Lucas seeks redemption with InterClube at FIBA Africa Champions Cup Women 2017

LUANDA (FIBA Africa Champions Cup Women 2017) - InterClube point guard Italee Lucas is elated after her side was handed a fresh lease of hope to defend their title at the upcoming FIBA Africa Champions Cup Women (ACCW) 2017 set to take place from November 10-19. 

Lucas, whose side fell short of automatic qualification at the Zone 6 Qualifiers last month in Botswana after finishing third, will compete at this year's edition as the host side in front of a very passionate crowd in the Angolan capital. 

The record five-time ACCW champions will once again attempt to concur Africa for the sixth time in eight years but only this time they go into the tournament as underdogs, a rarity in itself.     

"Defending a title is always going to be challenging physically but mostly mentally. Defending our title is the plan. So we will do everything in our power to make that possible." - Lucas

The clear dominance of Mozambican champions Ferroviario de Maputo and Primeiro de Agosto was not only a cause for concern but rather a timely wake up call for InterClube. 

Lucas told FIBA.basketball in an exclusive interview that, "Absolutely a wake up call and I am glad we had it then instead of when it really counts. They are both great teams. We have to play them on both ends the entire 40 minutes." 

"We did not have a great tournament collectively and individually. I feel it is part of the game, it happens and we need to shake it off and we have. We will use it as a motivation and a learning experience and plan on fixing our errors in the next games to come," Lucas explained.

"Defending our title is the plan. Defending a title is always going to be challenging physically but mostly mentally so we will do everything in our power to make that possible," she said.

Amidst changes to their weak points since leaving Botswana almost a fortnight ago, Lucas and her InterClube teammates will also rely on the home support.

                            FIBA ACCW 2016 All-Star Five - from left to right: Mireille Nyota, Leia Dongue, Sequoia Holmes, Italee Lucas and Anabela Cossa

The ACCW 2013 MVP that, "Playing in front of our home crowd will give us an extra push. No matter where we play the tournament is going to be fun, exciting and tough but playing here in Angola gives this tournament a different meaning for us. It will be special." 

After a disappointing outing at the FIBA Women's AfroBasket 2017 in Mali this August, Lucas confessed that, "The national team and club are two separate teams. I have already forgotten about Mali. I am here with InterClube now and focused on defending our title."

FIBA