Murilo: “We must play better”

BAHIA (DIRECTV Liga Sudamericana 2017) —Group C hosts of the DIRECTV Liga Sudamericana suffered, but succeeded with an exciting win against Uruguayan club Malvín, 70-69, during the first competition day of this qualifying group.

Murilo Becker added 9 points, scoring one of them from the free-throw line, and secured the Brazilian club's victory.

Murilo talked to FIBA.basketball after the Universo/Vitoria win.

How important was it to start the DIRECTV Liga Sudamericana Group C with a triumph?
The victory we achieved is very important. I think we didn’t play a good game, but we won. We know that tomorrow we have a much more challenging game against Estudiantes, so we prepare better. I think that our heads were elsewhere since this was our first game and we're playing at home the first match of an international competition. I think we didn't play like we can play.

What were the key elements to win against Malvín?
The team's heart. During the game's key points, when only 2 minutes were left, we showcased our heart, our tactic and our technique.

How important is the experience that you and Arthur bring to the team?
Arthur and I have played in many international tournaments, we've played with the national team and we have experience in many Brazilian teams. It's important to have experienced players in the team for situations as the ones that we lived in this game. We're ready for this type of game.

What are your expectations for the game against Estudiantes Concordia?
A very hard game. We must play better today if we want to secure our qualification. Now we should rest, leave this game behind us and come out to play much better than what we did today.

FIBA