Super 'Thrylos' at Trikala
Olympiacos did not have the slightest problem against Trikala, won in their home court 89-69 and has now a 5-1 record for the Basket League SKRATS.
'Thrylos' imposed its rhythm from the beginning of the game, hence leading 0-12 and never looked back ever since. Printezis left the game with a lower back spasm, but this had no effect on the Greek Champions with the first quarter ending 17-26.
The Piraeus players were not shooting as much on target but they improved their defensive play instead and half time ended 31-45. Thrylos had a great third quarter sky-rocketing the difference (+33, 44-77). The last quarter was the same and hence the final 69-89.
The quarters: 17-26, 31-45, 44-77, 69-89.
Trikala (Flevarakis): Kandugan 3, Dowell 2, Soko 23 (1), Karathanassis, Tsiaras 13 (2), Kontzer 15, Kalles, Robison 5, Kalogiannidis, Teague 8, Varytimiadis.
Οlympiacos (Sfairopoulos): Hunter 8 (5reb, 1bl), Papapetrou 7 (1 3p, 4reb, 2as), Strawberry 11 (6reb, 1 3p, 2bl), Τsairelis 9, Τoliopoulos, Μilutinov 11 (6reb, 4bl), Lojeski 12 (4as), Printezis 2, Agravanis 11 (2 3p, 4reb), Μantzaris 8 (2 3p, 7as), Hackett 3 (3as), Αthinaiou 7 (1 3p).
GIANNIS SFAIROPOULOS: "We were aware that Trikala is an athletic team that plays up tempo. In general, Trikala is a very well put together team and very well worked by coach Flevarakis. Our players were all focused on the game. We began the game having in mind how well Trikala had played against Aris, so we remained focused on our game plan and followed it on both ends of the floor. Despite tricks in their game, we 'read' the game well, especially in their home court where they always play well. I would like to congratulate my players for their focus and energy. We had come from a difficult trip and it's important that we managed to show such a good face following fatigue and an important victory. I only have good things to say about Trikala and wish them all the best. We dedicate this performance and victory to Patrick Young who was seriously injured and we'll miss him".
Asked whether he's satisfied by the adjustment of the new players on the team, Giannis Sfairopoulos answered that "the team is starting to function better and both new and young players have understood their roles, we are becoming better every game, but we still have a lot of room for improvement".
MICHALIS TSAIRELIS: "Trikala deserve our respect and attention since they can hurt you if you don't pay attention. Hence we began very focused, we played well for three quarters, but got a little loose in the fourth, which should not have happened".