A seminar worthy defense
Olympiacos played an impressive defensive game against Armani Jeans Milan succeeded to edge the Italian team 73-63 and now has a 7-1 Euroleague record and twelve consecutive victories.
'Thrylos' showed that he was game from the its beginning stopping Armani at 13 points and was leading 14-13 at the first quarter. In the second quarter the 'reds' were nervous and shooting poorly and were thus trailing 25-29.
In the third quarter however, Athinaiou, Printezis and Strawberry gave an offensive flair and the Greek Champions scored 23 points at that time tying the game (48-48) at 30'. In the last quarter the players of Giannis Sfairopoulos completely dominated the game on both ends of the floor for the final 73-63.
Τhe quarters: 14-13, 25-29, 48-48, 73-63
Οlympiacos (Sfairopoulos): Hunter 4, Papapetrou, Strawberry 16 (2), Toliopoulos 2, Milutinov 12, Printezis 11 (1), Agravanis, Mantzaris 6 (1), Hackett 9, Lojeski 5 (1), Αthinaiou 8 (2).
Armani Milano (Repesa): Mclean 11, Lafayette 6 (2), Amato, Cerela, Cicarini 12 (2), Jenkins 12 (3), Hummel 7 (1), Barac 6, Simon 9 (1).
GIANNIS SFAIROPOULOS: «It's another important victory against a team that was dealing one of its last cards. We did not start the game the way we wanted and we were lacking competitiveness, energy and focus. So, we weren't good neither on offense nor on defense. We allowed Armani to play its game. The momentum changed in the second quarter, we pressed more and forced them into turnovers and hasty shots. We found rhythm in the offense, scored 47 points and the game was the way we wanted it. We were unlucky with Lojeski, while we kept Tsairelis out due to a wrist problem. I'd like to thank our fans for being by our side. I know my players' worth and I believe them, I have said that many times. The important thing is that the team is assimilating our philosophy, plays the way we want it to and this gives us confidence".
D.J. STRAWBERRY: «We played with more energy in the second half and were better in defense. At the same time, we scored baskets on open court and succeeded in tiring Armani. All in all, we did what we had to do. That's what we should have done since the first half and fortunately, we did it in the second one'.
JASMIKO REPESA: «Congratulations to Olympiacos for the victory. When preparing the game, we said that wanted to limit down the offensive rebounds of Olympiacos, because they are a team with great results in that area, but we did not make it. We received 25 points in the first half and 47 in the second and that shows what happened in the game".