The Spanish forward Alba Torrens, author of 27 points in the semifinal that Spain won against Hungary in the Eurobasket, assured after the victory that the team’s choral defensive work and its endurance in the face of its rival’s comeback attempt were the keys to its victory
“When the game got tough we held on and we didn’t crash. Tomorrow we will play more and we will prepare in the best possible way for the final”, added the player, who highlighted that “defense and energy” marked the match beyond her 27 points.
“We know the path we have had to walk to get here. We have experienced hard times in recent years but we have been together at all times, when we have won and when we have not, and that is one of our strengths. In this championship we have tried not to think about the past, to think about the present. We didn’t start well but we took it as an opportunity to grow step by step and here we are. It is very special, ”he stressed.
Torrens said that they are “very happy to be in this situation” and pointed out that they have reached this final “as a team” and that they will play it that way because for them “there is no other way.” “I’m very proud to be a part of this team and I’m not just talking about the players,” she added.
The Mallorcan has returned to play a Eurobasket after missing the last two editions and stressed that she not only enjoys winning again but also the tour.
“I’ve missed the last two so the first thing is gratitude because you don’t have to take anything for granted. I’ve had a great time on the road, not just now that we’ve won. Everything makes more sense if you share it with this team, ”he explained.
The Spanish coach, Miguel Méndez, was also very satisfied with the victory, but underlined their ambition to win the gold medal. “We haven’t finished, we have one game left and no matter how happy we are, we want to present our game and enjoy it in the final,” said the coach.
Méndez spoke of the Mallorcan Alba Torrens: “We have been through a lot together, we have known each other for a long time. She is a special woman and that brings him to the court. He has fun playing, he plays with a smile, he knows how to forgive himself for his mistakes and that is important to drive the car, ”she said.
“You know that in these games he will always try. There are those who are always Star, she can be hidden and let others applaud and then appear. Much of the gray hair that I have on her head is because of her but I enjoy it a lot, ”he added.
The coach also referred to Maite Cazorla, who he said is currently “one of the best point guards in Europe and an incredible defender”, and highlighted the control she had over the game. “That a player appears every game is one of our strengths,” he said.
Méndez, who will lead his first Eurobasket final, expressed his gratitude to those who hired him and support him. Also to the players for the confidence they transmit. “I’m grateful to be a part of this, to be at the bottom of the final pyramid of so many coaches that have worked with them,” he said.
