When two local rivals fight in a hotly contested and emotional play-off series, the cashier is happy. “This duel is the most important in Austrian basketball – no matter what phase it is in,” claims Sebastian Waser, the coach of Raiffeisen Flyers Wels, who scored 1-1 with an 82-67 home win over Swans Gmunden in the second of a maximum of five quarter-final matches to have.
The bare figures support this statement. The 98th derby attracted 1,000 spectators and thus more than the three parallel games together (805). Today (5.30 p.m.) when we meet again in the Volksbank Arena, the noise level should be a nuance higher. The “Swans” expect a sold-out house. The griss around 1300 seat tickets and numerous “stayers” is big. “All hell will break loose there,” believes Waser, who himself is from Gmunden.
The 36-year-old gave the reigning champions a brain teaser to take with them on their short journey home. “We made it so that Gmunden doesn’t think they can drive over us,” said Waser. “It was an incredibly intense level from both teams. That’s great advertising for our sport.” Now even the dream of the semifinals is alive. “As long as we’re not fouling stupidly, the pace and intensity are always on our side,” said the coach, who praised the Flyers’ two physiotherapists unreservedly. “They are outstanding and give their all every day.” Nevertheless, a lightning comeback by Jacob Ledoux (herniated disc) is not to be expected.
The Swans are all hands on board and willing to step up. “We have to focus on our strengths, play together as a team and defend better. That’s the only way we’ll be successful,” says Toni Blazan.
On the floor, the clubs are bitter opponents, structurally on a cozy course. A project to bundle forces below the super league (keyword young people) is in the planning phase. “We know that we both need each other. It’s a bit like Union Berlin and Hertha BSC in football. If one is relegated, the other is sad,” said Waser.
Source: Nachrichten
