Big victory against Anadolu Efes
Olympiacos was exquisite against Anadolu Efes edging it 78-60 at a game for the 6th round of the Euroleague TOP-16 thus reaching a 4-2 record.
Olympiacos was a pleasure to watch in the first quarter. Spanoulis and Lojeski were doing a great offensive job, the Back2Back European Champions were excellent in defense as well and the hence the team of Giorgos Bartzokas closed the first quarter at 24-12.
The ‘reds’ lost their concentration in defense into the second quarter, resulting in the loss of many defensive rebounds and the allowing of many second chances for the Turkish team, with half-time closing 36-29 in favor of Olympiacos.
Olympiacos performed a great show in the third quarter. Dunston was unsurpassed in defense, Spanoulis and Lojeski continued to score unstoppably and the difference reached 20 points for the first time at 26’ (53-33) following a basket by V-Span. The ‘reds’ played also a substantial game and the third quarter closed at +19 (62-43).
The team of Giorgos Bartzokas maintained the difference at two digit levels in the last quarter and easily reached an important victory and now the ‘reds’ have a 4-2 record six games into the TOP-16.
The quarters: 24-12, 36-29, 62-43, 78-60
Olympiacos (Bartzokas): Petway 9 (1), 13, Spanoulis 16 (1), Perperoglou 6, Sloukas 5 (1), Collins 2, Simmons 2, Begic 10, Printezis 2, Mantzaris, Katsivelis, Lojeski 13 (3).
Anadolu Efes (Angelou): Balbay 9, Osman 8 (1), Vasileiadis 4 (1), Batuk 6 (2), Erden 2, Gonlum 2, Savanovic 5, Planinic 13, Kosut 4, Bjelica 7 (1).
GIORGOS BARTZOKAS: “We won an important game for us and improved our record with these three continuous victories and despite the difference we believe it’s a really important one. We played the game of our liking, we won the rebounds and I believe we won rather easily and without putting our players under extreme strain. I would like to congratulate my players and once again congratulate our fans for continuously supporting our team. I would like to wish the Greek forward of Efes, Vasileiadis, Jamon and coach Angelou all the best for what’s coming. We are now focusing on the game against PAOK and we are then going to deal with Panathinaikos, the game that will close the first round of the Euroleague TOP-16.
We had said before the game that Efes takes all the available time before making an offensive game and we would like to have more offensive plays than them. To do that you have to have good defensive rebounding and easy defensive possesions. Our players make good decision while running the floor and I wish we continue the same way which is not easy since the opponent plays a role”.
VANGELIS ANGELOU: “We approached the game despite the problems we have had and fatigue but we have a wrong approach especially when playing on the road. Although our assists-turnovers ration was satisfactory, our execution in the offense was totally wrong, we were only seeing the basket as an option and never looked at second or third passes. The game stopped existing in the third quarter and by using some of the young guys you try to gain a few things. Congratulations to Olympiacos for an easy and deserved victory.”