Head Coach: Tonight belonged to Slovenia

　　JULY 29

　　Sinasports-Team China lost the second game 76-80, beaten by Team Slovenia, in Stankovic Continental Champions Cup unveiled yesterday, by a record of one win and one loss

　　Ales Pipan, the coach of Team Slovenia, was content with both the process and the result of the game, and at the news conference he said: 'There is not much to say about it. It was just a game and I' m satisfied with my team players. They were fantastic; especially he did well in defense, although they failed to block the No.5 shooter of Team China. But we launched plenty of fast breaks. We played better than our opponent and we won the game. '

　　Pipan indicated further that Team Slovenia are preparing for the Europe Championship which will be held in Spain months later. 'We are going to improve ourselves by more teamwork practice. Winning the game is like a stimulation that will spur us to play better in the following games,' said him.

　　'This team is different comparing with the one of last FIBA World Championship, because of Yao's absence. ' Goran, No.12 of Team Slovenia said, ' we are proud of this game. We defeated Team China on the earth of China. We did everything that the coach asked. The steady defense guaranteed that we have more chances of fast breaks and lay-ups.'

　　When asked to comment on Team China of the game, Pipan refused politely. 'I have no right to judge them and I'm here for giving my comments on the game and my team,' he said, 'No one can deny it's a wonderful game. We played better and we won the game. And this victory has significance to us.'

　　Being asked again and again, Pipan, finally gave his comments on Yi, the kernel player of Team China and pointed out Yi did not play well in the game. 'He was not himself when he was on the court. Perhaps we did so well in defense, that Yi had little chance to score. Of course, he is an excellent player. Yet, the winning did not belong to him,' said him.

　　Goran said: 'No. 11 of Team China has potential. And I'm sure he will have a bright future.' And he held that, as well, it was the intensive defense that restricted him.

　　(jewel)