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Fragias: We can't let them outrun us

Rethymno's two point guards played at Kolossos last year and they will surely not succumb to the pressure. Controlling the tempo will be the key - Rethymno will try to outrun them, while Kolossos will try to avoid that kind of game

Just as expected, Kolossos will need more time to get where they were the previous years. A complteley new team opened the season with two defeats. What's even worse, they are playing badly, defense especially. They conceded 80 points both against Panionios and PAOK, and that is not what they even did.

- The offense is not a problem, we have many players who can score. The problem is defense, we have to fix it as soon as possible, otherwise we don't stand a chance to win, especially away - said coach Fragias after the match.

Addional trouble is center Osby who got injured early in the final quarter. He played well so far, but it seems the injury is not that serious and Osby should be on the team tonight. He's important for the goals Fragias wants to reach tonight:

- We have to dominate the rebound and take the defense game up a notch. Rethymno are physically very powerful. If we let them outrun us, we won't stand a chance. I hope the fans will support us in reaching the first win this season - said Fragias. Tsamis added:

- We lost the two opening matches, but we are better than that. The arena will be full and our obligation is to play better than in those two matches.

Kolossos are known for doing better home than away. 

As expected, Rethymno were knocked out of Cup. Panathinaikos beat them, but they soon proved to be good in the match with Ikaros. Rethymno will play run and gun basketball this year, there's no doubt about it. They pace was extremely high against Ikaros, with 26 three point attempts. Puritt and Hurtt set the fast pace up, and Alexander and Gabriel, who are very good at rebound, dominate the key.

Coach Giaples says they want two points:

- Our goal is always to win, but we have to think about improving our game at the same time. It's still not quite where we want it to be. I've seen Kolossos a few times and they seem to have changed the entire team, but still seem to be working well together.

Koumpouras and Kalambokis will be particularly motivated today, having both played for Kolossos last year:

- I look forward to playing in Rodos, I've made a lot of friends there over the years. We know they'll be highly motivated, but we know we can win that away game - said Koumpouras.

Koumpouras and Kalambokis' experience might be crucial in this match. They will surely not succumb to the pressure the home fans will create. Their great Americans could then help them beat Kolossos to keep their losing streak going.

There are a few important things about this bet. The first one is the quality of these teams, and that's definitely on Rethymno's side, but still, more than that is needed to play against Kolossos on their home court. The key fact here is that Rethymno arrive lead by the back duo Koumpouras-Kalambokis, who lead Kolossos' game last year. They're an experienced duo in their 30s, who won't succumb to the atmosphere, and will know hot to lead the team to win. The second important thing is Kolossos' defense which is tragic this season, their own coach pointed it out. This defense goes against the run and gun team today, a team with so many quality shooters that they can pose a threat to even much better teams, and let alone Kolossos who'll be looking for a right defense for a few more rounds. Rethymno is definitely a favorite here, and with an average number of shots per game tonight, I don't think they should have any issues.