A loss and disqualification
Olympiacos lost 67-77 to Panathinaikos Supefoods for the Greek Cup Semi Finals and will not be continuing in the competition.
Our team came nervously into the game, resulting in trailing the score following poor performance in the offense. Printezis stepped up and the continuous good game by Mantzaris allowed the 'reds' to end the first quarter at 1514. In the second quarter, missing the target and nervousness continued plaguing the Piraeus team and the Sfairopoulos' players could not find rhythm, with half time ending 28-29 for the guests. The Greek champions' defense was not good in the third quarter. Continuous threes by the guests allowed them to lead even by double digits and the third quarter ended 45-52. In the last quarter, each time Olympiacos was trying for a come back, Panathinaikos Superfoods was answering with a three and our team finally lost 67-77.
THE POINTS
The quarters: 15-14, 28-29, 45-52, 67-77
Οlympiacos (Sfairopoulos): Birch, Spanoulis 7 (1), Printezis 13, Μantzaris 16 (3), Green 3 (1), Young 6, Papapetrou 5 (1), Waters 3 (1), Milutinov 2, Lojeki 8 (1).
Panathinaikos Superfoods (Pasqual): Singleton 11 (1), Feldeine 5 (1), Gentile, Bourousis 4, Calathes 11 (1), Rivers 27 (2), James 5 (1), Fotsis, Gabriel 14 (2).
THE QUOTES
GIANNIS SFAIROPOULOS: "We were playing a semi-final, we knew the game was going to be different to the three previous ones. I think that wanting that badly to win took a negative impact on our minds. Our defense was quite good in the first half, but we did not 'read' the game well offense wise, we were nervous, we were hasty in trying to go for the basket without creating proper circumstances and that kept our production low. We tried to calm down at half-time, but we came out still nervous and our defense was weakening as time was going by, which is usually what keeps us in the game. We made some mistakes and lost some shots, we were slow in running offense and this brought frustration and allowed Panathinaikos to score some easy baskets and make some shots on defense. Congratulations to Panathinaikos for the victory. We are disappointed for losing a title, but there are two more that we need to keep pursuing".
On whether Olympiacos was influenced by fatigue after the game in Barcelona: "I don't think the game in Barcelona had an impact. It wasn't an energy game, rather a cerebral one. When you are a great team, you need to play back to back good games. As for Gabriel, we had known him, we did not change any tactics in regard to defending him, because he's a lot like Nichols. We weren't taken by surprise. Panathinaikos made the shots, but our defense wasn't up to par in general, not in regard to one specific player".
On the fans reaction at the end of the game: "We wish to thank them for the applause. It's important to have them by our side at a bad moment, just like now. We want them by our side, we have a lot of crucial games ahead and we need their help.
VANGELIS MANTZARIS: "Unfortunately, we did not manage to qualify for the final. We knew it was going to be a very different game, that they were going to be determined and come here more focused. We were good in the first half, especially in defense, but did not find rhythm in offense. We weren't who we were supposed to be in the second half though. Panathinaikos made big shots, but we were lacking in defense".
DOMINIC WATERS: "I feel terrible. This wasn't a good way to lose, especially against your great opponent. We need to focus and be much better next time. We need to prepare better, adjust. They made tough shots. We have had a six games winning streak, but we were going to lose eventually. They may win the Cup, but we are still on a good path to the championship".
XAVI PASCUAL: "We are very happy to have won. We played an excellent game on both ends of the floor and fought for every board and every possession. We also played according to plan till the end. That's why we won and we are happy about it. We are going to play our first final in the season and I would like to tell our fans that we are very happy for this. We hope to play a good final against a very good team like Aris. But now, we need to focus on the imminent games ahead. Each game is tough and different. Our plan was good, but we need to make some things different in the next games".
KC RIVERS: "We wanted to make a difference, play tougher. We were lacking that. We had passion and pride and stayed into the game. I play my game. My team mates help me and push me to play this way. I have the support of the team and the fans, who help me reach where I am now. I love this opportunity that's been given to me, it's an excellent situation. We did what we had to do. We weren't good, but there has been progress. We wanted to be ourselves, be Panathinaikos. We wanted this more, we are tired of losing to the same team. We fought , they have a very good team. We need to be prepared for another battle. I wouldn't say that we changed something, we were just more patient. We moved the ball, we did it. I like that someone wants me someplace, but there still a few months up to then. I want to play in a country that loves basketball".