Author

Joel Osborne writes

Posted Saturday, May 12th 2018 @BristolSportJO

We will keep on fighting - Kapoulas

Saturday, May 12th 2018

Andreas Kapoulas says his side will keep on fighting after suffering a 15 point defeat to Leicester Riders in the opening leg of the BBL playoff semi-final.

The defending play-off champions gained the upper hand in the two-legged series, thanks to a 26-6 run either side of the half-time break, despite a team-high 19 points from Rohndell Goodwin.

Bristol Flyers will need to win Sunday’s second leg by 16 or more points to book their place in next weekend’s play-off final at the O2 Arena.

“First of all it shows how far we’ve come as a team,” Kapoulas told Bristol Flyers TV.

"I’m very proud of our team because we came out and played really hard. Leicester were able to step up their defence in the first five minutes of the third period and we did not react well.”

"Our intensity dropped on defence and it came down to us not starting the second half well. After those first few minutes, I felt that we reacted well and got back into the game - we managed to get it down to eight points and they made some tough plays down the stretch.

“We missed a few shots, but we kept on fighting. I feel it could have ben a much closer game to what the final score suggests."

“I feel like we can still have a more consistent performance. I think our communication on defence could be better, I think we can rebound the ball better and we can definitely protect the lane a little bit better as a team."

Andreas Kapoulas

"No question It’s going to be a tough task, but we’re looking to go there and pick up the win and the margin will take care of itself.”

Sunday’s BBL play-off semi-final second leg will be available to watch LIVE on FreeSports.

Coverage from Leicester Arena will begin from 5pm, with all the build-up available via Freeview Channel 95, Sky Channel 422, FreeSat Channel 252. Talk Talk Channel 95 and BT Vision Channel 95.