Big away win over Maccabi !
Olympiacos bested Maccabi 79-74 in Belgrade for the 8th Euroleague round and is now completely training its focus on the Thursday game (16/11, 20.15 CET) vs Crvena Zvezda for the 2/2 during the double game Euroleague week.
With good defense and good percentages from the perimeter, the 'red & whites' imposed the tempo and got a +9 lead (13-22) at 8'. Upon returning to action, Luke Sikma, who was not completely ready to play according to Giorgos Bartzokas, not only gave valuable 'breathing' space to Moustapha Fall, but did more... The American forward played the center position, contributing significantly on both ends of the floor and helped Olympiacos go to +10 (19-29) at 11'.
Maccabi tried to close in with a three-point shot (28-34 at 13'), however, with extra pressure on the hosts guards and Alec Peters spearheading the offence, our team got complete control of the game in its hands (and despite missing 5 out of 10 free throws), got to close the first half at +15 (36-51).
With Nigel Williams-Goss knocked out since 15' due to injury (bicep cramp) and Alec Peters since 27' (the American forward was charged with a technical following his 4th foul and had to retire to the bench), Olympiacos faced significant offensive problems against the pressing defense of the Israelis. Nevertheless, thanks to its defense, our team successfully maintained the lead (63-72 at 35'). The hosts continued striking in the post with Sorkin, who made good from the three-point line at 39', closing in 72-74.
Olympiacos continued relying on its defense which paid off. Walkup scored for the 72-76, Sorkin closed in 74-76 (with 26'' on the clock). With 1 of 2 free throws, Brazdeikis made the score 74-77, but following his missed free throw, he grabbed his own rebound, and then the hosts sent Canaan to the free throw line, who made both of his and wrote the final 74-79.
Nikola Milutinov and Shaquielle McKissic did not participate the roster due to injury.
The quarters 19-27, 36-51, 55-64, 74-79.
MACCABI T.A.
OLYMPIACOS
