A gutsy win and a tied 1-1 series!
Although the 'beast' is hurt, it still roars! Olympiacos bested Zalgiris 79-68, tied the playoffs series at 1-1 and will now give it all to win at least one game in the match ups that follow in Lithuania.
Nikola Milutinov did not play due to injury, while, despite Kostas Papanikolaou, Janis Strelnieks and Giorgos Bogris played on their own volition and despite pain and after getting injections.
The guests led at the beginning by 5p. (13-8 at 6'), however, with pressing defense and Jamel McLean and Vassilis Spanoulis leading the offense, the 'reds' attacked back and went ahead in the score (17-15 at 10'). They did not stop there… Spanoulis and Strelnieks "struck" from the perimeter and took the difference to 10p. (25-15 at 12'). The Lithuanians "replied" from the three point line (29-23, at 17'), however, the unstoppable Jamel McLean saw that the margin got increased again (41-28, at 19').
Some sloppy mistakes by Olympiacos allowed Zalgiris to close in with a 4-0 run (41-32 at the end of the first half). The Lithuanian team started strong in the second half and closed in at 3p. (45-42, at 23'). From that point on the game was turned to a derby with Olympiacos maintaining the lead, although with difficulty, up to 29' (54-52).
Toupane tied the game 54-54 at the end of the 3rd quarter, however, with superb defense and three back to back threes (by Mantzaris, Papanikolaou and Printezis) our team went to +9 (63-54 at 34'). The seven minute break that followed due to a technical problem with the score board, did not affect Olympiacos' tempo that to got to increase the margin even more (+13, 68-55 at 37'). With Jamel McLean dominating the post, Olympiacos remained at +13 (72-59, 1:58'' before the end), however, the unsportsmanlike foul by the American center allowed Zalogiris to close in at 8p. (72-64) with 2/2 free throws by Davies and a three by Milaknis! Zalgiris remained 'alive' (74-68, at 39'), but the incredible dunk by Ioannis Papapetrou 37'' before the end practically ended its aspirations (76-68). To 'garnish' this, the Olympiacos forward scored a three right after that (79-68), sealing the fate of the game.
The quarters: 17-15, 41-32, 54-54, 79-68
Οlympiacos (Sfairopoulos): ΜcLean, Brown 3(1), Papapetrou 9 (1 3p., 7 reb.), Spanoulis 17 (2 3p., 4 as.), Strelnieks 8 (2), Τillie 2, Printezis 8 (1 3p., 8 rebounds), Papanikolaou 5 (1), Μantzaris 6 (2 3p., 5 reb., 7 as.), Roberts, Bogris, Wiltjer.
Ζalgiris (Jasikevicius): Davies 20, Pangos 5(1), Τoupane 6, Udrih, Maciulis, Μilaknis 3 (1), Micic 13 (1), White 6, Κavaliauskas 7, Ulanovas.
«Everyone gave their best»
Giannis Sfairopoulos gave credit to all his players and especially those who played despite their injuries… "It was a very important victory for us. After the Wednesday loss, the second game was even harder, but every player gave all they had and were highly motivated. They gave their soul on the floor. We played excellent defense after the first five minutes and controlled the game through that. We stopped Zalgiris at 69 points, from their average of 81. Despite we had been expecting their reaction, that came in the third quarter, we were focused and determined in the fourth quarter, and the way the game went, I think we deserved to win. I would like to congratulate the injured players and self sacrificed to play. They gave their max for the team and this is very important. They deserve all the credit from all of us. It's important that all the players that came in from the bench, no matter how much they got to play, played their role to the fullest. I expect more from everyone, I want them all to be ready and when they show that kind of attitude when playing, it is only certain that they will be playing more. I wish to thank our fans for supporting us the right way, with the power of their voice".
When he was told that Sarunas Jasikevicius had complained about the officiating, he said: "The way Zalgiris has been playing defense, we should have shot 45 free throws and not just 24. Zalgiris plays with their hands and with a lot of pushing away from the ball. I hope that Mr. Jasikevicius commenting on the officiating does not affect things they way it did in the first game. Now the pressure is on Zalgiris, because they need to win both games. We have time to rest. We are only focusing on the next game".
«Olympiacos made big shots»
On his part, Sarunas Jasikevicius, stressed: "Congratulations to Olympiacos. We have been expecting them to react, they are a champion team with a lot of experience. They began aggressively and we had problems coping. We could not play aggressively in the first quarter. The game began with 7-2 fouls and 11-0 free throws, which is worth noting. It deprived our team of its aggressiveness. We were not respected in the first quarter as we ought to be and the officiating was definitely not 50-50. Then we had an uphill battle. Olympiacos was desperate to win. We succeeded in returning to the game, but our opponent scored some difficult baskets. Two big threes and that's the story of the game. It was a good experience for my team having played in such an atmosphere and I hope they understand what they need to do to win. Olympiacos was more aggressive tonight. I'm disappointed from losing 13 rebounds and we need to change that. We need to be fighting more. The way Olympiacos reacted is a teaching experience for us. In every game, my players get a feel of what is happening here. It's not just basketball, it's many things. You need to be focused and disciplined for forty minutes. My players fought, but Olympiacos fought better and there were additional factors. What my players have been experiencing is great for their future, not only long term but short term as well".
«The series is just beginning»
Kostas Papanikolaou stated: "Congratulations to all the guys, the fans that packed the SEF tonight. We need to continue, the series is just beginning. We need to try and get the best we can in Kaunas. The way the situation has been shaped, with Milutinov not being able to play, Giorgos Bogris should be getting the most credit. He came in and gave all he had. Whoever came on the floor, had something to contribute. These are the small things that help you move ahead".
On his part, Giorgos Bogiris, who played despite his ruptured meniscus disc, pointed out: "It was very important for us to win, following our loss two nights ago. We wish to thank the fans for the support. We haven't had a really good season in terms of health issues. Since August 18, that we pre-season began, we have a whole season to be decided in two weeks time. We want to be in Belgrade, that's our goal. We want to go to Lithuania to get the qualification, because we deserve it. The truth is that there is a great atmosphere within the team. Everyone is covering for the gaps, we play for one another and we proved that tonight, because we had been a little off track. Spanoulis also sets the path for us. When there is such a game, you have to play even if you are missing one leg! I have been waiting for this opportunity for a long time. We are all stepping up. I had the mental reserves to help, it couldn't be any other way. I hope I have helped even slightly and we need to continue with the same mentality to the end".