Galatasaray so far

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Home games in Euroleague are extremely important, especially if you're not good on the road. But, that is not the case with both Unicaja and Siena. The Italians have a 0-4 record and Unicaja 2-2. They won two out of two games home easily and would like to go on in the same fashion. Toolson, a great shooter and power forward Caner-Medley, one of their key players, will be on the team together today for the first time. Caner-Medley was injured for a while and missed a few games, but he has now recovered and should be on the roster, despite the fact Plaza has yet to confirm it. Last week's game in Munich was the first one Toolson played since he got back (''I've tried harder than I realistically could do''), and immediately ensured his place in the starting five. He played 29 minutes against Murcia over the weekend, which meant Zoran Dragic spent a lot less time in the game.

Toolson scored the three-pointer that decided the game 74 second before the time was up, while Dragic spent only 11 minutes on the court. It's no wonder since Plaza didn't want to keep him in the club at the beginning of the season in the first place, but he was forced to because of the other players who got injured. It seems like the situation is changing now.

- We're in for a complicated game - we're playing the Italina championship leading team. It's important that we do good home. The whole team is at my disposal, but I'm not sure at what level we'll be able to play - coach Plaza said.

- Every home game in Euroleague is important, we have to win this one. We have to control the rebound, and play defense on Hackett, their best player. We can't underestimate the rest of the team either - Suarez added.

Siena haven't won any of the four Euroleague games they played so far. They are currently the only team that hasn't been able to win. They had a tough home game against Olympiakos last well. The Greek team got into 11-0 lead in the beginning, they were 13 points ahead at halftime, and controlled the score till the end. Hackett wasn't doing his best and scored only 6 points altogether (1/5 and 6 assists). It was in general a bad night for Siena's shooters. True, Olympiakos are defense oriented and scoring against them isn't easy. English and Rochestie scored 13 points (the only ones who scored more than ten).

Unlike in Euroleague, Siena are doing great in the Italian championship. They are the leading team, they won every game so far easily (except that one loss against Reggiana). They settled the last game against Venezia in the first quarter (22-7). They dominated the rebound, scored 10 out of 17 three point attempts, and forced the opponent to make mistakes by playing aggressive defense. Carter was their best scorer with 21 point, Cournooh contributed with ten. Hackett started the game as play maker, had seven assists and scored 9 points with 4 rebounds.

Siena's chances for Top 32, given the current situation in the group, are slim. However, this win would give them some chance to reach Top 32. They weren't good in shooting for two point attempts lately, and they have to face Plaza's aggressive defense now.

- We are going to go to Malaga to continue our progress. Unicaja's players are impressive, good in rebound, especially offensive rebound. We have to stand up to them as a team. Nelson is still injured, he was our key player in the key, so we have to try some other options - said coach Crespi. Carter added:

- We're playing the games with high levels of energy, but still weren't able to win. We want to win for the first time, it's crucial if we want to reach the next round.