A tough one, but a victory nonetheless
Olympiacos bested Prometheus in Patras 80-77 for the 13th day of the Basket League.
Nikola Milutinov did not play due to a virus infection, while Giorgos Printezis was also rested.
The hosts began the game strong, 'struck' effectively both from the perimeter as well as from within the post and got to lead by +9 (15-6) at 5'. David Blatt shuffled the cards early on (he had used 10 from the 12 available players by 6'), however, despite the initiatives the captain Vassilis Spanoulis took, (23-17, at 10'), Prometheus steadily maintained control (29-19, at 12'). The 'reds' improved their defense later on, made better offensive choices and with Giorgos Bogris doing a good job in the post on both ends of the floor, succeeded in tying the game at first (29-29, at 15') and then to close the first half at +6 (35-41).
Relying on Papanikolaou and LeDay to run the offense, Olympiacos broadened the margin to +10 (45-55, at 28'), however, whatever they succeeded building, they almost brought down in less than a minute! That's how much it took the hosts to reply with a 7-0 partial and close in at 3p. (52-55). Bogris and LeDay restored the order helped create a +14 lead for the 'reds' (63-77 at 37'). However, Prometheus took advantage of the inexcusable slowing down in the effort made by the 'reds', and with Kaselakis leading the counter attack, had a 3 point game (77-80) with 5'' before the final buzzer. With about 3.4'' before the end, the officials called a turnover on Kostas Papanikolaou (stepping on the side line), however, the good defensive game by our team did not give the hosts the chance to send the game to overtime.
The captain is getting ready for a new record!
Vassilis Spanoulis made 3 threes during the game against the team from Patras and is now on the 2nd spot of the list with most threes made in the history of the A1 League (628). Now, V-Span needs 8 more to 'catch' Angelos Koronios at the top and a total of 9 to enjoy the view from the top alone!
The quarters: 23-17, 35-41, 52-57, 77-80.
Prometheus (Giatras): Κatsivelis 8 (2), Μeier, Lypovyy 11 (3), Ellis 17, Brown 7(1), Saloustros, Kaselakis 20(2), Τsairelis 10, Geromichalos, Hall 2, Parks 2.
Οlympiacos (Blatt): Vezenkov 2, Bogris 14 (6 reb, 4 as), Papanikolaou 17 (2 3pm, 6 reb), Strelnieks, Wiliams-Goss 8, Spanoulis 16 (3 3pm, 6 as) Mantzaris, Τoupane 5 (1), LeDay 17 (7 reb).
"An important win"
David Blatt stated: "I think that we can sincerely say good things about both teams in regard to the game. I'm proud the way my players managed such a hard game, it's the 5th game they played in ten days. I would like to congratulate Prometheus for everything they have achieved, for the beautiful basketball they've been playing for the beautiful basketball environment you all saw today. This is good both for Greek basketball and for everyone involved with it. Today's win is very good and important. I'm happy. I really think my players showed character".
When asked to make a mini assessment of the season, given the fact that said game closed the first round of the Greek League, he pointed out: "When you have a team with many new players and many young ones and you finish the first round with a 12-1 record and at the same time you remain very competitive with the Euroleague, then we can say that the first half of the season has been very good. However, this does not guarantee us anything for the future. We need to remain humble and hungry, just like Derrick Sharp used to say, who was one of my best players as well as one of my best assistants. After each victory, he would come to the locker rooms and say "Boys, you need to be hungry and humble". I will never forget that".
Asked on whether he was satisfied by the players that were summoned to cover for Milutinov and Printezis, he replied: "You want to see players in your team that don't expect to be given anything. Players that grab the opportunities thrown at them and do something with them. He's not the only one, but I will be using him as an example… What Giorgos Bogris has done in the last few games with the significant minutes he has been given, shows how professional he is and is a testament to his personality and character. To tell you the truth, I'm in the business for too many years now as you know, and God willing I'll be here for quite a few more, but where ever I'm going, I'll be taking this player with me. That's why Olympiacos got him before I came here. Because they understood as much. That's what the team wants. Character first and everything else follows… I would also like to say that Prometheus has a lot of guys who are like that. I'm a fan of this team since last season when I came here with Darussafaka for scrimmages. I'm not surprised by what's been happening here".