Avenida Faces Ferrol Amidst Playoff Preparations
Perfumerías Avenida takes on Baxi Ferrol today at 12:30, a clash between the league leaders (18-1) and the bottom-ranked team (4-16). While Salamanca boasts an impressive 30 wins this season and a nine-game winning streak in the Endesa Women’s League,their interior game is currently facing challenges.
Katie Lou samuelson, citing personal reasons, hasn’t returned to Salamanca after the international break, though the club anticipates her return soon. Adding to the team’s woes, nogaye Lo and Mariella Fasoula are sidelined due to injuries, and Shante Evans, who wasn’t a key player in Roberto Íñiguez’s strategy, has departed for Galatasaray. This delicate situation arises just ten days before the crucial quarterfinal playoff against Beretta Famila Schio, commencing on March 9th at 8:30 p.m. in Salamanca. This best-of-three series will determine who advances to the Final Four.
Last year, Avenida reached the Euroleague final in istanbul. During the pandemic, the team capitalized on a bubble format to secure a top-four finish and contend for their second European title, a decade after their 2011 triumph in Yekaterinburg. This season, the Euroleague reverted to its traditional format, but Avenida’s performance has been remarkable. They achieved their best-ever group stage record with eleven wins and only three losses: two against Yekaterinburg, the three-time European champions and dominant force in women’s basketball, and one against USK Prague. Notably, only Yekaterinburg finished with a better record (14-0) than Avenida, who tied with Fenerbahçe, led by Spanish coach Víctor Lapeña, for the top spot in group B.
Avenida has been a scoring powerhouse, ranking as the third-highest scoring team in the entire Euroleague (80.7 points), trailing only Yekaterinburg and María Conde’s Prague. Íñiguez’s squad has demonstrated remarkable accuracy, boasting the second-best field goal percentage (47.3%) and the highest two-point shot percentage (53.8%). Kahleah Copper, the WNBA champion with the Chicago Sky last October, leads the Euroleague in scoring (24.2 points), with an impressive 42.9% three-point shooting percentage, and ranks third in PIR (22.1), making her a strong contender for the season’s MVP award.
Avenida’s Playoff Run: A Chat wiht Coach Toñi Sánchez
Welcome back to Courtside Conversations! Today,we’re joined by the legendary Coach Toñi Sánchez,a name synonymous with Spanish basketball. Coach,thanks for joining us.
Toñi Sánchez: The pleasure is all mine. It’s always exciting to dissect the nuances of the game.
Moderator: Absolutely! Let’s dive right into it. Perfumerías Avenida is facing an interesting challenge. They’re sitting pretty at the top of the league, but key injuries and a crucial playoff matchup with famila Schio are looming large. How do you see these factors impacting their chances?
Toñi Sánchez: This is precisely the type of scenario that separates champions from contenders. Avenida has undeniable talent. Kahleah copper is on fire, and their offensive firepower is unmatched by most. However,those key absences in the paint are a real concern. Schio, with their experience and solid defense, will capitalize on any weakness.
Moderator: I agree. Samuelson’s absence is particularly vital. Avenida’s interior game will definitely be put under the microscope.
Toñi Sánchez: Indeed. Íñiguez is a brilliant tactical mind, and he’ll need to get creative with his lineup. Look for more reliance on perimeter shooting and creative offensive schemes to make up for the lack of size.
Moderator: That’s interesting. On paper, Avenida seems to have all the tools for success. They’ve already had a stellar season in the Euroleague, even exceeding expectations. What do you think was key to their remarkable performance on that front?
Toñi Sánchez: Their consistency has been astounding. They adapted exceptionally well to the return of the traditional Euroleague format.
Moderator:
Their dominance in the group stage, battling toe-to-toe with powerhouse teams like Yekaterinburg, speaks volumes of their quality.
Toñi Sánchez: Absolutely. They’ve shown incredible resilience and a hunger to compete at the highest level.
Moderator: We certainly know that Avenida’s aspirations are set firmly on the Euroleague title. What are your thoughts on their upcoming playoff matchup with Famila Schio?
Toñi Sánchez: It’s a classic David vs. Goliath scenario. Schio is a tough, well-coached team, but Avenida possesses the firepower to overcome them. The key will be their mental fortitude. Can they withstand the pressure?
Moderator: The intensity of a playoff series is undeniable.Do you see Avenida’s recent struggles affecting their morale?
Toñi Sánchez: Slumps are a part of any season. This is where a team’s character truly shines.
Moderator: You’re right, coach. This is where we see what they’re truly made of.
Let’s open up the conversation now. Readers, what are your thoughts on Avenida’s championship potential? Can they overcome these challenges and make a statement in the playoffs? Let us know in the comments below!
