Superb defense
Olympiacos played superb defense against Zalgiris Kaunas, won 73-64 and keeps home court advantage at hand.
The first quarter was tied 19-19 with Giorgos Printezis leading the reds. Half time was also tied 35-35 following the superb defensive game of the reds and the three by Spanoulis at the buzzer.
The Piraeus team continued with the same defensive plan into the third quarter, forced Zalgiris into making a lot of turnovers, built a seven points lead, nevertheless, the third quarter finished with a partial 0-5 for the guests that were trailing by two (56-54). Olympiacos stepped up in the final quarter, Spanoulis, Lojeski and Printezis took leading roles, defense kept being amazing and the 73-64 victory came in the hands of the hosts.
THE POINTS
The quarters: 19-19, 35-35, 56-54, 73-64
Οlympiacos (Sfairopoulos): Green 3 (1), Birch 8, Spanoulis 11 (3), Waters 8, Αgravanis, Milutinov 5, Printezis 17 (3/4 3p., 10 reb.), Papanikolaou 7 (1), Mantzaris 2, Lojeski 12 (2).
Zalgiris (Jasikevicius): Pangos 6 (2), Lekavicius 11 (1), Westermann 9 (1), Seibutis 2, Motum 7 (1), Jankunas 10, Milaknis 5 (1), Lima 4, Kavaliauskas 4, Ulanovas 6.
THE QUOTES
GIANNIS SFAIROPOULOS: "It was a very important victory for us, against a tough team, that fights each and every game and is in good shape. Zalgiris was coming from a three wins streak. We knew it was going to be a close game, we fought for every possession to the end. In the second half individual defense got better and we moved the ball better in offense, resulting in receiving only 29 points, while we scored 38. I think that defense was the key for yet another game, especially in the last quarter, when we only received 10 points. Congratulations to our players, it's among our most important victories in the season and we continue focusing on one game at a time. I wish to thank the fans that came and helped us and we once again dedicate the victory to the victims of Gate 7".
DOMINIC WATERS: «We have had some problems with their pick n' roll and some tough threes, but we ran the floor in the second half, and executed better. Home court advantage is not a certainty yet. It will be important to beat Fenerbahce."
NIKOLA MILUTINOV: «We have had problems with defensive rebounding in the beginning and could get into rhythm offensive wise. When we played better in our defense, we found better rhythm with our offense and won. Each victory is important and we need to continue this way».
MATT LOJESKI: «We played much better defense in the second half. We functioned better in the offense as well and it was helpful. We knew it wasn't going to be an easy game. They fought and played very well. We succeeded in building a margin at the end. Spanoulis' scoring a three at the end of the first half helped us a lot. All victories are great in gaining the home court advantage. We have a three victories advantage for the 3-5 places, but we are not in a hurry. We are focusing at one game at a time.»
SARUNAS JASIKEVICIUS: «We played well for most part of the game, we practically followed our game plan. I think that all was decided in the third quarter, when we made a lot of mistakes and did not manage fouls right. We sent Olympiacos to the line very soon. It's tough playing in this court. However, I can say that in general we played a good game».