**Menorca’s Busy Week: Copa Spain Match Against Alicante**
**Quick Turnaround After Derby Loss**
Just three days after losing the first official Balearic derby to Fibwi Mallorca (67‑72), Bàsquet Menorca must travel to Alicante for a single‑game Copa España tie. There’s no time for disappointment – the team has to refocus fast.
**Facing a Strong Opponent**
HLA Alicante sits at the top of Primera FEB, sharing the lead with Movistar Estudiantes and Grupo Alega Cantabria after four straight wins. They’re one of the hottest squads in the league, so the Menorcans know they’re in for a tough test.
**Getting the Squad Back Together**
For the first time this season, coach Javi Zamora will have almost every player available. The only absentee is AJ Slaughter, who just started the playoffs with Mexico’s LNBP team Astros de Jalisco (they beat Mineros de Zacatecas 100‑78).
– **Adams Sola** and **Aleksandar “Sasha” Cvetkovic** are still shaking off rust. Sasha has barely done any contact work, Gerónimo has only two sessions, and Adams has logged one and a half sessions of contact.
– **Rubio de la Rosa** made his official debut recently and showed promise; he still needs a few days to settle into both defense and offense.
Zamora noted that the squad feels united for the first time: “We’re not rebuilding, we’re re‑structuring. Everyone’s committed, and we’ve been dealing with lots of injuries and out‑of‑position players.”
**What the Coach Said**
Zamora is eager for the Copa clash: “We want to face a team that’s in great shape – a real ‘proyectazo.’” He pointed out that Menorca still remembers the 64‑81 league loss to Alicante earlier in the season. Improving defence and better controlling Alicante’s offensive flow will be key.
**Looking Ahead: League Game and Rotation**
The Copa match also serves as a chance to settle into a regular minute load. With two players per position now available, Zamora plans to rotate more and keep minutes balanced. He urged fans to stay behind the team as they try to turn around a rough stretch.
**Hope to Avoid Market Moves**
In a hopeful note, Zamora added, “Ojalá no tengamos que recurrir al mercado por necesidad,” meaning he’d rather not need to sign new players out of desperation.
**Conclusion**
Bàsquet Menorca faces a packed schedule: a tough Copa España showdown with Alicante, followed by an important league game at Partizán de Fuenlabrada. With most of the squad finally healthy, the team has a chance to reset, defend better, and give their supporters something to cheer about.
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Images Credit: www.menorca.info